Global Commission Calls for Youth-Centric Reforms in Drug Policy

A recent report from the Global Commission on Drug Policy has emphasized the urgent need for countries to rethink their drug policies, particularly as they affect children and young people. The policy brief, titled "Making Children and Young People Visible in Drug Policy: A Child Rights-based Agenda for Reform," was unveiled on September 9 and highlights how punitive drug laws disproportionately harm the very youth they are meant to protect.

Juan Manuel Santos, a commissioner and former president of Colombia, stressed the importance of evaluating the outcomes of drug policies rather than relying on historical justifications. He noted, "Protecting children must be one of the fundamental responsibilities of government… evidence increasingly shows a much more complicated and troubling picture" regarding the effectiveness of punitive measures.

Urgent Areas for Reform

The report identifies four critical areas needing immediate reform. First, it calls for an end to the arrest and prosecution of minors under current drug laws, advocating for investment in diversion and restorative justice programs instead. Second, it emphasizes the need for equitable access to essential medicines, highlighting that many young people suffer unnecessarily due to lack of availability.

Thirdly, the brief advocates for accessible, evidence-based health services tailored for youth, as many are deterred by stigma and fear of criminal repercussions. Finally, it urges that young individuals exploited within illicit drug markets be treated as victims rather than offenders.

Challenges in Implementation

Charity Monareng, executive director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy International, pointed out the alarming lack of youth-friendly rehabilitation services in South Africa. She noted that while young people can access contraceptives without parental consent per the Children’s Act, similar provisions for drug-related health services are sorely lacking.

Monareng further highlighted the issue of criminalization in schools, where students accused of drug-related offenses face immediate suspension. She argued that this approach criminalizes youth in environments that should be safe and protective, forcing them into early encounters with law enforcement instead of providing necessary support.

Source: www.dailymaverick.co.za