Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Ministry of Counter Narcotics

Kabul Regional Event on:

Impact of illicit drugs on the society and communities in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries - Seeking societal solutions to counter the drug problem Kabul, Afghanistan 10-12 December 2012

Kabul civic communiqu on narcotics regional cooperation

Recognizing the grave threat posed by illicit drugs to the people of Afghanistan and neighbouring countries, a group of over a hundred concerned individuals came together to discuss how the countries of the region can better cooperate to counter the negative impacts of illicit drugs. These individuals came to Kabul for the three day event from across the region, as well as Afghanistans provinces, representing a cross-section of society. These included parliamentarians, tribal elders, religious leaders, media representatives, singers, sports heroes, opinion leaders and civil society representatives, in addition to the government representatives from Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. Participants of the Kabul Regional Event on the Impact of Illicit Drugs on the Society and Communities in Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries recognized that the responsibility for fighting illicit drugs does not lie exclusively on the shoulders of the governments of the region to the contrary, it should be approached as a society-wide concern starting from within the family and community. Citizens at large and communities must be engaged through consistent messaging from opinion and religious leaders, and other inspiring public faces (such as cultural and sport heroes), in overcoming the root causes of the drug problem. Various dimensions of the impact of illicit drugs need to be tackled holistically as the drivers of the opium economy are often poverty and lack of employment amongst others. Security and governance challenges in areas vulnerable to production and trafficking aggravate the problem. The need for better rule of law and economic opportunities are important requirements in this fight that are part of a long-term solution. Nonetheless, there are many actions that can change the problem landscape if implemented with civic involvement. These efforts should be coordinated in the region as the challenges faced are commonly shared, especially between bordering communities that often bear the most direct burden of drug trafficking. In particular, importance of putting greater emphasis on prevention was recognized. Below are several areas that can be followed up, which will greatly advance the fight against drugs: - Greater support was requested for the fight against drugs by various actors present across Afghanistan and the wider region, including security forces, also in prevention and treatment. -Most opium farmers are poor. But not all poor farmers are involved in opium In Afghanistan, where the cultivation takes place, alternative livelihood programmes need to be developed and expanded especially in vulnerable regions so that farmers are provided options to move away from cultivation. By the same token, those who do provide the impunity and opportunity are to feel the hand of law enforcement. Honesty and sincerity is required from all involved, since without these, all the investment provided for the cause will not reach those in need and the poppy problem will remain.

-There should be an unequivocal position expressed by government leaders and prominent figures that illicit drugs are unacceptable both from religious perspectives and the criminality angle. -Awareness, which is a key to prevention, needs to be fostered at every level, starting from the smallest social unit family which has the principal responsibility. This should be strengthened with regular messaging in schools, mosques, shuras and other community organizations, which can be further strengthened though the promotion of nation-wide role models such as musicians, artists and sportsmen who can promote healthy life styles and denounce criminality and violence. The governments lead counter-narcotics agencies should reach out and coordinate actions in different layers to amplify the message. - In Afghanistan and many of its neighbouring countries, the role of religion is critical and respected religious figures all the way from the Ulema Shura members to Mullahs in the villages need to be engaged to send a continuous message. In some countries such as Afghanistan, religious authorities should be provided dedicated resources to enable their nation wide action. This will also enable education on the correct and latest counter narcotics advocacy to Mullahs in rural and remote areas. - Using the power of culture, arts, music and sports in shaping the ideals of the general public, especially youth, and as role models and proponents of healthy lifestyles was highlighted. Among the practical measures suggested were regional celebrity networks including annual regional music competition/festivals; creative therapy centres across the region; celebrity patronage of schools highlighting drug awareness. There is also a need to link the role-model messaging to projects that will support provision of infrastructure for sports and culture. - The media has a significant responsibility of disseminating correct information and sending motivational messages. Increase in drug awareness messaging by the mainstream media, as well as consideration for gratis arrangements for public messaging was deemed necessary. The value of bringing together these various sectors of society to unite against drugs was strongly recognized and participants agreed on the need for continuous and regular meetings to be organized by the UN. Closing the meeting on 12. 12. 2012, the possibility was suggested that 12th of December be considered as a civic day of the people of the region uniting against drugs, and respective governments may consider capturing the momentum created by this first regional event, as well as the UN to follow up on supporting the cause where requested. The participants representing the people of the region expressed readiness to follow up wherever they can on these and other innovative approaches for citizen support in a united fight against drugs.