Iraq Advances Drug Law Reforms: Balancing Public Health, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law

Parliamentary Health Committee Announces Progress on Drug Law Amendments

On Monday, January 13, 2025, the Parliamentary Health Committee announced that the First Amendment to the Narcotics Law No. 50 of 2017 has reached its final stages. The revised legislation is expected to be ready for voting in the first session of the current legislative term, marking a significant step forward in addressing the nation’s drug-related challenges.

Majid Shangali, the Chair of the Parliamentary Health Committee, stated, "The committee has finalized the drafting process for the First Amendment Law to the Narcotics Law No. 50 of 2017. It will be presented for voting at the earliest opportunity during this legislative term." He emphasized that the amendment is the result of extensive collaboration among key parliamentary bodies, including the Legal Committee, the Parliamentary Committee on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, and the Security and Defense Committee.

According to Shangali, these collaborative efforts aim to ensure that the final draft aligns with national priorities and international standards. The proposed amendments will be submitted to the Supreme Authority for Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Affairs before being presented for a parliamentary vote.

Human Rights and Rule of Law Perspectives

The amendment process reflects a broader commitment to balancing public health concerns with respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law. Experts have highlighted that drug laws must not only address criminal activities but also prioritize harm reduction and rehabilitation for individuals suffering from substance abuse. This approach aligns with international human rights standards, which advocate for proportionality in sentencing and emphasize treatment over punishment for non-violent drug offenses.

Moreover, the rule of law requires that such legislation be clear, transparent, and consistently enforced. The inclusion of multiple parliamentary committees in drafting the amendments underscores efforts to ensure that the law is equitable, effective, and grounded in evidence-based practices.

Additional Context from Related Developments

The focus on revising narcotics laws is not unique to this jurisdiction. Globally, countries are re-evaluating their drug policies to address emerging challenges. For instance:

1. Jordan's Recent Reforms: In a similar move, Jordan recently amended its Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law to reduce penalties for first-time offenders and emphasize rehabilitation over incarceration. This reflects a growing trend toward decriminalization and harm reduction worldwide. $CITE_{3}$

2. International Collaboration: The Parliamentary Committee on Combating Drugs and Psychotropic Substances has called for greater inter-agency cooperation to tackle drug-related issues comprehensively. Reports suggest that these amendments aim to curb not only drug trafficking but also the misuse of digital platforms for promoting illegal substances. $CITE_{1}$

3. Future Training and Awareness: The Iraqi government is also exploring additional measures to strengthen institutional capacity in combating drug-related crimes while ensuring that law enforcement respects human rights obligations. This includes training programs and public awareness campaigns. $CITE_{1}$

Looking Ahead

The Parliamentary Health Committee has expressed optimism that the First Amendment Law will be enacted during this legislative term. If passed, this legislation could serve as a cornerstone for modernizing drug policy in Iraq, fostering a balance between enforcement, public health, and human rights considerations.

As the global conversation around drug policy evolves, Iraq’s efforts to reform its narcotics law demonstrate a commitment to addressing this complex issue through a multi-faceted approach.