The report notes that all people, including indigenous people, detainees, and prisoners, are entitled to preventive, curative, and palliative health services. Indigenous peoples have a right to health care that takes into account traditional practices and medicines.
The document discusses healthcare in prisons, including the over-representation of indigenous peoples in prison and that prisoners have higher rates of mental illness and substances use than the general population. It notes that ‘time spent in detention should be better utilized to effect long-term behavioural change in relation to health’.
The only recommendation related to drugs is to undertake research and ensure evidence-based treatment during incarceration, with particular attention to mental illness and substance abuse.
Citation: Anand Grover, 'Report of the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health: Mission to Australia' (2010) A/HRC/14/20/Add.4