United Nations criticizes Italy's drug enforcement policies

A new report by the United Nations' International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement has criticized Italy's punitive drug policies for disproportionately affecting Africans and people of African descent. Presented at the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council, the report highlights concerns regarding systemic racism in drug law enforcement.

The findings reiterate conclusions from a May 2024 mission to Italy, noting that the country's approach to drug trafficking enforcement raises “significant human rights concerns.” The report addresses issues such as racial profiling, over-incarceration, arbitrary arrests and detentions, and disparities in sentencing.

Information used by the UN experts included submissions from organizations such as Forum Droghe, Harm Reduction International, and La Società della Ragione. These groups had previously warned that Italy's repressive system contributes to racial discrimination and the over-incarceration of marginalized communities.