The current article examines the situation of drug rehabilitation institutions around the world, in which the treatment not uncommonly relies on violent practices, in violation of the human rights of its patients.
Points raised include the lack of accountability of the said clinics in relation to the violations perpetrated against its patients and the international standards relating to obligations of these institutions and the international prohibition on torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. The most common human rights violations committed - denial of adequate health or medical services, the adoption of experimental or unscientific methods, physical abuse, forced labour and the violation of child's rights - are analysed. Finally, observations and recommendations aimed at the remedying of those abuses are presented.
Citation: Richard Elliot et al., 'Treatment or Torture? Applying international human rights standards to drug detention centers', Open Society Foundations (2011)