The right to health and international drug control, compulsory treatment for drug dependence and access to controlled medicines 2010, para. 36
Paragraph
Paragraph text
Such disciplinary treatments more often than not substitute for evidence-based methods. As a result, many people dependent on heroin and other opioids suffer through unmedicated withdrawal, instead of receiving pharmacologically supported withdrawal or OST. Classifying methadone and buprenorphine as illegal creates an extra barrier to accessing such drug-dependence treatments. Imposition of compulsory treatment, at the expense of OST and other harm-reduction interventions, also increases the risk of disease transmission, particularly HIV/AIDS.
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)
Health
Year
2010
Paragraph type
Other
Reference
SR Health, Report to the UNGA (2010), A/65/255, para. 36.