Drug use is a phenomenon that occurs in varying degrees around the world, and the number of people who use drugs (PWUD) has risen in recent years. In response, states have begun to foster community immunity to mitigate the violations faced by PWUD. This group has been afforded special treatment to promote behavioral development through rehabilitation and social integration, serving as an alternative to persecution and punishment. Relying on the justice system to deter drug use is a complex and costly endeavor for the judiciary, often resulting in overcrowded prisons and exacerbating social challenges and stigma against PWUD.

This report outlines the key problems and challenges faced by PWUD, the legal framework governing them, and the current state of affairs, highlighting the efforts made to protect PWUD and introduce alternatives to punishment, as health is a fundamental human right that must be upheld.

MENAHRA would like to thank M. the Lawyer Mohamad Mazen Al Nasser for his valuable contribution to this study.

Author: This study was conducted by M. the Lawyer Mohamad Mazen Al Nasser.