Drug Addiction Is No Excuse for Human Rights Violations, Warns NHRC
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has warned security agencies, rehabilitation centres and other institutions against violating the rights of people affected by drug dependence.
The Commission said drug use does not strip individuals of their dignity, right to healthcare or protection under the law, urging Nigeria to adopt a health-centred and human-rights-based approach to drug prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu, gave the warning in Abuja during 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 people 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 NHRC’s position comes amid concerns over the treatment of people who use drugs in detention facilities and rehabilitation centres, including allegations of denial of healthcare, stigmatisation and other forms of rights abuse.
Ojukwu disclosed that the Commission had received complaints involving denial of treatment, breaches of confidentiality, lack of informed consent and poor conditions in some rehabilitation centres.
He added that complaints had also raised concerns about the treatment of people who use drugs while in detention.
The NHRC executive secretary stressed that although the Commission was not responsible for formulating Nigeria’s drug policy, it had a clear mandate to ensure that government policies and enforcement practices complied with the country’s human rights obligations.
He called for stronger human rights safeguards in drug treatment, rehabilitation and complaints-handling systems.
The workshop, held at the United Nations House in Abuja from August 31 to September 1, is 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.”
The training is designed to equip NHRC officials with the knowledge and tools needed to investigate and respond effectively to complaints involving drug use, treatment and rehabilitation.
Speaking at the event, UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Toure, supported the Commission’s position, saying the complexities surrounding drug use required coordinated action by government agencies, healthcare providers, human rights institutions, civil society organisations and communities.
Toure, who was represented by UNODC’s Drug Demand Reduction Focal Point, Dr Akanidomo Ibanga, said drug dependence raised important concerns about human dignity, access to healthcare, non-discrimination and the protection of vulnerable people.
“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 balance public health, public safety and human rights in responding to drug dependence, warning against approaches that overlook its health and social dimensions.
According to him, effective interventions should be evidence-based and provide affected persons with access to treatment, recovery programmes and opportunities for reintegration into society.
The workshop is also expected to examine evidence-based prevention, treatment and recovery models, mental health services and social reintegration.
Participants will further consider the specific needs of women, young people and other vulnerable groups who often face increased stigma and barriers to accessing appropriate care.
Toure urged NHRC officials to apply the knowledge gained from the training to strengthen institutional practices and improve safeguards for people affected by drug use.
He reaffirmed UNODC’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in developing approaches that place healthcare and human rights alongside public safety in tackling drug dependence.
Ojukwu also highlighted the role of the media in shaping public perceptions of drug use, urging journalists to avoid stigmatising language and narratives.
He said responsible reporting could help reduce discrimination, improve public understanding of drug dependence and encourage affected persons to seek treatment and support.
The NHRC said its collaboration with UNODC and EVA would strengthen efforts to ensure that people affected by drug dependence encounter care and protection rather than degrading treatment and rejection.
