In an interview on drug policy reform, Belgium's national drug commissioner, Ine Van Wymersch, suggested she was in favor of adopting the Portuguese model of drug decriminalization.
Portugal as an example
This approach would aim to replace punitive measures with more curative measures, treating drug addicts as patients rather than criminals. The spotlight is often on Portugal, which implemented a revolutionary drug decriminalization policy in 2001, leading to a significant reduction in heroin use, crime rates, STI contamination (hepatitis and HIV). and fatal overdoses.
The Belgian coordinator of the fight against drugs, Charlotte Colman
The Belgian coordinator of the fight against drugs, Charlotte Colman, who chairs the interfederal cell for general drug policy, explained that the decriminalization of the possession of drugs for personal use in Portugal was part of a set of 13 strategies.
“The possession of 25 grams of cannabis is no longer an offense punishable by a criminal response, but by an administrative response. The success of the Portuguese approach is evident in the dramatic reduction in the number of heroin users, crime rates and fatal overdoses over the past two decades. »
Colman highlights a crucial difference between Belgium and Portugal: “In our country, it is a magistrate or judge who offers assistance, while in Portugal, it is a multidisciplinary commission with a social vocation which is responsible for it. “.
The potential impact on a person's criminal record in Belgium poses problems, reducing the chances of stable housing and employment for those with drug-related convictions.
Beyond decriminalization
Decriminalization of drug possession for personal use in Belgium could mirror the positive results observed in Portugal, but requires a comprehensive approach. Ms Colman believes that decriminalization in Portugal is only one aspect of a broader strategy, including strengthening healthcare, research and the fight against trafficking and money laundering. Belgium's focus, particularly on combating drug-related violence resulting from cocaine trafficking, requires a nuanced approach.
According to Ms Colman: “By decriminalizing possession for personal use here, you can keep the person out of criminal politics, but you are not going to reduce the supply of drugs to all of Europe via the port of Antwerp.” , emphasizing the importance of a multifaceted strategy to tackle the different dimensions of drug trafficking and illegal consumption.
Recently, the Belgian Deputy Prime and Minister of the Economy advocated for the legalization of cannabis.
