Scotland Launches World-First Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use

Scotland has taken a bold step in tackling the ongoing issues of drug and alcohol abuse by launching a world-first Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use. Recognised by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Charter aims to provide clear rights and protections for people who use substances and their families.

This initiative is part of the Scottish Government’s £250 million National Mission on Drugs, which seeks to shift the approach from punishment and stigma to one that prioritises health, dignity, and human rights. While the Charter is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, Scotland's drug and alcohol crisis remains a pressing issue that requires sustained action and resources.

The Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use aims to ensure that individuals and families affected by drug and alcohol use are treated with dignity and respect. It outlines the key human rights they are entitled to, many of which are derived from national and international laws.

Among the most significant rights included in the Charter are:

• The right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

• The right to an adequate standard of living.

• The right to a healthy environment.

These rights are essential for promoting a shift from criminalisation and punishment to care and compassion. It also recognises the rights of families who are often left unsupported when dealing with the fallout of substance use.

The Charter has been developed by the National Collaborative, a group made up of people with lived experience, service providers, and human rights experts, chaired by Professor Alan Miller, a well-known human rights advocate.

At its heart, the Charter aims to promote a human rights-based approach to substance use, ensuring people in need have access to treatment, support, and care without being subject to stigma or discrimination.

The launch of the Charter is one component of Scotland’s National Mission on Drugs, a multi-year strategy to reduce drug-related harm.

The Scottish Government has pledged an additional £250 million over the current parliamentary term to tackle drug misuse. This funding supports more than 300 grassroots organisations and projects, which in turn have helped more than 33,000 people.

One of the critical aspects of this mission is to move away from the traditional punitive approach to drug use and focus on treatment, harm reduction, and support services. The Charter serves as a practical tool to put these principles into action, ensuring that people affected by substance use are aware of their rights.

Speaking at the Charter’s launch, First Minister Humza Yousaf extended his condolences to those who have lost loved ones to substance use and highlighted the importance of placing human dignity at the heart of Scotland’s response.

“This Charter is a key part of that mission and draws on the experience of communities and families affected by substance use. It significantly strengthens our public health and human rights-based approach to substance use-related harms and, over time, it will contribute to significantly improving and saving lives.”

Scotland's move to create a human rights-based approach is significant. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk endorsed the Charter, stating that the traditional approach of criminalisation and prohibition has failed to reduce drug use or deter drug-related crimes.

“We need new approaches prioritising health, dignity and inclusion, guided by the International Guidelines on Human Rights and Drug Policy.”

This shift echoes a growing international consensus that treating drug use as a health issue rather than a criminal one yields better results. By embedding human rights in drug policy, Scotland aims to reduce harm, support recovery, and save lives.

Professor Alan Miller, Chair of the National Collaborative, highlighted the importance of this approach, stating:

“The Charter places people and their human dignity, not punishment and stigma, at the centre. It has been developed by people with life experience of what hasn’t worked and what will work. Let’s all now make these rights real.”

While the Charter is a positive step, Scotland's drug and alcohol crisis remains severe. Drug-related deaths in Scotland remain among the highest in Europe, with hundreds of people dying from drug misuse each year. Alcohol misuse also continues to strain health services and devastate families.

The Scottish Government's efforts to reform drug policy have faced criticism for being too slow to produce results. While the funding of grassroots organisations is welcome, many experts argue that substantial systemic change is needed. This includes more funding for treatment centres, greater support for mental health services, and a focus on early intervention.

Some critics believe that the emphasis on rights and human dignity, while vital, must be backed by practical actions and resources. It is not enough to tell people they have rights,  they must also have access to rehabilitation services, detox facilities, and safe consumption spaces.

Moreover, while Scotland’s decision to embed human rights in drug policy is world-leading, there is still debate over the need for decriminalisation. Many health experts argue that decriminalising drug possession, as seen in Portugal, could be a game-changer for Scotland, reducing the number of people caught up in the criminal justice system and encouraging people to seek help.

The introduction of the Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use is a significant milestone. It places Scotland at the forefront of progressive drug policy reform and shows a clear commitment to treating substance use as a health issue rather than a criminal one.

The Charter’s global recognition by the UN highlights its groundbreaking nature. Few countries have taken such a human rights-led approach to drug policy, and Scotland is now seen as a trailblazer in this space.

However, while the launch of the Charter is symbolic, it must be backed by action. Critics argue that policies on paper must lead to change on the ground. This means ensuring the £250 million allocated to the National Mission on Drugs is spent effectively and that the right support structures are in place to deliver results.

For people affected by substance use, this Charter offers hope. It tells them that they have rights, that their dignity will be respected, and that they will be supported to live healthier lives. But for this hope to become a reality, the Charter must be fully implemented, and accountability mechanisms must be put in place to ensure that service providers deliver on these promises.

The launch of the Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use is a landmark moment for Scotland. It shows the government’s commitment to human rights, compassion, and dignity in its approach to drug and alcohol misuse.

While the Charter is undoubtedly a positive step, it cannot be seen as a silver bullet. The scale of Scotland's drug and alcohol crisis remains immense. Thousands of people still face barriers to treatment, and some of the most effective measures, such as decriminalisation, have yet to be fully explored.

The Scottish Government must ensure that every pound of its £250 million National Mission on Drugs is spent wisely. If implemented effectively, the Charter could not only save lives but also serve as a blueprint for drug policy reform across the world.

Scotland is now in a unique position to lead the way in human rights-based drug reform. But with lives at stake, it must move beyond words and deliver real, practical change on the ground.