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A Bold Departure Emerges Out of the Failed 'War on Drugs' (Folha, Brazil)

"The recent shift in public opinion represents a challenge not only for U.S. federal law, but for U.N. conventions and the global strategy on drugs. ... The Global Commission on Drug Policy offers two main recommendations. The first is to replace the criminalization of drug use with a public health approach. The second is to hold trials for legally regulating the use of illicit drugs to reduce the influence of organized crime. By encouraging a genuine global conversation about drug policy reform, we are breaking a taboo that has existed for more than a century."

By Fernando Henrique Cardoso, former president of Brazil, César Gaviria, former president of Colombia, Ricardo Lagos, former president of Chile, Ernesto Zedillo, former president of Mexico, George P. Shultz, former U.S. secretary of state, Paul Volcker, former president of the U.S. Federal Reserve, and Louise Arbour, former U.N. high commissioner for human rights, all of whom are members of the Global Commission on Drug Policy

Translated By Gemma Bouchereau

May 29, 2013

Brazil - Folha - Original Article (Portuguese)

Graphic from a report by the The Global Commission on Drug Policy: Is it time to end drug prohibition once and for all? THE HUNGARIAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION: Drugs - It's about health, not policing, with entreprenuer George Soros and former Secretary of State George Shultz, Dec. 3, 2012, 01:42:39

After more than four decades embroiled in a failed war on drugs, calls for a profound change in strategy are rising by the day. In Latin America, the debate is in high gear. Heads of state for Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico and Uruguay have taken the lead on the issue in a bid to transform their own national drugs policies. In doing so, they have unleashed the force of change in both Latin America and across the globe.

The debate has now arrived in the United States. For the first time, a majority of U.S. citizens support the regulation of marijuana for adult use. Nowhere is this more evident than in Washington and Colorado, which have followed suit by passing local laws.

The shift in public opinion represents a challenge not only for U.S. federal law, but for U.N. conventions and the global strategy on drugs.

Since 2011, the Global Commission on Drug Policy, which emerged from the paradigm shift presented by the Latin American Initiative on Drugs and Democracy, has insisted on maintaining this strategy. More than 20 global leaders have come together to detail the disastrous consequences of repressive drug policies.

Our report, The War on Drugs, offers two main recommendations. The first is to replace the criminalization of drug use with a public health approach. The second is to hold trials for legally regulating the use of illicit drugs to reduce the influence of organized crime. By encouraging a genuine global conversation about drug policy reform, we are breaking a taboo that has existed for more than a century.

Last week, an unexpected voice joined the debate. The secretary general of the Organization of American States, José Miguel Insulza, presented Colombia President Juan Manuel Santos with a response to the demands of American heads of state.

The OAS study describes four possible scenarios and reflects an emerging consensus in Latin America. Thankfully, none of the scenarios insist on maintaining the status quo. A majority of experts support one of the first three scenarios: substituting repression with an approach beneficial to citizen security; experimenting with different ways of regulating illegal drugs; and strengthening the resilience of communities. Obviously, all are in agreement that the fourth scenario - the creation of narco states - should be avoided at all costs.

Posted By Worldmeets.US

In practice, this report is the first to discuss drug policy reforms proposed by a multilateral organization. It highlights ideas that are not exclusive, but complimentary. It begins with the realistic assumption that the demand for psychoactive substances will continue to exist, and that only a minority of users will become dependent.

In fact, several countries are already decriminalising drug use, testing marijuana regulation and implementing damage reduction programs, including the provision of drugs like heroin for medicinal use. These policies have demonstrated positive and measurable results, and not increased drug consumption.

It is time to allow governments around the world to responsibly develop models appropriate to local needs. We welcome the leadership shown by President Santos and the OAS secretary general. However, this report is just the beginning. Intercontinental authorities should consider the proposed scenarios and assess how national policies can be improved. In doing so, they will break the vicious cycle of violence, corruption, and overcrowded prisons, and could then focus on prioritising the health and security of people.

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Posted By Worldmeets.US May 29, 2013, 8:59pm