The INCB Annual Report 2016: A significant shift on drug consumption rooms
(...)The most significant and progressive move made by the Board in this year’s Report is its changing position with respect to Drug Consumption Rooms (DCRs). In the past, the INCB has repeatedly – and often in strident terms – criticised these facilities as counter to the provisions of the international drug control conventions. While continuing to express its reservations regarding the consumption of drugs purchased outside the DCRs, the INCB acknowledges the dialogue it has shared with the Government of Denmark, which has introduced national legislation that forms the foundation for DCRs. Similar measures have been taken in France. The Board observes that: ‘“Drug consumption rooms” must be operated within a framework that offers treatment and rehabilitation services as well as social reintegration measures, either directly or by active referral for access, and must not be a substitute for demand reduction programmes, in particular prevention and treatment activities.’ (International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC), 02.03.2017)