Tunisia's Assembly of People's Representatives has begun revising a 20-year-old law on narcotics, with a focus on distinguishing between consumers and traffickers. The law, which has been in place since 2006, has been deemed inadequate in addressing the growing issue of drug addiction and trafficking. According to Yasser Gouraari, rapporteur of the general legislation committee, the proposed revisions aim to alleviate penalties for simple consumers while increasing punishments for traffickers and networks.
The current law has been criticized for its solely repressive approach, which has proven ineffective in tackling the scale of the problem. Gouraari argues that addicts often require medical care rather than penal sanctions. To address this, the state plans to establish a clear legal framework allowing dependent individuals to seek treatment at specialized centers without fear of repercussions or professional consequences.
The proposed revisions are based on extensive preparatory work, including multiple hearings with medical professionals, psychologists, sociologists, pharmacists, security officials, and university experts. This comprehensive approach aims to provide a holistic vision for reform. Gouraari emphasizes that the current law has reached its limits and that a combined response is needed, incorporating security, deterrence, prevention, care, and awareness.
One of the major obstacles identified by the committee is limited access to care. The number of addiction prevention and treatment centers is currently insufficient, and the process of accessing these services can be discouraging. Gouraari notes that some addicts fear being identified or facing consequences related to their treatment, highlighting the need for additional legal and administrative guarantees.
The committee has also emphasized the importance of prolonged follow-up care for patients, with specialists stressing that withdrawal is not a short-term process. Meanwhile, the repressive aspect of the law is not being downplayed, particularly with the start of the school year and concerns about the presence of narcotics near educational institutions.
Gouraari calls for sustained security operations targeting traffickers, especially near schools, and stresses the need for a comprehensive reform encompassing prevention, care, and prosecution of trafficking networks. He also highlights the importance of family, school, and educational institutions in supporting these efforts.
The revision of the law is expected to be a priority in the new parliamentary session, with many stakeholders eagerly awaiting its progress. The proposed changes aim to provide a more effective and nuanced approach to addressing the complex issues surrounding drug addiction and trafficking in Tunisia.
Key points
- The proposed revisions to Tunisia's 20-year-old drug law aim to distinguish between consumers and traffickers.
- The new approach would prioritize medical care for addicts over penal sanctions.
- The revisions also focus on increasing access to addiction treatment centers and strengthening security measures near educational institutions.
