Download the statement by the Global Commission on Drug Policy.

Geneva, 8 February 2021

The members of the Global Commission on Drug Policy are deeply saddened by the passing of their esteemed colleague and Honorary Chair George Shultz, on 6 February 2021.

George Shultz was among the founding members of the Global Commission on Drug Policy, where he shared his conclusions on the failure of law enforcement-based drug policy to curb the supply of drugs. He remained a committed proponent of drug policy reform, and called on authorities to end the criminalization of people who use drugs and instead to support prevention and harm reduction, and to offer services for those with problematic use.

“George Shultz reminded us of the need to continue questioning the way societies attempt to control illegal drugs. He never shied away from recognizing that the objective of drug control must remain the protection of all people, and that effective reforms can be introduced when failures of repressive drug policies are recognized” said Helen Clark, Chair of the Global Commission.

The Global Commission’s members express their deepest condolences to Mr. Shultz’s family and to the people of the United States, and honor his contribution to drug policy reform.

For inquiries, please contact:
secretariat@globalcommissionondrugs.org
+41.22.908.43.75