Human Rights Council ‒ 56th session
Item 3 - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to physical and mental health.
Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic Countries
24 June 2024
Mr. President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for her comprehensive report on the right to health and the intersection between drug policies, human rights and public health. Her in-depth analysis of drug laws and policies and the related outcomes that adversely impact the enjoyment of the right to health are an important contribution to the growing discourse on harm reduction.
Drug use remains a significant public health concern, that pose a threat to the health and wellbeing of diverse populations globally.
Its stigmatization exacerbates inequalities, hinders access to essential health services and serves to perpetuate cycles of discrimination and negative coping mechanisms that disproportionately affects persons in vulnerable situations. We note with concern that criminalization of HIV transmission hinders appropriate and evidence-based health services.
The prevalence of drug use and its negative implications underscore the need for enhanced collective efforts for the development of evidence-based, comprehensive and gender-responsive drug policies informed by disaggregated data.
These policies must take a human rights-based approach, ensuring inclusion and equitable access to health and social services for all persons in line with the AAAQ Framework.
Madame Special Rapporteur,
In your view, what are the key obstacles to a human rights-based approach to drug policies?
I thank you.