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.
#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar
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