The right to health and international drug control, compulsory treatment for drug dependence and access to controlled medicines 2010, para. 64
Paragraph
Paragraph text
Moreover, in 2001, Portugal decriminalized purchase, possession and usage of all illicit drugs for personal use, instead characterizing them as administrative offences. That law allows for imposition of pecuniary or non-pecuniary penalties, and there is a provision for sanctions to be suspended, should the offender undertake treatment. In contrast to the International Narcotics Control Board's reaction to Argentina and Mexico, decriminalization to this extent has been deemed consistent with the 1988 Convention. Decriminalization generally was perceived as the best option for minimizing drug-related problems in Portugal, largely through de stigmatizing drug use and bringing a higher proportion of drug users into treatment, rather than a communication to the public that drug use was condoned.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Body
Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Means of adoption
N.A.
Topic(s)
Governance & Rule of Law
Health
Person(s) affected
All
Year
2010
Paragraph type
Other
Reference
SR Health, Report to the UNGA (2010), A/65/255, para. 64.