ROLE OF COMMUNITIES STRESSED

Corruption Seen As The Silent Partner

The United Nations International Drug Control Programme yesterday
launched a "Lights On" campaign to highlight drug abuse, corruption
and violence in East Asia and the Pacific.

The initiative coincided with International Day Against Drug Abuse and
Illicit Trafficking.

Sandro Calvani, of UNDCP Regional for East Asia and the Pacific,
opened the ceremony and said the campaign was a community initiative.

Effective measures against drugs, corruption and violence could only
be achieved in the communities, he said.

Mr Calvani encouraged communities in East Asia and the Pacific to
campaign against drugs and develop effective drug policies.

He also wanted the communities to help drug addicts, even violent
ones, and crack down on corruption and violence.

Everybody is aware of the damage and pain caused by drug abuse, but
not enough is being done in civil society to guard against it, the
activist said.

That is what causes the predatory behaviour of corrupt politicians and
state authorities.

He said violence especially hurts women and children, the most
vulnerable people in society. It also affects the youth, and destroys
their feelings and aspirations.

Mr Calvani cited a Thai Farmer's Research Centre survey conducted in
February which found that there were 680,000 registered drug addicts
in China and that 75% of blue-collar workers in Bangkok admitted to
using drugs.

He said drug abuse was a huge global problem which did not
discriminate between rich or poor, employed or unemployed. He urged
communities to "switch on the light" to fight against drugs,
corruption and violence.

Sorasit Saengprasert, secretary-general of the Office of the Narcotics
Control Board, said the Lights On campaign was a new plan designed by
UNDCP, which has also launched anti-drug marches.