Drug law reform - A Global Snapshot

Sanji Gunasekara




The Law Commission’s current review of the Misuse of Drugs Act is a rare opportunity for New Zealand to drag its drug laws into the 21st century. Around the world, several other countries have also recently re-examined their drug laws. In this feature, Sanji Gunasekara reviews the global state of drug law reform and finds that, while there is a trend towards more public health-focused legislation, sometimes it is a case of one step forward, two steps back.

Indonesia Adopts New Repressive Narcotics Law

International Drug Policy Consortium


A new Narcotics Law was adopted by the Parliament in Jakarta in September 2009. Although a careful textual analysis of the legislation is still needed, it is clear that the political considerations far outweighed sensible drug policy arguments in the adoption process, which is reflected in the texts. As a consequence, the new law did not represent a move away from a repressive approach to drugs and their use towards a more considerate and complex legislation. At the same time with the adoption of the Narcotics Law, a new health law was passed by the legislative assembly. The linkages between these two pieces of legislation and their impact on drug treatment are still unclear. The appropriate response is still considered by both national and international stakeholders. A report from the Community Legal Aid Institute in Jakarta printed in their newsletter CAVEAT outlines the problems with the new legislation.


http://www.idpc.net/sites/default/files/alerts/CAVEAT%20-%20Vol%2004%20-%20I%20A4.pdf

Source: http://www.idpc.net/alerts/indonesia-new-drug-law-repressive

Southeast Asia: New Indonesian Drug Law Draws Human Rights Criticisms

Phillip Smith

After four years of debate, Indonesia's parliament passed a new drug law Monday. It was immediately criticized by reformers on numerous counts.

The new law maintains the death penalty for some drug offenses, criminalizes drug addiction, and makes it a crime for parents to fail to report their addicted children to authorities. The law also transfers responsibility for fighting drug trafficking from the government to civil society.

"The drugs law will save our children and young generation. It will be essential in the fight against drug trafficking," said Minister for Law and Human Rights Andi Mattalatta after the bill was passed. "Currently, drug dealing is not only conducted by individuals but by drugs syndicates that operate neatly," he said.

Indonesia’s life or death Drug Laws

Annabloch

On Monday 15 September 2009, the Indonesian Parliament voted in stricter drugs laws as part of the Government's efforts to toughen up their national "War on Drugs".

The law maintains the death penalty for some drug offences and has criminalised drug addiction. Now, Indonesian parents must also be aware that they have committed a crime if they fail to notify the authorities of their drug addicted children.