Mexico Legislators Consider Regulating Marijuana to Protect Human Rights Zara Snapp - Animal Politico
go to original July 15, 2014

In Mexico, since 2006 a public security strategy has been implemented based on militarization, which has prioritized the use of force - including lethal force - based on the presumption of national security above principles of the safety of citizens. Involvement of armed forces as the central axis for Mexico’s security strategy has sparked serious concerns, particularly pertaining to obligations regarding human rights. The so-called “war on drug trafficking” has taken a toll of at least 100,000 people killed and more than 25,000 missing, according to official figures, cases of torture have increased 500%, as well as the displacement of 250,000 others.

Prohibitive and repressive drug policies haven’t produced the expected results, according to the United Nations, and to the contrary have had damaging effects that infringe upon the human rights of millions of people, and even risk the essence of the rule of law. Facing a situation that worsens by the day, with rising costs in human life as well as social costs, it has become crucial that the current strategy of the “war on drugs” used over the last fifty years throughout the region be changed, and that another paradigm be propelled, centered around a focus on health and respect for human rights. This change has been promoted by human rights organizations, doctors, ex-presidents, prime ministers, and high-ranking officials globally as well as in Mexico.

Confronting drug consumption through militarization, law enforcement, and the use of force hasn’t shown results, and it’s equally necessary to implement education and health policies based on prevention and scientific information. It’s crucial to recognize that the negative impact we’ve experienced hasn’t been caused by drug consumption, but rather by the punitive approach, the lack of access to health services, and the militarization that has been implemented. Anti-drug policies shouldn’t cause more harm than the use of these substances.

Taking this into account, from a human rights perspective the reform of drug policy is pressing in order to fight the root of militarization. The justification for militarizing the country would be turned on its head if the market were regulated and controlled by the government. In stead of the efforts put forth to confront drug trafficking head-on, our government could focus on higher-impact crimes such as kidnapping, extortion, and homicide. For this reason, it is important to support the proposals currently being discussed in the legislative bodies in Mexico.

Read the rest at Mexico Voices

Translated by Caroline Hennessey

Mexico Voices is a blogging endeavor aimed at raising the awareness of U.S. citizens regarding the destructive impact of the U.S. economic policy and the War on Drugs on Mexico — on its people, their economic and physical security and their human rights, on the nation’s dysfunctional justice system, and on the rule of law and Mexico’s fragile democracy. Visit the website at MexicoVoices.blogspot.mx.

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