Event: Strengthening the role of the UN human rights system in drug policies: The case of arbitrary detention

Alongside the 47th session of the UN Human Rights Council, this side event presented the important new study on arbitrary detention and drug policies by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, and discussed its implementation and how to strengthen the role of the UN human rights system in drug policies.

Speakers:

• H.E. Felix Bauxman, Ambassador, Switzerland (opening remarks)
• Elina Steinerte, Chair-Rapporteur, UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
• Yatie Jonet, Advocate for Women who Use Drugs, Malaysia
• Anthony O. Ojukwu Esq, Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, Nigeria
• Ambika Satkunanathan, Fellow, Open Society Foundations
• Claudia Cardona, Corporación Humanas & Mujeres Libres Colombia
• Moderated by Ann Fordham, Executive Director, International Drug Policy Consortium

This parallel event was co-sponsored by the missions of Albania, France, Greece, Paraguay, Portugal, Switzerland, and Uruguay, as well as by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Centre for Legal and Social Studies, the International Drug Policy Consortium, the International Network of People who Use Drugs, Harm Reduction International, Penal Reform International, and University of Essex (International Centre for Human Rights and Drug Policy).