ICESCR concluding observations 2025, paragraph 55
Plain English recommendation
Government should review its laws and adopt a human rights approach to drug use. It should:
(a) Raise awareness about serious health risks to prevent drug abuse, particularly among young people;
(b) Ensure people can be treated for drug use disorder and that healthcare, psychological support, rehabilitation and harm reduction are available for them. Government should consider rehabilitation instead of punishment for drug use.
Original UN recommendation
The Committee recommends that the State Party, along with the devolved governments of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, review its legislative framework to adopt a human rights-based approach to drug use, including by:
(a) Conducting preventive awareness-raising on the serious health risks associated with drug abuse, particularly among young people;
(b) Ensuring the treatment of drug use disorder and the provision of healthcare services, psychological support, rehabilitation services and harm reduction programmes for persons who use drugs and considering the adoption of alternatives to the punitive approach and criminal penalties for drug use.
Date of UN examination
12/03/2025
Original UN document
Download the original ICESCR concluding observations 2025 on the UN website.
Last updated on 21/08/2025