The current United Nations drug control system is based on three conventions (i.e., 1961, 1971, and 1988) and is dominated by the goal of a drug free world. In 1968, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) was established. However, the INCB has no formal powers to enforce the implementation of the Convention provisions or punish parties for non-compliance. Due to this lack of power, several European states and other countries are exploiting the latitude which exists within the international framework and implementing or considering harm-reduction policies. The INCB has attempted unsuccessfully to counter its lack of formal powers by shaming governments into fulfilling its treaty obligations. A reassessment process of the drug control regime is recommended with the underlying theme that the nation states reclaim the control of domestic drug policies, which is currently limited by the global drug control regime and possess the freedom to develop pragmatic approaches best suited to the socioeconomic and cultural conditions within their own societies. However, when revisiting the Conventions with the possibility of change, the realities of international power politics and the mechanisms that exist for change within the global drug control regime must be understood and kept in mind. In conclusion, there appears to be a gradual change in system-wide attitudes towards harm reduction, with an accelerated acceptance. References