15 JUNE 2020
The International Network of people who Use Drugs (INPUD), Recovering Nepal (RN), and the Indian Drug Users Forum (IDUF) were pleased to hear the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention is compiling a study on Arbitrary Detention related to drug policies. In response to their call for stakeholder submissions, we have decided to bring renewed attention to the violations of human rights suffered by people who use drugs detained in compulsory detention and private treatment centres throughout South Asia, particularly in India and Nepal. Based on our observations and firsthand accounts we believe these centres not only operate in defiance of international human rights obligations concerning arbitrary detention but also facilitate violations of the right to health and the right to be free from torture including cruel and inhumane or degrading treatment for the people detained.