KSU's KPS (Kummissjoni Politika Socjali) approved a report entitled “Drug Policy Reform in Malta”. This report was drawn up by an ad hoc sub-committee composed of a number of representatives from student organizations representing varying interests and opinions and is thus, supported by over 40 different University student organisations.
This range of viewpoints significantly helped in making the report a holistic one. It can truly serve as a base for national discussion on the subject.
The report is divided in two sections. Firstly, the report provides a detailed analysis of the current situation. This detailed analysis goes beyond mere statistics as it gives a legal, medical, pharmacological and criminological breakdown of the current situation. It also provides the main and most salient arguments for and against the decriminalization of drugs: a long-standing debate even on a global level. In fact, this sub-committee may trace its roots back to a report a United Nations sub-committee had commissioned regarding this very issue.
The second part of the report consequently, puts forward a number of proposals based on the facts discussed in the first part; with a view of making Malta's drug policy more effective. Amongst other proposals, the report recommends the setting up of a Drugs Tribunal: a proposal aimed at allowing better use of multi-disciplinary expertise in cases that tackle drug abuse victims. It also recommends more investment in halfway houses as well as legal amendments which make sentences liable for trafficking and cultivation more severe whilst changing the legal regime for personal drug use in a manner which would better address the situation and aid the person in question in a more long- lasting, effective manner. These recommendations are also supported by a recent study which comprises the views of several Maltese youths.
KSU believes that its proposals are feasible in both legal terms as well as in financial terms. In the long run, a more effective drug policy will benefit not only the persons concerned directly, but indeed society as a whole. The KSU KPS Commission thus urges the authorities to consider these proposals and to encourage other entities to take similar initiatives which will help to cultivate a stronger and more tangible debate.
Follow this link to access the actual Report.