The West Africa Commission on Drugs (WACD) advocates for drug policy reform, focusing on health-centred approaches and evidence-based practices to combat drug issues in West Africa.
The Challenge
“Drugs have destroyed many lives, but wrong government policies have destroyed many more.”
Kofi Annan
About the Commission
Convened by Kofi Annan, the West Africa Commission on Drugs includes prominent West African figures from various sectors advocating for drug policy reform. It promotes a health-centred approach, providing comprehensive policy recommendations and engaging in advocacy to influence regional and international policies.
We have concluded that drug use must be regarded primarily as a
public health problem. Drug users need help, not punishment.
Recommendations
West Africa Commission on Drugs
Adopt a Public Health Framework
The commission advocates for treating drug use primarily as a public health issue rather than a criminal justice matter, emphasizing the socio-economic causes and consequences of drug use.
Recommends the decriminalisation of drug use and low-level non-violent drug offences to alleviate the pressure on judicial systems and reduce the social stigma associated with drug use.
Decriminalise Non-Violent Drug Offences
Strengthen Governance and Law Enforcement
Calls for improved law enforcement focusing on high-level trafficking targets and confronting corruption within political and security systems to prevent traffickers from exploiting institutional weaknesses.
The commission urges a balance between security efforts and public health services, including investments in harm reduction and treatment services to address the drug problem comprehensively.
Balanced Support and Investment
The Commission recommends addressing the drug crisis by treating drug use as a public health issue
and alleviating the strain on criminal justice systems through decriminalisation of non-violent drug offences.
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