The World Drug PERCEPTION Problem: Countering Prejudices about People Who Use Drugs

This new report focuses on how current perceptions of drugs and people that use them has led to an unrealistic and stigmatising, rather than pragmatic and evidence-based approach to drug policy.

The report aims to analyse the most common perceptions and fears, contrast them with available evidence and provides recommendations on changes that must be enacted to support reforms toward more effective drug policy. 

The report was launched on Tuesday 9 January at a public event at Chatham House, London, and presented by Commissioners from around the globe:

• Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
• Sir Nick Clegg, former UK Deputy Prime Minister, UK
• Ruth Dreifuss, former President of Switzerland and Chair of the Global Commission
• Asma Jahangir, former UN Special Rapporteur on Arbitrary, Extrajudicial and Summary Executions, Pakistan
• Michel Kazatchkine, former Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, France
• Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria