Global Drug Policy Index
The Global Drug Policy Index is released by Harm Reduction Consortium. The index is calculated based on 75 indicators. These indicators are broadly classified under five broad dimensions such as extreme responses, drug policy, criminal justice, health and harm reduction and access to internationally controlled medicines.
About Global Drug Policy Index
The Global Drug Policy Index is measured based on the recommendations made by the United Nations in framing drug policies in terms of health, human rights outcome and development. A score of 100 in Global Drug Policy Index means the country is implementing the UN system religiously. It aims to provide accountability for drug policies. The current drug policies in the world do not include the factor of accountability. They focus only on punishments, imprisonments, seizures and arrests. This system prevents the drug users from receiving health care. The index aims to change this scenario.
Key Highlights of Global Drug Policy Index 2021
- The Global Drug Policy Index 2021 scored 30 countries.
- Norway topped the index with a score of 74 out of 100.
- The median score of all countries was 48. This score means “Drug Policy Failure”. Therefore, none of the countries assessed by Global Drug Policy Index should feel good.
- The second, third and fourth ranks were occupied by New Zealand (with a score of 71/100), Portugal (70/100), UK (69/100).
- Portugal gained scores for decriminalizing all the drugs and for treating the use of illegal substances as a health issue.
- Australia was at the fifth position with a score of 65/100.
- The bottom five positions holders in the ranking were Mexico (35), Kenya (34), Indonesia (29), Uganda (28) and Brazil (26).
India in Global Drug Policy Index 2021
India’s score stood at 46, which was less than the global average score. India scored 49/100 in health and harm reduction. It scored 38/100 on proportionality of criminal justice response, 33/100 on availability and access of internationally controlled medicines. India scored 63/100 in use of extreme responses and criteria.
