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The widespread ill-treatment and abuse experienced by people who use illicit drugs has received increasing attention as a human rights issue.One area of particular concern is the violation of human rights in the course of— and sometimes even in the name of—treatment for real or perceived drug dependence.

In this paper, we examine how the prohibitions in international law against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment can and should be engaged to address at least some of the alarms raised by such drug detention centers.

First, we provide a detailed analysis of the legal definitions of torture and of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and offer some general comments about how these categories in international law can be applied to settings in which people are detained in the name of drug dependence treatment.

Second, we consider a number of the practices commonly reported in drug detention centers in light of these specific norms, drawing upon other sources in international law and expert commentary where relevant.

Finally, we conclude with a number of recommendations for advocacy, including engaging the international mechanisms that can be brought to bear to address this neglected human rights crisis,as well as recommendations for national governments and international donors.

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