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. ... TheGlobal Commission on Drug Policyoffers 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
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.
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.
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.
