Global Commission calls for drug policy reform for young people
In South Africa, the Global Commission on Drug Policy presented a policy brief with recommendations on protecting the rights, health and future of children and young people affected by drug laws and their enforcement. The document calls on governments to abandon punitive approaches and develop health and social support, Daily Maverick reports.
The brief, Making Children and Young People Visible in Drug Policy: A Child Rights-based Agenda for Reform, was prepared with the participation of around 150 people from 47 countries, including South Africa. It defines children as people under the age of 18 and young people as those aged 10 to 24. The authors note that these groups are significantly affected by drug laws regardless of whether they use drugs.
Reform priorities
The Commission called for an end to the arrest, detention and criminal prosecution of children and young people under punitive drug policies. Instead, governments are recommended to use alternatives to prosecution, restorative justice and community-level support.
Other priorities include equal access for children and young people to necessary controlled medicines for palliative care, pain relief and treatment of other conditions. The Commission also recommended ensuring accessible, evidence-based health services tailored to children and young people. According to the brief's authors, age restrictions, stigma, moral judgment and barriers to seeking confidential help may hinder timely support.
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It is also proposed that children and young people recruited or exploited in the illegal drug economy should primarily be regarded as victims rather than offenders. Former Colombian President and Commission member Juan Manuel Santos said drug policy should be assessed by its outcomes rather than rhetoric about protecting children.
Access to services in South Africa
Charity Monareng, executive director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy International, said that rehabilitation and health services for adults who use drugs are limited in South Africa, while youth-tailored services are virtually nonexistent. According to her, the criminalization of substance use increases fear of seeking help because of possible contact with police and stigmatization.
Monareng also drew attention to the situation in schools. She believes that responses to cases of drug use or drug dealing among students should not be limited to police measures, but should include social support and take into account traumatic experiences and the conditions in which young people grow up. The Commission recommended involving children and young people in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs affecting them.
