Trinidad & Tobago tackles youth problems

As part of the world wide campaign to combat international menace of drugs, the government of Trinidad and Tobago together with the UN Drug Control Programme has undertaken a national drug abuse demand reduction project. The project empowers communities to develop strategic alternatives to drugs. Team sports like basketball and soccer help keep young people occupied. Those who have fallen victim to the drug dealers and wound up in prison are taught job skills to help keep them out of jail after release.

UN in Action: 596; Running time: 3 min., 42 sec.

 

With UN Help Caribbean countries seek alternative to drug abuse

Bridgetown, Barbados, known for its sunny climate and warm beaches, has similar problems as developed countries such as the presence of illegal drugs. A UN-sponsored programme helps former drug addicts to gain skills to find employment instead of turning to drugs. The Government of Barbados is now educating young people about the danger of drugs and encourages them to participate in sports and cultural activities. Drug reduction efforts used in Barbados and elsewhere will be discussed at a UN General Assembly meeting in June 1998.

UN in Action 572; Running time: 3 min., 24 sec.

 

Caribbean countries work together to control drug trafficking

The Caribbean countries so often associated with tropical paradise are also a major transit point for the illegal drug trade. Drug lords exploit the geographical location of the Eastern Caribbean islands moving 70 of their cargo by boats. To respond to the crisis, the 18 countries of the region have pledged to work together through the Barbados Plan of Action. It is an agreement to better coordinate resources against the illicit drug trade.

UN in Action: 569; Running time: 3 min., 48 sec.

 

Youth boost demand at consumer end of international pipeline

In Brighton, a resort town in the south of England, a new youth drug culture is flourishing. The Sussex Police Drug Squad treat drug dealers as criminals but are lenient on first time drug users. Young people in Brighton describe how easily available illegal drugs are on the market. The YMCA has set up an after-school programme for teenage drug abusers in an effort to steer them away from this destructive habit. These issues were addressed at a special session of the United Nations devoted to drugs in June 1998

UN in Action: 567; Running time: 3 min., 42 sec.

 

Pakistan is waging battle with cross-border drug trafficking

Drug smugglers have found Pakistan's border to be the easiest route for transporting their narcotics to Europe and other destinations. The United Nations Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) is providing improved communications equipment to help the Pakistani Government monitor its border more efficiently.

UN in Action: 439; Running time: 4 min., 10 sec.

 

After the opium: a new life for the hill tribes of northern Thailand

Farmers in northern Thailand who previously relied on the cultivation of poppy as a cash crop are now confronting the problems of opium and heroin addiction. The Thai Government and the UN International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) are assisting the villages set up community-based drug treatment centres and implement measures to improve the economy.

UN in Action: 302; Running time: 4 min., 27 sec.

 

Qat in Yemen

Qat in Yemen now accounts for more than 100,00 hectares of the country's farmland. The World Health Organization (WHO), classified it as a mild narcotic which can cause health problems. Many farmers prefer to plant Qat instead of grains because of the high revenue generated from its trade. As the population increases, the Government is planning to replace Qat plantations with food crops in order to minimize food importation costs.

UN in Action: 278; Running time: 3 min., 12 sec.

 

Drug rehabilitation in Thailand

Thailand is often thought of as one of the sources of narcotics for export from the Golden Triangle. But the country has its own serious local drug addiction problem and is introducing rehabilitation and job counselling for addicts with the help of the International Labour Organisation, ILO.

UN in Action: 195; Running time: 3 min., 38 sec.

 

Drug problem hit southern Africa

Drug abuse in Southern Africa is spreading across all levels of society. Many hospitals have reported a tremendous increase in patients suffering from drug addiction. Illegal smuggling of drugs such as Mandrax, remains a great concern to local authorities. With help from the ILO, Governments of the region are able to implement measures to curtail drug trafficking and to assist addicts, through rehabilitation programmes, to reenter the mainstream of society.

UN in Action: 166; Running time: 3 min., 12 sec.