The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) joins the international community in commemorating the ‘International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025’ by raising awareness of the grave threats posed by drug abuse and illicit trafficking to public health, social cohesion, and human rights. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Member States in formulating and implementing national strategies that draw on Islamic traditions, universal principles and human rights norms to address the multifaceted threat posed by the drug abuse. This occasion also serve as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect individuals, families, and communities from the scourge of drug abuse. Through faith, education and cooperation, societies can develop effective safeguards against devastating impacts of drug abuse and trafficking.
The Commission expresses deep concern over the reported 20% surge in global drug abuse over the past decade, reaching 292 million users worldwide in 20221. Despite this alarming rise, only one in eleven people suffering from drug use disorders receives treatment, with a stark disparity between sexes where only one in eighteen women have access to treatment compared to one in seven men. Further, the Commission stressed that drug abuse and trafficking are not only challenges of criminal nature but also serious violations of human dignity and well-being. It fuels violence, destabilize communities, exploit the vulnerable, especially youth and women and erode the very fabric of societies. It also exacerbates poverty, increase health risks and undermine the right to life, health, and security, as recognized in international human rights law. In addressing these serious challenges, the Commission emphasizes the need for holistic, rights-based, scientific and culturally grounded approaches
which include equitable access to prevention, treatment, education, rehabilitation, community resilience, effective law enforcement measures and international cooperation to address the growing global drug challenge.
The Commission underlines the comprehensive moral, legal, and spiritual framework enshrined in Islamic jurisprudence, principles, traditions and teachings. The framework is rooted in the preservation of human dignity, health, and societal well-being to counter drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Islam strictly prohibits the use and distribution of intoxicants, considering them harmful to the mind, body, and society. In Islamic legal tradition, drug trafficking is considered as a severe crime due to its destructive impact on individuals and communities. Islamic principles promote personal responsibility, moral discipline, family support structures, and community solidarity, all of which are essential in preventing addiction and addressing its root causes. Islamic principles promote a holistic approach to combat drug abuse by combining strict prohibition, moral education, social responsibility, and rehabilitative justice over stigmatization for those who have fallen into addiction. These values align with international efforts to address drug abuse not only as a criminal issue but as a public health and human rights concern.
The Commission takes note of the three major international drug control treaties3, the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 (as amended in 1972), the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971, and the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988 and Report of the Expert Working Group on United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) as model legislations for OIC Member States4. The Commission urges the need to review these treaties and legislations to emphaize focus on rights-based measures including public health education, the provision of mental hygiene treatment, care and support, rehabilitation and transition/reintegration programmes. The Commission highlighted that Article 18 of the revised Cairo Declaration of the OIC on Human Rights5 has emphasized on the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health which inlcude avoiding harmful substances. The outcome document of the Commission’s thematic debate on ‘Right to Health: An Islamic and Human Rights Perspective’ also prescribed the role of State
and society in preventing drug abuse.
The Commission urges the OIC Member States, as well as the broader international community, to (a) review drug-related normative framewroks, legislation, strategies and national action plans to promote policies that are firmly anchored in universal human rights principles; (b) strengthen public awareness and educational campaigns involving communities, religious institutions and youth platforms to build moral resilience and prevent substance abuse; (c) invest in evidence-based health and prevention strategies, rehabilitation and reintegration programs that are consistent with human rights standards, including right to health framework and inspired by Islamic values of compassion, dignity, and repentance; (d) enhance regional and international cooperation to combat drug trafficking networks while addressing the socio-economic vulnerabilities that fuel drug demand and supply; (e) establish legal training and research centers in collaboration with academia, judicial organs and law enforcement authorities to develop legal database and encourage publication of research as well as implementation tools and best practice manuals; (f) support community-based prevention initiatives rooted in the ethical and spiritual values of Islam, which promote healthy lifestyles, family cohesion, and collective responsibility.