Decriminalising Drug Policy through the International Human Rights Dimension: Progress or Regression?

The authors examine the process of decriminalization of drug policy through the international human rights dimension. The aim of the study is to analyse the impact of international human rights initiatives on the established international legal regime against drug trafficking, as enshrined in the three main UN conventions. The authors note the high degree of state participation in these conventions and emphasise that the main objective of the three conventions is fully consistent with the international human rights dimension, as it also aims to strengthen the ‘foundations of society’. The article highlights the ‘demands’ of the proponents of decriminalization, who advocate the legalization of a number of narcotic substances under the pretext of protecting human rights, because they believe that today there has been a failure of the international regime against drug trafficking. According to the authors, there are many factors contributing to the growing number of drug addicts, including a divergence in the approaches of States on key aspects of effectively combating illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. As a result of the study, the authors conclude that strict control should be maintained, as the existing international legal regime not only does not contradict human rights standards, but also aims at their implementation, ensuring the protection of the health and well-being of society.