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At the "Drugs Community Forum" held in Bangkok on Tuesday, civil society groups across Southeast Asia called on ASEAN to rethink its rigid approach to drug policies. As the region drafts its new post-2025 strategy, campaigners are advocating for harm reduction measures over punitive drug laws, which they say have failed to yield sustainable results.

 

The forum, hosted by the Health & Opportunity Network and its partners, underscored the shortcomings of ASEAN's "drug-free" mission. Gloria Lai, regional director of the International Drug Policy Consortium, highlighted the gap between ASEAN's existing work plan and reality. "The 2016–2025 ASEAN Work Plan recognised prevention, treatment, law enforcement, research, and alternative development. However, implementation has often ignored evidence, focusing instead on punitive measures," Ms Lai stated.

 

Despite endorsements from the United Nations and strong evidence supporting harm reduction, implementation remains scarce. Currently, only Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam include harm reduction strategies in their national policies. The forum's participants urged ASEAN to recognise the tangible benefits of these measures.

 

Critics of the existing system pointed out the widespread human rights abuses associated with strict enforcement, including the use of compulsory treatment centres. Such facilities often exacerbate the issues faced by vulnerable groups rather than alleviating them.

 

The coalition proposed a shift towards rights-based prevention programmes. By targeting root causes like poverty and social exclusion, advocates believe communities can be better protected and supported. Additionally, expanding access to harm reduction services and decriminalising drug use are vital steps forward.

 

"We need to move away from fear-based campaigns and punitive laws," Ms Lai emphasised. "Policies must prioritise health, human rights, and community wellbeing over rigid enforcement."

 

Moreover, broader concepts of "alternative development" were suggested. With urban and synthetic drugs presenting new challenges, policy reform must reflect these evolving dynamics. Advocates called for the inclusion of those directly impacted, such as people who use illicit drugs and former prisoners, in the policy-making process.

 

Concern looms over Singapore's forthcoming chairmanship of the ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD) for 2025–2026. Activists worry that Singapore might reinforce the "drug-free ASEAN" narrative, potentially sidelining harm reduction principles once more.

 

"Under Singapore's next chairmanship of ASOD, we are worried about how the region may be influenced," warned Ms Lai. "We need to strengthen advocacy so that ASEAN listens to communities rather than doubling down on punitive policies."

 

These discussions and recommendations are set to be presented at the 9th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters in Manila later this month. Advocates encourage ASEAN to measure success not by abstaining from drug use but by achieving safer, healthier outcomes for its people.

 

In conclusion, as ASEAN moves forward in crafting its post-2025 strategy, the call from civil society is clear: adopt evidence-based, health-centred policies that genuinely benefit the region's communities and protect human rights. The ongoing dialogue aims to foster an environment where effective and humane drug policies can flourish, providing hope for a more balanced and compassionate approach across Southeast Asia.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-05

 

 

Because the soft on drugs approach is working so well in Western countries?