U.S. Government funds new UN/ESCAP initiative to fight drug abuse among youth

Bangkok (United Nations Information Services) -- The United States Government, through the U.S. Department of State, has contributed US$ 300,000 to UN/ESCAP to reduce drug abuse among youth in the Greater Mekong Subregion.

"The U.S. government is committed to fighting the war against drugs," said Honorable D.N. Johnson, Ambassador of the United States of America to Thailand. "With UN/ESCAP's unique role in the Asia-Pacific region, we have confidence in its capacity to address the threats of drug abuse to young people in the region."

"This contribution signals a new era of partnership between UN/ESCAP and the U.S. to address the increasing drug use among young people," said Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary of UN/ESCAP. "The funds come at an important time with the growing drug problem in the Asia-Pacific," he said.

The U.S.-funded UN/ESCAP project will be implemented in four countries, namely Lao People's Democratic Republic, China (Yunnan Province), Thailand, and Viet Nam. The project will focus on identifying good practices in drug abuse prevention, treatment and rehabilitation programme, and capacity-building of NGOs to plan and deliver innovative drug programmes for at-risk youth and drug abusers.

Despite having some of the toughest laws against drug trafficking and drug use, Asia is in the throes of a drug epidemic. Most drug abusers are youth. Over 50% of worldwide amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) abuse is in Asia. Counseling facilities and treatment and rehabilitation centres are scarce. Where programmes do exist, the relapse rate is often up to 70%.

"It is clear that more effective approaches to youth drug prevention, treatment and rehabilitation are urgently required. This programme will enable us to implement new and innovative methods," Mr. Kim noted.

For further information contact:

Human Resources Development Section, Social Development Division
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
Tel: (66-2) 288-1502; Fax: (66-2) 288-3031
E-mail: hrd-section.unescap@un.org
Website: www.escap-hrd.org

-- End --