In the political declaration adopted at the 17th Ministerial Conference in Stavanger, on 28 November 2018, ministers of the Pompidou Group member states commit to “ensure that drug policies are fully respecting human rights, thus underlining the importance of the Council of Europe’s role in this field”. They congratulate the outgoing Norwegian Presidency for the results achieved under the 2015-2018 work programme, in particular addressing the reinforcement of a human rights dimension in drug policies, the costs and spillover consequences of drug policies, government interaction with civil society on drug policy issues and universal access to opioid agonist medicines for treatment. Ministers also encourage governments to “further develop drug policy with a comprehensive, integrated and balanced, scientific evidence-based and human rights respecting approach”. The declaration launches a process aimed at reviewing the Group’s mandate, operation and working methods, with the perspective of adopting a revised Statutory Resolution on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of its foundation, to be celebrated in 2021. “ Human rights is an everlasting commitment that we have to relate to every day. Therefore, it is gratifying that the statement adopted, the title for this conference and the next work programme – “Sustainable drug policies respectful of human rights” – reflect just this: our values and sustainability”, said Ben Høie, Minister for Health of Norway on behalf of outgoing Norwegian Presidency.
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