In a report, the International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality warned of discrimination against people of African descent worldwide, particularly within narcotics control systems.

This stems from the legacy of colonialism and slavery, the body’s interim chair, Tracie Keesee, stated.

She noted that the study highlighted the presence of this phenomenon in initial police actions (such as interrogations and arrests), judicial proceedings, sentencing, incarceration, and post-conviction consequences.

She also underscored the role of racial profiling, excessive surveillance in communities of African descent, the use of force, and other practices that contribute to disproportionate criminalization and punishment.

Factors such as gender, age, migration status, and socioeconomic disadvantages can increase the risk of rights violations and exacerbate the impact of discriminatory policing and criminal justice responses.

Furthermore, she highlighted the need for equitable responses to drug use and related activities, as well as the importance of decriminalization, alternatives to detention, accountability, data collection, and community participation.

jdt/arm/ocs/gas