German drug commissioner proposes putting people, public health first in drug policy

German's drug commissioner said here on Wednesday that drug policy must put people and public health first, as law enforcement alone can't resolve the problem.

Speaking at the General Debate of the Special Session of the UN General Assembly on the world drug problem, Marlene Mortler highlighted the intricate links between illicit drug use and other social scourges.

"Millions of people around the world are suffering from poverty, crime and violence. While drugs are not the only reason to blame for their plight, they do have an appalling part," she said.

Although "we need effective law enforcement to control drug trafficking, money laundering and corruption," she pointed out that "law enforcement alone will never be able to resolve the drugs issue. Instead, drug policy must put people and public health first!"

"Dependency is no moral failing. It is a disease, a disease that can be treated with good outcomes. And, what is more, in line with human rights," she added.

Moreover, she noted that the drug policy needs another cornerstone: an effective policy for alternative development strategies.

"People whose existence and livelihood depends on growing drug crops, need real, actual alternatives. They need financial support, they need help to help themselves," she said.

The session, which runs from Tuesday to Thursday, includes a plenary meeting and five separate multi-stakeholder roundtable sessions.

Discussions cover topics like drugs and health, drugs and crime, prevention of drug problems, as well as development-oriented, balanced drug control policy and cooperation.

At the session on Tuesday, the UN General Assembly adopted an outcome document to tackle the emerging challenges in fight against illicit drug use. Endit