Recent data shows that 20% percent of the global prison population are detained for drug offences, including non-violent minor offences and drug use, making drug policy a significant driver of over-incarceration.
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, on several occasions, OHCHR called for swift action by governments to prevent the devastating impact of COVID-19 in places of detention and other closed settings, including by addressing prison overcrowding and closing compulsory drug detention centres.