A Message by Lt-Gen Soe Htut, Chairman of CCDAC, Deputy Prime Minister cum Union Minister for Home Affairs to the 2023 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
26 June 2023
TO all the people of our nation,
I would like to extend my sincere wishes for your well-being and prosperity.
Since the adoption of the
resolution of 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit
Trafficking by the 1987 UN General Assembly that has now reached the 36th
occasion being commemorated around the world.
The problem of drugs is a global
issue that not only endangers the socio-economic, health and stability of all
mankind but also jeopardizes the development of every nation.
The government of Myanmar has
been undertaking relentless efforts for the development of the country, while,
on the other hand, the government is also taking consistent measures with a
balanced approach to address the drug problem that is obstructing the
development efforts of the country.
In order to address the problem
of opium poppy cultivation, production and demand for synthetic drugs in
Myanmar, the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control has formed working
sectors to carry out its respective tasks.
Successive governments have also
carried out drug elimination as a priority in the national duty. Even though
countless drug abusers, producers, traffickers and cartels were arrested and
prosecuted, the production and trafficking of drugs have not declined at all.
In order to solve the drugs
problem, Myanmar is a signatory member to the 3 UN Conventions and has been
working closely with UNODC, BIMSTEC member states, neighbouring and regional countries,
Yangon-based drug law enforcement agencies of UNODC, AFP, DEA, NNCC, and ONCB
respectively.
Myanmar has also adopted a
National Drug Control Strategy which is in line with current resolutions of the
United Nations General Assembly and has assigned States and Regions to draft
action plans consistent with their localities to implement drug control
activities in a practical manner.
Drug law enforcement activities
are also being carried out with concerted efforts by closely operating among
Tatmadaw, Myanmar Police Force and Customs Department. The government has also
equipped with modern equipment to Drug Enforcement Division for interdiction of
drug production, and trafficking.
As part of the country’s strategy
to reduce opium poppy cultivation, the alternative development administration
sector, agricultural sector and livestock breeding sector have taken full
responsibility for consistently implementing alternative development programs
to gradually reduce opium poppy cultivation.
Myanmar has also prescribed 39
chemicals as controlled chemicals that can be used in the illicit manufacture
of drugs, to prevent the diversion of precursors and those chemicals through
cooperation with the business industries of utilizing chemicals and relevant
departments to ensure proper use of chemicals and follow rules and regulations
to carry out awareness-raising.
Advocacy programs are also being
provided to students and youths in primary and basic education systems. Among
the 7 educational plans, the plan to be free from the danger of drugs is
emphasized as a priority through close cooperation with the Ministry of Health.
In order to provide drug addicts
with treatment and harm reduction services, the Ministry of Health has
established 29 major treatment centres, 56 minor drug treatment centres, and 86
methadone maintenance clinics respectively.
Furthermore, rehabilitation
centres are also established by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and
Resettlement to provide ex-addicts to reintegrate into society.
Reviewing the current drug
problem, law enforcement and judiciary measures could not separately solve the
problem. A balanced approach also requires a focus on public health care,
improving living standards, promoting humanity, supporting development, and protecting
basic human rights.
Instead of punishing drug addicts
as criminals, the government and civil society organizations have worked
together to amend laws and regulations to promote drug addiction as a health
issue rather than a crime. In addition to hospital-based treatment services and
community-based treatment services are also provided to individuals with the
necessary support to overcome drug addiction.
In addition to notifications on
new precursors used in the production of narcotic and psychotropic substances
into the controlled lists, test kits are provided to Drug Enforcement Division
for effective enforcement in the field.
In order to reduce and wipe out
drug production and smuggling, Myanmar will continue to cooperate with UN
member states, international and regional agencies, regional countries, NGOs
and INGOs.
CCDAC has reviewed the changing
trends of the drug problem, it is also important that every citizen should join
hands to conduct preventive measures on drug matters from various aspects.
Therefore, this year’s motto of
UNODC is “People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention”
to commemorate the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
and the objective of the state is “to ensure peace, stability, rule of law and
the safe and smooth functioning of transport networks across the Union”, a
sincere encouragement is made to come together to eliminate this drug threat
that is obstructing the development of our nation.
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