The right to health for people who use drugs : a critical discourse analysis

Abstract

The predominant maxim is that drugs constitute a grave threat to the health, security, and wellbeing of mankind. The nexus between health, security and development finds continued support and consensus across political declarations and resolutions by member states of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Nonetheless, the creation of a flourishing illicit market, increased stigma against people who use drugs (PWUD), and human rights abuses on the precept of protecting health and security, have been for over ten years documented and repeated by various voices, amongst which peer-led transnational advocacy networks (TANs). This thesis aims to look at the RIGHT TO HEALTH for PWUD and explore how discourse adopted by the International Community and civil society has been protecting or hindering this right. Through a Critical Discourse Analysis framework based on the four-stage model developed by Fairclough (2012), the qualitative research project distinguishes texts as important barometers for social change. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach this study demonstrated that tensions between dominant ideological discursive formations embedded in the provisions of the UN Drug Control Conventions (1961, 1971, 1988), as opposed provisions falling under international human rights law continue to have a direct impact on the realisation of the RIGHT TO HEALTH for PWUD. Recognising diplomatic consensus as a double-edged sword and the role of peer-led initiatives to promote human rights for PWUD, the study identifies the art of diplomacy and the art of activism as important tools to advance a human rights-based approach for PWUD.