Observation of 23rd International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking 2010
- 24 June to june 26 2010 -

Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA) *

Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA)
Keishampat Junction, Imphal
Email: [email protected]
Imphal: 20/06/2010

Since 1970s, people of Manipur have been fighting against alcohol and drugs. Manipur is one of the eastern most states of the country, having an area of 22, 327 sq. kms, bounded by Nagaland in the north, Mizoram in the south, Assam in the west and Myanmar in the east. The National High way No. 39 and 53 pass across the state had been main route for trafficking Heroin Drug in the country and abroad from the infamous Golden Triangle.

Being an active route in the propogation of drugs to the mainland India and then to the rest of the country, a direct result from this is that large number of youths are addicted to drugs, (especially productive ages in the state). As a result, Manipur has become one of the highest HIV prevalence state in the country. A good number of youths were lost and many spouses were/are left alone with their children which make the society unbearable with unwanted crimes and also crippling the development of the state.

At this critical juncture, Coalition Against Drugs & Alcohol (CADA) has been initiating 'Drugs supply and demand reduction' by educating and giving access to treatment. Some children (as young as age from below 13) in Manipur started using substance like Alcohol, Tobacco, Cannabis, Opioids, Benzodiazepines, Organic solvents (khaini, N10, SP tablet, dendrite, nail polish, zarda, etc).

Many young boys do influence their girl-friends to indulge in drugs that results into unwanted behaviors and crimes. Looking for survival, many young girls are being used by mothers or employers at vendors or workplaces to get more customers/clients, sometimes they are used as 'unwanted tools' to make more money for the day. And also many children are being used for domestic works or even shipped to different cities of the country with no security.

Many women and widows who have been affected with drug usage along with their children hardly ever live a life of joy and laughter due to drugs and alcohol. CADA greatly acknowledges the involvement of general public for effective responses to minimize and uproot the usage of 'substance-use-disorder' from the state. It is high time for the relevant departments to take up their task assigned and to stay away from receiving 'back door taxes'.

Law enforcement agency is one of the most effective resources to minimize the increasing rate of drug peddlers and users. As it is observed in other parts of the world, CADA will also observe the 23rd International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking which falls on June 26 each year to raise the awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society.

The day is supported by individuals, communities and various organizations all over the world. CADA keeps in heart that collective efforts is the only liberated solution in every actions and activities, that is why promoting the global campaign "Think Health, not drugs," CADA organizes a Panel Discussion to inform the general public, the call of collective efforts, in overcoming drug abuse, illicit trafficking and in stopping HIV transmission in the state.

CADA greatly acknowledges the value of blood, as this campaign is related to health services in the state, and a voluntarily blood donation camp will be organized at RIMS Hospital. This camp urges all the service providers both government and non - government organistaions to accelerate their respective activities to the service of mankind.

By resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, the General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. This resolution recommended further action with regard to the report and conclusions of the 1987 International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The Day is a United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and the Illegal Drug Trade. It has been held annually since 1988 on 26 June, a date chosen to commemorate Lin Zexu's dismantling of the opium trade in Humen, Guangdong, just before the Opium War.

Health is the theme of this year's world drug campaign 2010, to be launched on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (26 June). The UNODC global campaign "Think health - not drugs" aims to inform the public, particularly young people, about the harmful effects those drugs under international control can have on their health. Drugs have the power both to improve and to damage health, depending on the type of drugs used, the quantity consumed and the purpose for which they are taken.

For example, while morphine can relieve pain, heroin can be highly addictive. Such examples illustrate the need to control drugs. "We must not only stop the harm caused by drugs, but we must also unleash the capacity of drugs to do good", said UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa at the fifty-third session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in March.

He reminded participants at the session that health is at the heart of the international drug control system. International treaties recognize that the medical use of narcotic drugs is indispensable in relieving physical pain and require United Nations Member States to control harmful drugs. Drugs under international control include amphetamine-type stimulants, cannabis, coca/cocaine, hallucinogens, opiates and hypnotic sedatives, all of which have immediate physical effects.

While some of the physical effects might sound pleasant, they do not last long. Drugs can also severely hinder psychological and emotional development, particularly in young people. In addition, some users risk addiction. For those who are dependent on drugs, there is hope. "Treatment and recovery are possible starting from the most problematic conditions", said Gilberto Gerra, Chief of the Drug Prevention and Health Branch of UNODC, at a CND side event advocating for universal access to treatment and care.

"Drug dependence is a treatable disease, not condemnation to death or to persistent failure", Mr. Gerra added. Drug use is preventable. UNODC has developed prevention activities that provide the public, particularly young people, with the information, skills and opportunities they need to make healthy choices, including the choice to avoid using harmful drugs.

The world drug campaign calls on young people, who are twice as likely as adults to take drugs, to protect their health. The first step is to get the facts about drugs. Tools on how to prevent drug use or treat drug dependence are also available for young people, the general public and practitioners. Parents, teachers and other interested individuals can also join the campaign.

There are a number of ways to get involved, including by spreading the word about the campaign and organizing outreach or institutional events to mark International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26 June. We can all play a role in promoting health in our communities.

Goal:

A society free from substance use disorders Objective: To educate community the health hazard of Substance Use Disorder To reduce supply, demand and usage of Substance Use Disorder in the state.

Process:

Units Program - 24 June, 2010 a panel discussion on "Collective Efforts in Overcoming Drug Abuse/Illicit Trafficking & Liberating HIV Infection in Manipur" promoting the theme "Think Health not drugs, at the Manipur Press Club.

25 June, 2010 a blood donation camp at the RIMS Hospital.

26 June, 2010 the observation of the International day Against Drugs and Illicit Trafficking at the GM Hall, Imphal.

Expected Outputs:

Community involvement in fighting drugs and alcohol menace

Enabling environment in fighting the substance use disorders

Involvements required:

In fighting against illicit drugs and alcohol to be materialized, a collective effort is needed. CADA would make active participation of all the important decision makers of the state -
* His Excellency, the Governor of Manipur,
* Members of state Legislative Assembly,
* Government Departments,
* Pressure groups,
* Civil societies,
* GOs,
* NGOs,
* Faith Based Organisations,
* Community Leaders,
* Media and community at large.