The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has warned security agencies, rehabilitation centres and other institutions against violating the fundamental rights of persons affected by drug dependence, declaring that drug use does not deprive anyone of their dignity, access to healthcare or protection under the law.
The Commission said Nigeria must move beyond treating drug dependence solely as a law-enforcement challenge and adopt a health-centred, evidence-based and human rights-driven approach to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and recovery.
Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu, stated this in Abuja at a two-day workshop organised in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Education as a Vaccine (EVA).
Ojukwu, who was represented by the Commission’s Director of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Isioma Nwosa, said persons affected by drug dependence remained entitled to all fundamental rights guaranteed under Nigerian law and international human rights instruments.
“Persons affected by drug dependence do not lose their fundamental human rights. They must continue to enjoy their rights to dignity, health, privacy, equality, humane treatment and due process,” he said.
The declaration comes amid growing concerns over the treatment of persons who use drugs in detention facilities and rehabilitation centres, including allegations of denial of healthcare, stigmatisation and other human rights violations.
Ojukwu disclosed that the Commission had received complaints relating to denial of treatment, stigma, breaches of confidentiality, lack of informed consent and poor conditions in some rehabilitation centres.
He added that concerns had also been raised over the treatment of people who use drugs while in detention.
The NHRC Executive Secretary stressed that although the Commission does not formulate Nigeria’s drug policy, it has a clear mandate to ensure that government policies, institutions and enforcement practices comply with the country’s human rights obligations.
He therefore called for stronger integration of human rights safeguards into drug prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and complaints-handling mechanisms.
The workshop, held at the United Nations House in Abuja from August 31 to September 1, was themed: “Drug Dependence as a Public Health and Human Rights Issue: Integrating Harm Reduction and Human Rights-Based Approaches to Drug Dependence Treatment, Care and Complaints Handling.”
It was designed to equip NHRC officials with the knowledge and tools required to investigate and respond effectively to complaints involving drug use, treatment and rehabilitation.
The UNODC Country Representative, Mr Cheikh Toure, supported the Commission’s position, saying the complex nature of drug dependence requires coordinated action by government agencies, health institutions, human rights bodies, civil society organisations and communities.
Toure, represented by UNODC’s Drug Demand Reduction Focal Point, Dr Akanidomo Ibanga, said drug use and dependence raise fundamental concerns relating to human dignity, access to healthcare, non-discrimination and the protection of vulnerable populations.
“Drug use and dependence raise fundamental issues relating to human dignity, access to healthcare, non-discrimination and the protection of vulnerable populations,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to strike an appropriate balance between public health, public safety and human rights, warning that responses focused exclusively on punishment or enforcement could overlook the health and social dimensions of drug dependence.
According to him, effective interventions must be evidence-based and should provide affected persons with meaningful opportunities for treatment, recovery and reintegration into society.
The workshop also examined evidence-based approaches to prevention, treatment and recovery, as well as mental health services and social reintegration.
Participants were expected to consider the particular needs of women, young people and other vulnerable groups, who often face heightened stigma and significant barriers in accessing appropriate treatment and care.
Toure urged NHRC officials to apply the knowledge acquired during the training to strengthen institutional practices and improve safeguards for persons affected by drug use.
He reaffirmed UNODC’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in advancing approaches that place healthcare and human rights alongside public safety in addressing drug dependence.
Ojukwu also drew attention to the role of the media in shaping public attitudes towards drug use, urging journalists to avoid stigmatising narratives and promote informed reporting on drug dependence, treatment and recovery.
He said responsible reporting could help reduce discrimination and encourage affected persons to seek assistance without fear of rejection or abuse.
The NHRC said its collaboration with UNODC and EVA would strengthen the Commission’s capacity to ensure that persons seeking treatment, rehabilitation or other forms of support are treated with dignity and compassion.
The Commission maintained that drug dependence should be addressed as a condition requiring appropriate intervention and care, and must never be used as a justification for degrading treatment or the denial of fundamental human rights.
