UP Institute of Human Rights co-hosts forum on Drug Policy; UN Special Rapporteur Dr. Agnes Callamard delivers keynote speech

The UP Institute of Human Rights, in cooperation with Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) Anti-Death Penalty Task Force, held a two-day conference on “Drug Issues: Different Perspectives,” aimed at opening a meaningful discussion on changing the current drug policy in the country. The event was held from May 5-6, 2017, at the GT-Toyota Asian Center Auditorium, University of the Philippines, Diliman.

Among its speakers was the United Nations Special Rapporteur Dr. Agnes Callamard, whose lecture focused on the escalated or “compound problems” that arise from waging a war on drugs, while restating the stance of the UN members’ joint commitment last year in countering the world drug problem, reframing it as a “health problem.”

The conference also featured lectures from Dangerous Drugs Board chair Benjamin Reyes, Columbia University neuropsychopharmacologist Dr. Carl Hart, and London School of Economics International Drug Policy Program director Dr. John Collins, among others.

Full-length articles on the forum may be accessed through these links:
Lawyers group: ‘Palace blocking discussion on drug policies’ (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
“‘War on drugs does not work’—UN expert” (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Callamard: War on drugs doesn’t work in any country” (Philippine Daily Inquirer)