Get Active Subscribe Support Us

SPECIAL SESSION OF U.N.  ADDRESSES DRUG POLICY

UNITED NATIONS - The first U.N.  special session to address global drug policy in nearly 20 years bristled with tension Tuesday over the use of the death penalty for drug-related offenses, as countries wrestled over whether to emphasize criminalization and punishment or health and human rights.

The outcome document adopted by member states included no criticism of the death penalty, saying only that countries should ensure that punishments are "proportionate" with the crimes.

"Disproportional penalties create vicious cycles of marginalization and further crime," Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto told the gathering.  He also called for the decriminalization of marijuana for medical and scientific purposes and said the international community's responses to drug issues are "frankly, insufficient."

He said Mexico in the coming days would announce specific drug policies with an emphasis on health and human rights.

Indonesia, which last year executed 14 people, mostly foreigners, convicted of drug-related crimes amid an international outcry, defended its stance Tuesday, saying the death penalty is not prohibited under international law.

China, which along with countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iran carries out executions for drug offenses, signaled little flexibility on its approach.

"Any form of legalization of narcotics should be resolutely opposed," Public Security Minister Guo Shengkun told the gathering.

Tribune Newspapers and news services