Abstract
This article proposes a new Article 31 to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “Everyone has the right to use psychotropic substances of one’s own choice”. To declare the freedom to use drugs a new human right is not self-evident from the point of view of liberal thinking, which provides space for individual freedom as well as for established custom and tradition. Moreover classical liberalism is biased against behavior that is felt to be “excessive”. Nevertheless the new human right would be timely. Human rights concern forms of behaviour which we regard as positive and enriching for our lives to such a degree, that we experience it as a violation of our personal dignity when we are forced to give them up. Drug use belongs in that category. Instead of being included in the category of murder and rape, drugs should be appreciated as a cultural asset, similar to religion and art. Despite the possibility of abuse, drugs provide its users with access to a unique inner field of experience, that would remain closed for ever without them. Standard objections such as the risks of addiction, and the alleged “unreality” of the drug experience are not conclusive.
Citation: Ree, Erik van, ‘Drugs as a human right’ (International Journal of Drug Policy, vol 10, Issue 2, pages 89-98) 1999
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