During the 34th session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), the Global Commission on Drug Policy presented its thirteenth thematic report, “Beyond Punishment: From Criminal Justice Responses to Drug Policy Reform”.

This thematic report examines the broad spectrum of criminal justice responses to drug offenses, ranging from stop-and-search practices that disproportionately target marginalized communities to extreme measures like the death penalty and compulsory treatment. These measures often violate human rights, drive mass incarceration, perpetuate stigma, and fail to address the root causes of substance use.

Offering a roadmap for reform, the report advocates for evidence-based strategies, including harm reduction interventions, decriminalization of drug use and possession for personal use, and the legal regulation of drug markets. These approaches not only save lives but also reduce societal harms, foster dignity, and promote health and equity.

This report relates directly to the mandates discussed during the CCPCJ, as drug-related offenses continue to fuel a considerable amount of contacts with the criminal justice system in a number of countries, while drug policy reforms could impact the work of the criminal justice sector considerably.

Panelists (in order of appearance):
-Raphael Nägeli, Ambassador, Permanent Representation of Switzerland to the OSCE, United Nations and other International Organisations in Vienna
-Commissioner Geoff Gallop, Global Commission on Drug Policy
-Fariba Soltani, Chief, HIV/AIDS Section and Global AIDS Coordinator, UNODC
-Graham Alabaster, Head, Geneva Office, UN-Habitat
-Olivia Rope, Executive Director, Penal Reform International (PRI)
-Laura Gil, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations in Vienna