NewsScotland: first of its kind charter for people affected by substance use

Scotland: first of its kind charter for people affected by substance use

Legislation: Charter of rights for people affected by substance use 2024, National Collaborative

What are the main points?

> The charter aims to improve the experience of anyone affected by substance abuse in need of support. It’s been recognised as the first of its kind in the world by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

> The charter will ensure people know their rights and the support they can receive, and that those who use drugs and alcohol, and their families are treated with dignity.

> The key human rights in the charter are mostly drawn from national and international law. The most important highlighted by the Scottish Government is the right to the ‘highest attainable standard of physical and mental health’.

> The National Collaborative – a network of people with lived experience and service providers – developed the charter, and it was chaired by a human rights expert.

EXPERT THOUGHT

Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said: ‘Criminalisation and prohibition have failed to reduce drug use and deter drug-related crimes. We need new approaches prioritising health, dignity and inclusion, guided by the International Guidelines on Human Rights and Drug Policy.’

Image | Shutterstock

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