Should the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. pursue the campaign against illegal drugs?
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) fully agrees. But it stressed “the need to address the illegal drugs problem beyond being a mere issue of criminality, but as a health and social issue requiring a human rights-based approach."
In a statement, CHR Executive Director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said the CHR believes that the government's efforts should focus more on prevention, education on the ill effects of drugs, as well as treatment and rehabilitation.
The CHR lauded President Marcos’ pronouncements that his administration will work within the framework of the law and with respect for human rights on the issue involving illegal drugs.
De Guia said: "The CHR continues to hold on to these commitments so that we can progressively work on improving the human rights situation in the country. With the pronouncements of the President, we look forward to a drug campaign that puts respect for human rights as its prime consideration."
She said the CHR will also continue to advocate for the implementation of voluntary community-based drug treatment and harm reduction interventions instead of making drug users undergo compulsory detention.
She poinred out the joint statements of the United Nations (UN) in March 2012 and June 2020, including a study by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the UN Program on HIV/AIDS in East and Southeast Asia, which recommended the closure of compulsory drug facilities and shift to voluntary community-based treatment and services for people who use drugs.