Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), marked the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day), on June 26.
He said that the Cooperation Council countries are making great efforts to combat drugs, which have become a scourge that has invaded the whole world, killing the present and future of youth.
The secretary general commended the efforts of all stakeholders in the GCC countries in particular, and the international community in general, in confronting this dangerous phenomenon that threatens security and stability in the region, transcending borders, countries and continents, and has devastating impacts on the future and development of our societies.
He added that we are all aware that combating drugs requires effective international cooperation and joint efforts by governmental and civil agencies and individuals, and the GCC countries are committed to strengthening international cooperation and coordination between countries in this field by setting a vision and systematic work mechanisms to combat and prevent this phenomenon.
Albudaiwi stressed that GCC countries are working on developing procedures and policies in place to combat drug trafficking, with the aim of reaching a world free of drugs and providing assistance to drug abusers by providing means of treatment, and re-engaging them in society after their recovery.
He said that the phenomenon of drugs has global features and dimensions, due to its widespread across countries and continents, and combating it requires strengthening aspects of cooperation between the specialised authorities in this field, at all national, regional and international levels, in order to contain it, paralyse the movement of its smugglers, and limit its supply and demand.
The secretary general emphasised that this approach is stressed by the leaders of the GCC countries, through their support for the establishment of the GCC Criminal Information Centre to Combat Drugs in the year 2008 with its headquarters in Doha, to constitute a strong motive for the efforts of the GCC states in supporting and enhancing joint Gulf action in the field of combating illicit drug trafficking.
He concluded his statement by highlighting the importance of educating society about the harms and dangers of drugs and their impact on all groups, calling for caution against this scourge and its effects, supporting the official efforts exerted to combat it, contributing with all available capabilities to face its challenges, protecting our societies from it, and distancing our youth from its tragedies.
He added that great hope remains for this day to constitute a promising opportunity to achieve more awareness of the dangers of drugs and immunise all humanity from the pain and tragedies of this scourge, and motivate societies to actively participate in the fight against drugs and uniting efforts to combat its extension within and outside our geographical scope, mentioning that health is the balance of all forces, and their harmony together.
Source: Bahrain News Agency