International
Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held
YANGON,
29 June — The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was
observed at the Town hall of Kengtung in Eastern Shan State on 26 June morning
attended by Shan State (East) Committee for Drug Abuse Control Chairman Triangle
Region Command Commander Maj-Gen Khin Zaw, Shan State (East) MCWA Supervisory
Committee Patron wife of the Commander Daw Khin Pyone Win, departmental
officials, teachers, students, national race leaders and local people.
The commander and responsible
personnel presented prizes to 33 winners of anti-drug essay, painting, poster,
cartoon and computer drawing competitions.
Prizes
presented to winners of short story, article, poem, song, cartoon, painting,
poster, computer drawing, computer poster, photo and HIV/AIDS and Injection Drug
Use Poster
YANGON,
26 June — The ceremony to observe the International Day Against Drug Abuse and
Illicit Trafficking and to present prizes to winners of short story, article,
poem, song, cartoon, painting, poster, computer drawing, computer poster, photo
and HIV/AIDS and Injection Drug Use Poster was held at the Drug Elimination
Museum on Hanthawady Road here this morning.
Present on the occasion were
Chairman of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Minister for Home Affairs
Col Tin Hlaing, Vice-Chairmen of CCDAC Minister for Progress of Border Areas and
National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Minister for Foreign
Affairs U Win Aung, ministers, deputy ministers, ambassadors, Charge d’Affaires
ai of embassies, resident representatives and officials of UN Agencies, heads of
departments, officials of social organizations, winners of the contests and
guests.
In his address, Chairman of CCDAC
Minister Col Tin Hlaing said today is the International Day Against Drug Abuse
and Illicit Trafficking. Myanmar has been observing the day for 17 years.
Similar ceremonies are being observed in the nations of the world. The motto of
the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking for this year
is “Drugs: Treatment Works”. The motto means that the drug-addicts will become
those who are free from drugs if the rehabilitation works for them are carried
out. He said various mottoes on anti-drugs were laid down for short story,
article, poem, song, cartoon, painting, poster, computer drawing, computer
poster, photo contests in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug
Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The contests have been held for seven years.
There are ten categories including photo (open division), he said. He said he
would like to report on Myanmar’s measures undertaken for combating narcotic
drugs. Successive governments launched anti-drug campaigns in conformity with
time and circumstance after enacting laws and rules. He said after 1988 armed
groups returned to the legal fold due to the efforts of the government. Border
areas lagged 20 years behind development owing to internal strife and poor
transport. Opportunities were created for development of border areas and
national races. The government enacted the border areas and national races
development law on 13 August 1993. The point of total elimination of drugs was
included in the objectives of the law. In connection with this, two strategies —
to combat the menace of narcotics with added momentum as a national duty and to
eliminate the habit of growing opium with the development of the life of
national races in border areas— were laid down. In order to implement the
strategies, the government is carrying out the tasks through three tactics of
elimination of drug production and drug abuse demand and control of drugs. The
government drafted the 15-year drug elimination project and is carrying out the
project in accord with the three tactics. Starting from April 2002, the New
Destiny Project was laid down. Under the project, seasonal crops were
distributed free of charge to opium growers. The opium substitute crop project
was also carried out for development of life of local people. He said emphasis
is being placed on emergence of opium free zone. On 27 August 2002, District
level Myanmar Anti-narcotics Association was formed in Tachilek and tasks for
education, treatment, rehabilitation are being implemented for drug free zone.
Such tasks are being carried out in Myawady and Kawthoung Districts. The
minister stressed the importance of elimination of drug abuse, public
cooperation, treatment, rehabilitation, agitation and educative talks on danger
of narcotic drugs among students. He said a cornerstone laying ceremony for
construction of youths rehabilitation centre was held in Teema Village in Muse
Township, in northern Shan State on 4 March this year. During the first
five-year plan of the 15-year drug elimination project, 26 treatment centres and
40 treatment units were opened, 28 research works and 38 courses were conducted
and treatment was given to 7,277 drug addicts. Altogether 409 drug addicts were
treated in southern Wa region under the Wa Region Alternative Development
Programme being carried out with the assistance of UNODC. As the government has
been able to conduct 38 courses on control of drugs and give medical treatment
to 7,277 drug addicts, it has exceeded the target. Under Wa Regional Alternative
Development Programme being launched with the assistance of UNODC, the first
five-year plan of project for control of drug addicts in southern Wa region was
implemented. As a result, the government has been able to give medical treatment
to 409 drug addicts.
In implementing project for
control of drug addicts, giving medical treatment to drug addicts and
rehabilitation measures are not enough, and imparting knowledge on disadvantages
and dangers of narcotic drugs to the people and students before they have become
drug addicts and cooperation of the people are imperative, he added.
Therefore, the government, he
said, has been holding ceremonies to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse
and Illicit Trafficking. Starting from 1988, the government realized that
imparting knowledge on disadvantages of narcotic drugs to the people based on
literary, music, paintings and cartoons was effective. Thus, invitational
contests on drug control have been held in conjunction with ceremonies to mark
the International Day gainst Drug Abuse and Trafficking and it has reached for
the seven times. He said that regarding drug control measures, trafficking and
taking of drugs among students were exposed and action taken. Meanwhile,
teachers, parents, local authorities and members of social organizations have
been making concerted efforts for drug control at schools and wards and villages
through effective educative talks. With the sponsorship of the Ministry of
Education and UNICEF, courses on control of narcotic drugs and courses on
control of HIV/AIDS were conducted for teachers in 40 project townships. Under
the programme for building drug-free Kawthoung District, courses on control of
drugs were conducted for teachers in Bokpyin Township, Kawthoung District.
Accordingly, lectures on disadvantages and dangers of drug, AIDS and stimulants
were given to altogether 5,500 students in Kawthoung District. Similar courses
were conducted for teachers in 31 townships of Mandalay. Teachers who had
completed the courses gave educative talks on dangers of drugs, AIDS and
stimulants to altogether 55,188 students of basic education schools. With the
sponsorship of the Ministry of Education and Myanmar Anti-Drug Association,
talks on HIV/AIDS were given to 7,282 students of basic education schools in
Tamway Township, Yangon Division.
In cooperation with UN agencies
and NGOs, the government has been making efforts for control of HIV/AIDS.
Efforts will have to be made for students to have patriotism and spirit of
cherishing the country while striving for equipping them with the spirit to
learn Myanma literary and music, realizing the disadvantages of narcotic drugs.
Therefore, measures on imparting knowledge on dangers of drugs are being taken
through holding of literary, painting, cartoon and postal competitions, he
disclosed.
This year also, handsome prizes
will be given to prize-winners. The office of UNODC in Yangon is making
donations yearly for prize-presentation ceremonies. Such donations amount to
giving encouragement to those who are engaged in drug control measures by the
UN. A significant point of this year is that making donation of K 2 million for
prize-presentation ceremony by Asian Harm Reduction Network (AHRN) that is
implementing Drugs Related Harm Reduction with the sponsorship of Central
Committee for Drug Abuse Control and Funds for HIV/AIDS in Myanmar (FHAM), he
said. He, on behalf of CCDAC, thanked the donor. In conjunction with the
prize-presentation ceremony, prizes will also be presented to those who won
prizes in Postal Competition on HIV/AIDS and Injunction Drug Use. Myanmar has
been making relentless efforts for control of narcotic drugs as a national
concern based on own wealth and resources. And the entire national people are
urged to make integrated and well-coordinated efforts for the emergence of a
society free from drugs through medical treatment and rehabilitation in line
with the motto of UN for 2004 “Drugs Treatment Works”
Next, UNDOC Resident
Representative Mr Jean Luc Lemahien read the message of UN Secretary-General Mr
Kofi Annan to ceremonies to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and
Illicit Trafficking. After-wards, UNDOC Resident Representative Mr Jean Luc
Lemahien presented K 250,000 for prize-presentation ceremony to Chairman of
CCDAC Col Tin Hlaing. Next, Country Coordinator Mr Willy De Maere of Asian Harm
Reduction Network (AHRN) presented K 2 million for prize-presentation ceremony
to Chairman of CCDAC Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing. Next, prizes were
presented to winners in the competitions to mark the International Day Against
Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Vice-Chairman of CCDAC Minister Col Thein
Nyunt presented first, second and third prizes to winners in the under-10
painting contest and the under-10 cartoon contest; Minister for Foreign Affairs
U Win Aung presented first, second and third prizes to winners in the under-10
poster contest and the short story contest; Minister for Labour U Tin Winn,
first, second and third prizes to winners in the article and poem contests.
Next, Minister for Health Dr Kyaw
Myint gave away first, second and third prizes to winners in the song contest
and the 10-15 painting contest; Minister for Education U Than Aung, first,
second and third prizes to the 15-20 painting contest and the 20 and above
painting contest. Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung
Thein presented prizes to first, second and third prize winners in the 10-15
cartoon contest and the 15-20 cartoon contest. Deputy Minister for Information
Brig-Gen Aung Thein gave away first, second and third prizes to winners in the
20 and above cartoon contest and the 10-20 poster contest. Deputy Minister for
Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win presented prizes to winners in the 15-20 poster
contest and the 20 and above poster contest. Deputy Minister for Livestock and
Fisheries U Aung Thein presented first, second and third prizes to winners in
the middle school level and high school level computer painting contests. UNODC
Resident Representative Mr Jean Luc Lemahieu presented first, second and third
prizes to winners in the computer digital poster contest and the photo open
contest. Similarly, Coordinator Mr Willy de Maere of Asia Harm Reduction Network
(Myanmar) (AHRN-Myanmar) presented first, second and third prizes to winners in
the HIV/AIDS and Injection Drug Use Poster Contest. Next, Director-General of
MPF Brig-Gen Khin Yi presented certificates of honour and cash prizes to members
of the panel of judges who contributed to organizing the competitions.
Message from UN
Secretary-General Mr Kofi Annan on the occasion of International Day against
Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking “Drugs: Treatment Works”
YANGON,
26 June — The following is the message of Secretary-General Mr Kofi Annan, in
commemoration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit
Trafficking.
One of the most damaging
misconceptions about use abuse is that it is a permanent problem. The truth is
that treatment for drug abuse can work, and can restore value and dignity to a
person’s life. The theme for this year’s International Day against Drug Abuse
and Illicit Trafficking, “Drugs: Treatment Works”, aims to correct this
misconception, and convey the facts about drug abuse treatment, based on the
latest and most reliable evidence and research.
Millions of people worldwide have
been directly affected by drug problems — those who are dependent, as well as
their families. Their lives have been disrupted, their health undermined, their
education interrupted, their jobs lost, their families broken. People with
drug-related problems, and their families and friends, need to know that there
is a way out, and that effective help is available in different forms, depending
on the needs and situation of each individual.
Today we have a better
understanding of the mechanism of dependence. We know that dependence is a
chronic and, in many cases, relapsing disorder. We know that, like many other
chronic disorders, there are effective interventions that can help those
affected to adopt productive lifestyles, avoid and reduce physical and mental
health problems, improve family relationships, regain and retain child custody,
and find better housing and employment opportunities.
We also know that drug-abuse
treatment helps communities, by reducing criminality and the risks of
transmission of blood-borne infectious diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS, and by
allowing them to benefit from the contributions of healthier, more productive
and better-integrated individuals and families.
Policy makers need to bear in
mind that treatment is a cost-effective way to tackle not only the health and
social consequences of drug abuse, but also to reduce the associated costs of
medical care, social welfare and criminal justice interventions. The United
Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has a variety of tools available at
www.unodc.org to help clarify the facts about drug-abuse treatment.
On this International Day against
Drug Abuse, I call on everyone to examine and take into account the strong
evidence about drug-abuse treatment and its effectiveness. When treatment works,
it benefits us all.
Message from
CCDAC Chairman Minister for Home Affairs
Col Tin Hlaing on occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit
Trafficking
YANGON,
26 June — The following is a translation of the message from Chairman of the
Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Committee Minister for Home Affairs Col
Tin Hlaing, in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and
Illicit Trafficking.
The theme for this year’s
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is “Drugs:
Treatment Works” and it has been chosen to highlight the responses by various
nations of the world to the challenge of drugs and their efforts to deal with
it.
The Central Committee for Drug
Abuse Control has taken the responsibility of laying down the 15 years plan for
the eradication of drugs in Myanmar and to accomplish it, it has laid down 2
strategies, 3 tactics and 3 techniques for the implementation of this plan. The
3 tactics are Supply Reduction, Demand Reduction and Law Enforcement. Thus the
second tactic, Demand Reduction is in accordance with the United Nations’ theme
for this year, “Drugs: Treatment Works”.
On this International Day Against
Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking which falls on 26 June, today, I would like
to urge the people of Myanmar, together with the Committees for Drug Abuse
Control in the various States and Divisions, Districts and Townships to assist
in the Treatment and Rehabilitation activities for drug addicts in their
respective regions with the aim of helping them regain a life free of drugs.
In accordance with the tactic for
the elimination of drug abuse in Myanmar, two centers for the development of
youth, Shwe Pyi Thar and Shwe Pyi Aye have been established and are providing
medical treatment and rehabilitation for drug addicts under the direct
supervision of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control. In addition, the
Shwe Pyi Thit Youth Development Center is under construction in Teema Village,
Muse Township in the Northern Shan State. This center will be ready in the near
future to give medical treatment and provide rehabilitation for drug addicts.
Similarly, under the direct
supervision of the Department of Social Welfare, 6 rehabilitation centers have
been established in the States and Divisions where drug addicts are being
rehabilitated after the completion of medical treatment. In addition, 26 major
treatment centers and 40 minor treatment centers have been opened in the States
and Divisions under the direct supervision of the Department of Health to give
medical treatment to drug addicts. In the townships where there are no Drug
Treatment Centers, the Township Hospitals of the Department of Health are
authorized to provide drug abuse treatment.
In the World Drug Report issued
by the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC), for this year, it is
estimated that there are about 185 million drug users all over the world, which
is about 3% of the world’s population or 4.7% of the people between the ages of
15 to 64 years. In Myanmar, according to baseline statistics updated in January
2004, there are altogether 63,615 addicts while the Department of Health reports
reveala cumulative figure of 64,330 registered drug addicts. Therefore, it can
be seen that it is necessary to provide drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation
for drug users in Myanmar.
The wrong notion that “Once an
addict, always an addict” should be dispelled. It is firmly believed that given
enough time and effort, an addict will be able to become drug free and re-enter
the mainstream society and will be able to contribute in a positive manner
towards the betterment of the society in which he lives in.
Therefore, in conclusion, I would
like to urge all the people of our country to act in accordance with the United
Nations’ theme for the year 2004, “Drugs: Treatment Works” and join hands with
the Government to participate enthusiastically in the activities of providing
drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation for drug users.
Home Affairs
Minister inspects Drug Museum
YANGON,
18 June — Chairman of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Minister for
Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing arrived at the Drug Museum this afternoon. The
minister was welcomed there by CCDAC member Police Brig-Gen Win Myaing, CCDAC
Joint-Secretary Police Col Kham Aung and officials.
Macrox Co Ltd Managing Director U
Aung San Myat conducted the minister round the booths. The minister next viewed
the extension of booths. Later, the minister inspected preparations for the 18th
destruction ceremony of seized narcotic drugs to mark the International Day
Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to be held on 16 June.
Winners in
competitions to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illict Trafficking
announced
YANGON,
17 June— Winners in Short Story, Article, Poem, Song, Cartoon, Painting, Poster,
Computer Painting/Poster and Photo Competitions to mark International Day
Against Drug Abuse and Illict Trafficking which falls on 26 June 2004 were
announced today.
In the short story contest, U Zaw
Moe Kyaw (Design Zaw Htet, Architect-Mandalay) won the first prize, Ma Kaythi Oo
(Kaythi Oo-Monywa GCC) the second and Ma May Einsi Oo (Ekari May Oo Kyaw) the
third together with five consolation prize winners.
In the article contest, U Thein
Win (Muse Wong Kham) secured the first prize, Daw Hla Thein the second and Daw
Thet Thet Thin the third and five persons won the consolation prizes.
In the poem contest, the first prize went to U Thaung Win (Maung Ni
Hmaing-Kyauktan), the second to U Khin Maung Tun (Min Thway Nwe-Zigon) and the
third to Saw Einda Thet Maung and consolation prizes went to five winners. Tin
Maung Hlaing stood first in the song contest, Aung Thit Min second and Chit Wai
Wai Kyaw third and five consolation prize winners.
Ma Nilar Shoon Lett of Dagon BEHS
No 1 won the first prize in the under-10 painting contest, Maung Kaung Htet Kyaw
of Tamway BEHS No 18 the second and Ma Nway Yadana Tun of Institute of Education
Practising School the third together with five consolation prize winners.
In the 10-15 painting contest, Ma
Khin Chan Myay Thu of Institute of Education Practising School secured the first
prize, Maung Zin Ko Ko of Ahlon BEHS No 4 the second and Ma Khaing Myat Myo Tun
Lin of Institute of Education Practising School the third and five students were
consolation prize winners.
In the 15-20 painting contest,
the first prize went to Ma Aye Ei Soe San of East University of Yangon, the
second prize to Maung Naing Htoo Kyaw of Myanmar Maritime Univer-sity and the
third prize to third year student (Eco) Maung Sithu Aung. Five contestants won
consolation prizes.
In the 20 and above painting
contest, U Aung Moe (Shanlay Art) stood first, Pagyi Kyaw Myint Naing second and
Ma Thet Phyu Win third. Consolation prizes went to five winners. Ma Htoo Htet
Htet Lin of Myoma BEMS (Kyauktan) won the first prize in the under-10 cartoon,
Ma Thoon Shwe Yi Win Hsu of Pathein BEPS No 24 the second and Ma Nila Shoon Let
of Dagon BEHS No 1 third together with five consolation prize winners.
In the 10-15 cartoon contest,
Maung Ye Zarni Aung of Institute of Education Practising School secured the
first prize, Maung Kyaw Htin of BEHS (Kawa) the second and Maung Akar Myo the
third. Five contestants won consolation prizes.
In the 15-20 cartoon contest, Ma
Wint Phyu Htwe of Yankin BEHS No 2 bagged the first prize, Maung Aung Moe Si of
Hlinethaya BEHS No 2 the second and Maung Ye Htut Aung of Dagon BEHS No 1 the
third. Five students won consolation prizes.
In the 20 and above cartoon
contest, the first prize went to Ma Nilar Myint of YCDC, the second to Maung Ye
Htut Aung (Kyauktan) and the third to Ma Pyi Pyi Thant of Institute of
Economics. Five persons won consolation prizes. Maung Htoo Thet Kyaw of Myoma
BEMS (Kyauktan) bagged the first prize in the under-10 poster contest, Ma Phyo
Ei Zin of Tamway BEPS No 9 the second and Ma Hnin Nwe Nwe Aung of BEPS (Shwegon-Kyauktan)
the third together with five students consolation prizes respectively.
Maung Akar Win Tun of Sangyoung
BEHS No 3 secured the first prize in the 10-15 poster contest, Ma Poe Ei Thaw of
Hline BEPS No 23 (Post-Primary) the second and Ma Khin Chan Myay Thu of
Institute of Ecucation Practising School the third. Five students won
consolation prizes.
In the 15-20 poster contest,
Maung Kha Nan Win of Sangyoung BEHS No 3 won the first prize, Maung Wai Yan Kyaw
Hein of Pyay BEHS No 5 the second and Maung Ye Ko Ko Aung of Tamway BEHS No 1
the third together with five consolation prize winners.
In the 20 and above poster
contest, U Zaw Win (Zaw Win-Hngetpyawthee) bagged the first, U Zawni Tun of
Dagon Myothit (East) the second and Maung Ye Htut Aung (Kyauktan) the third with
five consolation prize winners.
In the computer painting contest
at middle school level, the first prize went to Maung Zaw Ti Ka Maung Maung
Myint of Bago BEHS No 3, the second to Ma Thet Pon Chit of Pathein BEMS No 1 and
the third to Maung Nyan Naing Tun of Mandalay BEMS No 7. Consolation prizes went
to five students.
In the computer painting contest
at high school level, Ma Shwe Yi Win of Mawlamyine BEHS No 8 stood first, Ma
Tharaphu Aung of Lanmadaw BEHS No 1 second and Maung Ye Ko Ko Aung of Tamway
BEHS No 1 third. Five students were consolation prize winners.
In the computer digital poster
(open) contest, third year student (Eco) Maung Sithu Aung secured the first
prize, Ma Po Po Kyi (UFL) the second and third year student (Maths) Maung Win
Htut the third. Five persons won consolation prizes.
In the photo (open) contest, Aung
Kyaw Tun (Patheingyi) won the first prize, Aung Tun Win (Lanmadaw) the second
and Hsan Oo (Teinhlar) the third. Three persons won consolation prizes.
First, second and third prizes
will be presented to the winners at Drug Elimination Museum, here, and
consolation prizes will be presented by State/Division Drug Abuse Control
Committees. The first, second and third prize winners are to report to CCDAC
(Head Office) on 24 June.