Unpacking Human Rights: Freedom of Consciousness, Bodily Autonomy & Right to Life in the Context of War on Drugs Crimes

The right to life, right to development, bodily autonomy, and freedom of conscience collectively shape freedom of consciousness and increase access to altered states, cognitive liberty, and peak experiences. The War on Drugs violates fundamental human rights including cognitive liberty, bodily autonomy, and the right to life. Analysis of international human rights law and global case studies shows that drug-related crimes have caused mass incarceration, violence, and human rights abuses. The paper argues for decriminalization and an end to the War on Drugs. Findings suggest the War on Drugs has resulted in significant violations of fundamental human rights.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract This study explores the interplay between the right to life, right to development, bodily autonomy and freedom of conscience, and demonstrates how these factors collectively shape the concept of freedom of consciousness and simultaneously lead to increased access to altered states of consciousness, cognitive liberty, freedom of development, and the peak experiences that Abraham Maslow researched. Second chapter delves into the intersection of human rights and drug policy, specifically examining the implications of the War on Drugs on individual freedoms. It argues that the War on Drugs has led to a violation of fundamental human rights, including cognitive liberty, bodily autonomy, and the right to life. Through an analysis of international human rights law and case studies from around the world, the paper demonstrates how drug-related crimes have resulted in mass incarceration, violence, and human rights abuses. It also explores decriminalization of drug use, end of War on Drugs and criminalization of its’ crimes. The research results provide insights into the interrelation between these three concepts, shedding light on how they intersect and influence each other and in context of War on Drugs hostile environment. Findings also suggest that the War on Drugs has resulted in a significant violation of fundamental human rights.