World Leaders Condemn Failed Drug War, Call For Global Reform

A coalition of former international leaders gathered in New York City on Tuesday to discuss the release of their new report calling for a complete overhaul of drug policies around the world, including legalization of psychoactive substances like marijuana. In a discussion moderated by The Huffington Post’s Washington bureau chief, Ryan Grim, 10 members of the Global Commission on Drug Policy urged all governments to embrace models that include decriminalization of consumption, legal regulation of drug markets and strategic refocusing of criminal enforcement. Sound policy, former Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso said, “does not allow human rights to be put aside in order to extend the repression of drugs.” The commission consists of 21 former presidents and other prominent individuals who are trying to advance “humane and effective ways to reduce the harm caused by drugs to people and societies.” Its members include Cardoso; former Swiss President Ruth Dreifuss; former Colombian President César Gaviria; former Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo; Louise Arbour, former United Nations high commissioner for human rights; and Virgin Group founder Richard Branson. Cardoso said that a new approach to drugs should stress “the importance of public health” and ensure that drug users have access to the health care system. Legalizing marijuana and other illicit substances “strengthens the fight against cartels,” Gaviria argued. Read full article at Huffingtonpost