In a move that serves to highlight how the failure of the ‘war on drugs’ has been so widely recognised, Anand Grover in his roles as the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health has made a number of recommendations with regard to how the war on drugs negatively affects human rights.

Amongst other recommendations he has called for:

A similar regulatory model for illicit drugs as currently exists for tobacco.

The decriminalisation and de-penalisation of drug users

That opioid substitution therapy is made available to all who need it especially those in prison.

His recommendations will be made in a report that will be presented on the 25/26 October.

Anand Grover is a practising lawyer from Bomaby. He has long been involved in protecting the human rights particularly those who have been affected by HIV/AIDS. In the Indian courts he has defended the rights of the homeless, sex workers and the victims of the Bhopal gas disaster.

A United Nations Special Rapporteur is selected because "of high moral character and recognized competence in the field of human rights," something Mr Grover has clearly demonstrated throughout his life.