Dependent on Rights: Assessing Treatment of Drug Dependence from a Human Rights Perspective

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Dependent on Rights Assessing Treatment of Drug
Dependence from a Human Rights Perspective

• XVII International AIDS Conference
• Mexico City, MexicoWednesday 6 August 2008
  Richard PearshouseDirector of Research Policy

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Drug dependence treatment

• the highest attainable standard of physical and
  mental health
• - Important element of controlling epidemic
  illnesses
• - Health service for those who are ill
• - Treatment for parent and pregnant women
  contributes to the improved health of children

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Rights unrealised

• - Pervasive stigma and legal barriers
• - Proven treatments are unavailable, e.g. OST
• - Available only to the wealthy
• - Managed to the criminal justice system
• - Some forms of treatment themselves
  constitute egregious human rights abuses, e.g.
  torture

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Treatment consistent with human rights

• Timely
• Ethical guidelines
• Affordability
• Confidentiality of medical records
• Health authorities over criminal law authorities
• No discrimination in services
• Monitoring and complaints mechanism
• Meaningful involvement of people who use drugs

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