This report contains a section on the rights of prisoners and detainees. It notes that '35 percent of prisoners in Azerbaijan are incarcerated on drug-related crimes', yet a comprehensive drug treatment program has not been implemented. The Special Rapporteur expresses concern that 'all drug dependence treatment in prisons appears to be carried out on a compulsory basis', in addition to compulsory drug testing of prisoners, and that a court may order compulsory drug treatment in addition to (rather than as an alternative to) imprisonment.
The report recommends that Azerbaijan ensure informed consent of all prisoners before any test or treatment for drug dependence, as well as provide harm reduction-services (like syringe exchange and opioid replacement therapy) in prisons.
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 Azerbaijan' (2013) A/HRC/23/41/Add.1