Qatar Advocates for Global Action Against Increasing Drug Production and Consumption

The State of Qatar has called for international adherence to drug control conventions amid rising global drug production and consumption, urging enhanced joint efforts to combat these issues. Despite some positive developments, concerns remain about the increase in cocaine production and drug use, especially among youth. Qatar has proposed supporting structural changes to address the root causes of drug cultivation.

The State of Qatar has voiced its concerns regarding the escalation of drug production and consumption globally, underscoring the necessity for adherence to the three international drug control conventions and supportive measures for the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) during the 68th session in Vienna. His Excellency Mr. Jassim Yaqoub Al-Hammadi, Qatar’s Ambassador to the United Nations and International Organizations, emphasized that current international collaborations remain insufficient in combatting illicit drug production and trafficking.

Reflecting on the 2024 World Drug Report published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Ambassador Al-Hammadi pointed to alarming trends, with cocaine production at unprecedented levels, drug usage increasing—particularly among youth—and a growing variety of drugs available in the market. He declared that efforts toward achieving a drug-free world are still lacking.

Despite the overall dire scenario, Qatar noted certain positive developments, including a significant decrease in opium production in Afghanistan and initiatives in Syria aimed at dismantling captagon laboratories. Qatar advocates for enhanced international collaboration, particularly in aiding Afghan farmers through alternative development programs while addressing the structural challenges such as poverty that contribute to drug cultivation.

The State of Qatar reiterated its backing for the conclusions drawn from the 2024 World Drug Report, which posits that dismantling drug economies requires a focus on the root causes of illicit crop cultivation. These may include socioeconomic factors that trap youth in drug dependency. Furthermore, Qatar reaffirmed the importance of the CND and the UNODC in addressing global drug issues effectively.

Qatar has called for increased support for the UNODC to bolster its technical assistance and capacity-building efforts among member states. The nation emphasized the urgent need to resolve the financial difficulties hindering the UNODC’s initiative to monitor global drug trafficking and convene essential meetings.

Ambassador Al-Hammadi outlined Qatar’s initiatives to uphold commitments under international drug conventions and highlighted ongoing collaborative efforts to combat drug trafficking on various fronts. He reiterated Qatar’s participation in the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drugs Threats.

Concluding the statement, His Excellency expressed national pride in Qatar’s proactive approach to safeguarding its citizens from drug dangers through a robust National Drug Control Strategy, which prioritizes preventive measures, educational programs, and community awareness.

In summary, Qatar has underscored the critical need for global cooperation and adherence to international drug policies to combat the rising challenges of drug production and consumption. With an emphasis on addressing root causes, enhancing support for the UNODC, and focusing on preventive measures at the national level, Qatar aims to make significant strides towards ensuring a drug-free environment for its citizens.

Original Source: www.gulf-times.com