Eastern Horizons News on the Fight Against Drugs and Crime No

ODCCP Eastern Horizons News on the fight against drugs and crime No. 10 in East Asia and the Pacific June 2002

Cambodia and New Zealand Work To Foil Heroin By Mail Scam

UN/ODCCP Counters Money Laundering

New Gross Criminal Product and Illicit Business Routes Around the Golden Triangle

Sex and Drugs, But No Rock ‘N’ Roll

“We Know What Works” in Reducing HIV/AIDS Vulnerability

Wa Region to Become Drug-free by 2005: But What’s Next?

Down and Out in Bangkok - Glue Sniffing Child Photo: Mr. Jetjaras Na Ranong Courtesy: Bangkok Post and Work to Foil HEROIN by Mail Scam

The trafficking of illicit drugs from Cambodia to countries in the Asia-Pacific The Cambodia-New Zealand Trafficking Route region takes various forms. The latest case to come to light is the sending of heroin by mail from the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, to New Zealand. MONGOLIA

Police in New Zealand seized a kilo of heroin O.P.R. KOREA earlier this year sent by a Khmer-New Zea- REP. OF KOREA land citizen and have been cooperating with P.R. CHINA JAPAN Cambodian authorities to apprehend the suspect. Deputy Prime Minister, and Chair- man of the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD) in Cambodia, Sar Kheng, told MYANMAR LAO P.D.R. a meeting of provincial drug control commit- THAILAND tee officials in March that, “this is not the VIETNAM first time criminals have done this and the CAMBODIA PHILIPPINES issue has rightly shown the size of the drug BRUNEI danger.” MALAYSIA

Teng Savong, Secretary-General of the SINGAPORE NACD, accepts that Cambodia is now a major PAPUA NEW GUINEA transit route for illicit drugs. He recently told INDONESIA the news agency Reuters, “The Golden Tri- EAST TIMOR angle is now the main source of drugs smug- PACIFIC ISLAND STATES gled through Cambodia to the West. [Drug traffickers] import and re-export from here, but we don’t know how much.” AUSTRALIA The NACD’s Secretary-General is also reported to have indicated that corrupt Cam- bodian authorities, including police and military, were involved in the drug trafficking networks. The UNDCP Cambodia Country Pro- file (available at http://www.undcp.un.or.th), released in March 2001, reflects this view of the involvement of some elements in the law enforcement community in this illegal trade.

– Graham Shaw, UN/ODCCP, Cambodia

2 UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMME

of Wrath

During the years of the Vietnam War Laos achieved the unpleasant privi- Australian National lege to become the most bombed country in human history. The country received an equivalent of one metric Illicit Drug ton of bombs per person. Needless to say that it took the Americans quite a number of missions to deliver such a payload and obviously every mission on the Way carried the risk of being hit by enemy fire. In fact, the local resistance did manage to shoot down quite a number A new Commonwealth Government Drugs The TV ads themselves can be both dra- of planes. A fact, which slowly takes us Campaign, promoted by the Australian matic and frightening. However, the main to the point. Government, is now targeting parents to emphasis is on communication. One exam- High up in the Lao mountains in be more alert to the seriousness of the ple is an ad where what appears to be a Houphan Province UNDCP and the Lao drug problem. It provides the information family discussing emerges to be actors in a Government are implementing an alter- parents need for discussions about drugs, television programme, which consequently native development project. The area together with suggested ways of talking is discussed by a second family watching is impoverished highland and there is with children about drugs. the show. The ad advocates that families a lack of most things. However, one It is believed that such advice can should grab the chance to discuss drug resource is abundant – scrap metal. strengthen families’ resistance to drugs. issues, when drugs appear in television. The local villagers use scrap-metal from The campaign will feature television adver- Together with the drug treatment and wreckages of air-planes to produce tisements, print advertisements, and a law enforcement programs currently belts and other daily necessities. booklet provided in several languages. The underway as parts of the National Illicit The belts are produced by the vil- booklet is currently going to every house- Drug Strategy, the advocacy initiative rep- lagers using local technology. First they hold in Australia. The message focuses on resents the largest single national initiative melt scrap-metal collected in the vicin- the difference between childhood dreams in Australia’s history to fight drugs. ity in order to produce metallic wire. and the dangers of drug use including the The wire is then manually converted risk of death. – Patricia M. Budiyanto, UNDCP, Bangkok into belts, which is used by the local women. The villagers produce about 500 belts of a variety of sizes and lengths annually. The market price for HANDS the belts varies between 2 to 4 US$. – Peter Lunding, UNDCP, Bangkok 45 countries meeting under the aus- pices of the UN sponsored Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agen- cies (HONLEA) held in Sydney last year. The mural is based on artwork by Mr. Mark Huddleston, a member of Aus- tralia’s indigenous community, who had been working with the Australian Federal Police. The artwork shows an outer ring A mural based on the handprints of the of hands, symbolizing people from differ- representatives of drug law enforcement ent lands, who have traveled many paths agencies covering most of the Asia Pacific to the central meeting place. The meet- Region was presented on 20 March, ing was taking place under the protection 2002 to UNDCP Bangkok by Commis- of a platypus – the corporate symbol of sioner Mr. Mick Keelty of the Australian the Australian Federal Police. Federal Police. The mural is permanently placed in The mural came out of a four-day the United National Conference Centre in meeting involving 140 delegates from Bangkok and accessible to the public.

EASTERN HORIZONS • JUNE 2002 3 The Thai delegation attending the cross-border cooperation Phnom Penh meeting Making Borders A Barrier Against Drugs and Crime

Recent reports from the anti-narcotic ments to expedite their illicit trade in illicit police in Cambodia have indicated that drugs by getting their harmful cargo to market methamphetamine trafficking from Laos much easier and quicker than previously. into the northern Cambodian province Bilateral cross-border meetings were of Stung Treng has now taken over as held between April 22-26, 2002, in Phnom the primary route for this illicit trade. Penh involving officials from Thailand, Viet- Up until about a year ago, most ‘yaba’ nam and Cambodia where agreement was trafficked into Cambodia came from made to set-up three BLOs within the next Thailand via the northwestern provinces few months. Plans are also under discus- of Banteay Meanchey and Battambang sion with Cambodia and Laos to establish a Vietnamese participants at the meeting in Phnom Penh as well as the former Khmer Rouge BLO on their border by the end of this year. area of Pailin; in addition, this synthetic opment of Cross-Border Law Enforcement Mr. Akaneevut Sisawasdi, Vice Gover- drug was smuggled through the western Cooperation in East Asia. BLOs will function nor of Trat Province, said after Thailand’s Cambodian province of Koh Kong. as focal points to improve the effectiveness discussions with Cambodia, “now the two of modern border control methods, includ- countries have many similar problems. It ince 2001, drug traffickers appear to ing investigation and interdiction tech- is important that we have closer co-opera- be extending their logistical opera- niques, and to develop joint operational tion to prevent drugs from being trafficked Stions to take advantage of the lack of activities by law enforcement officials in from one country to another.” law enforcement capacity along the remote key border areas. As part of this developing cooperation border of Laos and Cambodia. Unconfirmed An additional factor in the increasing mechanism, supported with funding from reports suggest that methamphetamine and amounts of methamphetamine available on the Government of Japan, the UNDCP will heroin entering Cambodia along the River the streets of the major urban centres of provide office and communications equip- Mekong and associated road network origi- the country is the opening up of Cambo- ment together with vehicles and will join nates in Myanmar. dia to trade, investment and tourism. The forces with subregional project Enhance- The drug traffickers are likely to face a building of a new highway between the ment of Drug Law Enforcement Training in setback in the coming months through the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, through East Asia to provide computer-based train- establishment of Border Liaison Offices the remote western province of Koh Kong ing in law enforcement techniques to assist (BLOs) at strategic locations along Cam- and across a new bridge to the Thai border officers at all levels to increase the interdic- bodia’s border with neighbouring coun- at Trat is a welcome development. tion of criminal activities along the border, tries as part of the UN Drug Control However, it also brings with it the danger including the trafficking of illicit drugs and Programme’s subregional project Devel- of unscrupulous people using such develop- precursor chemicals. Looking to the future, the head of the UNODCCP Liaison Office in Cambodia, Mr. Bengt Juhlin, told the meetings that, “although the Border Liaison Offices today have a mandate focussing on drug trafficking, I can see that steps might be taken in the future to expand the mandate to cover other illegal cross-border matters such as trafficking of persons or smuggling of weap- ons, etc., because once the cross-border system is in place it can be adjusted and applied for many different purposes.”

The Cambodian delegation at their meeting with Thailand - Graham Shaw, UN/ODCCP, Cambodia 4 UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMME UN/ODCCP Counters Laundering : Criminals Need to “Launder” the Proceeds of Crime

n today’s globalized economy, organized United States. gramme uses its highly successful men- crime groups generate huge sums of The new Convention recognizes that torship programme to provide sustained Imoney by drug trafficking, arms smug- financing is at the heart of terrorist activity assistance over periods ranging from 6 to gling and financial crime. “Dirty money”, and it calls for efforts to identify, detect, 12 months. however, is of little use to organized crime and freeze or seize any funds used or allo- Research activity focuses on work that because it raises the suspicions of law cated for the purpose of committing a adds to the body of information on con- enforcement and leaves a trail of incriminat- terrorist act. It also calls on financial insti- temporary issues relevant to money laun- ing evidence. Criminals who wish to bene- tutions to pay special attention to unusual dering, the maintenance and improvement fit from the proceeds of large-scale crime or suspicious transactions and to report to of relevant databases, the analysis of spe- have to disguise their illegal profits without the government any transactions they sus- cific aspects of money laundering, and the compromising themselves. This process is pect may be connected to terrorist activity. provision of logistical support for technical known as money laundering. The United Nations is committed to help- co-operation activities, including practitio- Left unchecked, money laundering can ing its Member States put in place the leg- ner tools and training materials. erode a nation’s economy by changing islation and implementation mechanisms GPML is also the coordinator of the the demand for cash, making interest and that will enable them to address the financ- International Money Laundering Informa- exchange rates more volatile, and by caus- ing of terrorism. tion Network (IMoLIN), which includes ing high inflation in countries where crim- global databases of anti-money launder- inal elements are doing business. The United Nations Global Programme ing legislation and analysis. The Pro- siphoning away of billions of dollars a year against Money Laundering gramme administers IMoLIN on behalf from normal economic growth poses a real of the United Nations, FATF, Interpol, danger at a time when the financial health In 1997 the United Nations Office for Drug Commonwealth Secretariat, Organization of every country affects the stability of Control and Crime Prevention (ODCCP) of American States, Council of Europe, the global market. The consequences of created the Global Programme against and the Asia-Pacific Group on Money money laundering are bad for business, Money Laundering (GPML) in response Laundering. IMoLIN can be accessed on development, government and the rule of to the United Nations mandates against www.imolin.org. law. money laundering. GPML is the focal point Key to the GPML assistance effort is in the UN System for issues related to provision of expertise and other assistance After September 11 money laundering and proceeds of crime, in the development of Financial Intelligence including technical assistance to states Units (FIUs). FIUs are the central national However, the consequences of money laun- in bringing their countermeasures up to institutions used in receiving and analys- dering can also be a direct threat to national international standards. ing reports of financial transactions linked and international security, as recent events GPML is the only technical co-opera- to criminal activity. Among the duties have shown. The disastrous events of 11 tion body with a global mandate to deal of GPML mentors is to help countries September 2001 focused attention on with money laundering. It is an active part- establish, develop and maintain FIUs. The ways in which the international commu- ner of international organizations working Programme does much of this work in con- nity addresses the threat of terrorism, and in this field, such as the Financial Action junction with the Egmont Group, the inter- ways in which the United Nations can help Task Force (FATF), the International Mon- national umbrella body for FIUs. its Member States face this challenge. One etary Fund, the World Bank, the Common- Anti-money laundering is a dynamic significant result was the entry into force wealth Secretariat, and INTERPOL, as well field, frequently subject to changes in on 10 April 2002 of the United Nations as the regional organizations and regional techniques, technology, jurisprudence and International Convention for the Suppres- development banks, with which it works policy approaches (both at the national sion of Financing of Terrorism. closely. and international level). GPML activities The speed with which this Convention The general thrust in the area of tech- will continue to be structured to take has been ratified by Member States illus- nical co-operation is assisting legal, finan- account of current circumstances and thus trates the heightened commitment of the cial and law enforcement authorities to to remain responsive to the changing international community to combating ter- develop the necessary infrastructure to needs of Member States and the interna- rorism in all its forms. Twenty-two of the 26 fight money laundering. Specific initia- tional community. ratifications/accessions received to date tives are built around awareness-raising, took place after the terrorist attacks on the institution-building and training. The Pro- – GPML, UN/ODCCP, Vienna

EASTERN HORIZONS • JUNE 2002 5 Entering the 10th Year of Drug Control Partnership in the Greater Mekong Subregion: Drug Control Cooperation a Major Priority

• Over 80% of global seizures of amphetamines (ATS) in 2000 took place in East and South East Asia; • About half of the world’s population abusing ATS are found in East and South East Asia; • Over 70 % of the global seizures of heroin and morphine in 1999 occurred in Asia; • Between 1993 and 2001 a tremendous increase in the use of ATS was reported in Thailand; • In Asia and the Pacific (excluding Central Asia), over 1 million adults and children were newly infected with HIV in 2001; • HIV infection among injecting drug users continues to be high in the region; in some countries over 70%.

These trends are staggering

Drug abuse, drug trafficking and other forms of transnational organized crime, manifested in violence, corruption or other socially harmful consequences, represent a direct threat to humankind. Economic and social crimes such as drug trafficking, financial fraud, corruption of public officials, and money laundering threaten the integrity of social, economic, financial, and political institutions. They can rapidly defeat social and economic development efforts. In order to join hands for a cooperative response to the drug threat in an efficient and effective manner, the seven signato- ries of the Memorandum of Understand- ing on Drug Control - namely Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam and UNDCP – held their yearly Senior Offi- bodia and Viet Nam joined the sub-regional addressed progress made under the Sub- cials Committee meeting in Beijing from cooperation agreement in drug control and regional Action Plan projects in the fields of 20-22 May 2002. became parties of the regional group. drug abuse, reduction of illegal drug pro- High level senior officials from each of At the First Ministerial Meeting of the six duction and trafficking, and law enforce- the six countries and UNDCP gathered in signatory countries to the MOU held in Bei- ment cooperation. the Chinese capital for a three-day round jing in 1995, the countries adopted the Sub- Highlighted in the discussions were of multilateral meetings. The sessions took regional Action Plan – SAP. Today the SAP issues such as control measures and stock of progress made in the past nine programme includes 15 projects with the strategies, application of computer-based years of sub-regional drug control oper- total budget of over US$22 million. It is within training, cross-border cooperation, the epi- ations and ways of further strengthening this programme that substantive progress in demic increase of trafficking in and abuse their efforts in the fight against illicit drugs drug control cooperation has been made. of synthetic drugs, in particular meth- and drug-related crimes. This year’s meeting was opened by amphetamines, the spread of HIV/AIDS In 1993, the Governments of China, Mr. Bai Jing Fu, Deputy Commission and through injecting drug use as well as rural Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and UNDCP signed Secretary General of the National Narcot- drug demand and poverty reduction and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) ics Control Commission and Vice Minister alternative development. Participants also under the conviction that concerted efforts of the Ministry of Public Security. It was discussed new topics to address new chal- were essential to address the worsening chaired by Mr. Yang Feng Rui, Permanent lenges: exploring ways to effectively con- problems of illicit drug production, traffick- Deputy Secretary General, National Nar- trol the maritime trade of drugs and the use ing and abuse in the region. In 1995 Cam- cotics Control Commission. The meeting of international rivers, and the close links

6 UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMME Drug Abuse and HIV Vulnerability Among in the Spotlight

study of 1,677 young Cambodians and possible conse- aged between 9 and 21 in Phnom quences of drug use/ A Penh, Battambang and Poipet has dependency.” been undertaken by the local non-govern- Lour Ramin, mental organization (NGO) Mith Samlanh/ permanent deputy Friends with funding from the UK-based Secretary-General of International HIV/ Aids Alliance. The the National Authority survey teams included staff from several for Combating Drugs agencies working with young people in the (NACD), said at the country, including Krousar Thmey, Opera- meeting that, “there tions Enfants de Battambang and Goutte has been a 399 per- d’Eau. cent increase in drug An overview of the findings of the use among children study was presented at a meeting held since 2000,” adding in Phnom Penh on February 26, 2002. that, “the NACD rec- Glue and methamphetamines are the most ognizes the increase commonly reported substances used by the influence of drugs and that, “reported in drug use and production. We are con- the young people surveyed and abuse bravado and recklessness increases high cerned about the youth.” Mith Samheng, of methamphetamines among street chil- risk sexual behaviour among some the Minister of Social Affairs, Labour, Voca- dren tripled in the year to June 2001. males.” tional Training of Youth, told the gathering Those under the age of 14 reported using Whilst the survey found that drug that although Cambodia has not yet set up mainly glue and as youth grew older abuse amongst street children is a con- programs to combat drug abuse, the gov- they increasingly turned to methamphet- cern, it noted that the large number of ernment recognized it needed to develop amines. Other forms of illicit drugs used, urban middle-class youth are one of the preventative measures. especially by older youth, include ecstasy, most high-risk groups in society. “More The UN/ODCCP Liaison Office in Cam- ketamine, marijuana and heroin. disposable income and lower HIV aware- bodia is in the process of attracting funds Of particular concern in the initial ness may make middle class youth more for a three year drug abuse awareness survey findings is that drugs are easily vulnerable to drug use and drug related project aimed at high-risk young people accessable and in widespread use across HIV transmission than street children.” throughout the country. As Sebastien all social groups in Cambodia and that Mith Samlanh/Friends noted that in Marot, director of Mith Samlanh/Friends, youth have a high level of familiarity with the year to June 2001, the number of told the meeting, “we need to inform, we different types of illicit substances. The young people injecting drugs increased need to train and we need to do it fast survey also reports that there is a low from 0.6 percent to 4.3 percent. In addi- because the drugs aren’t waiting for us.” awareness of HIV transmission through tion, the report added that parents are, needle sharing and unsafe sex whilst under “naïve of [the] easy availability of drugs – Graham Shaw, UN/ODCCP, Cambodia

between international organised crimes, for enhancing regional cooperation on a model now replicated in other parts of such as money laundering and exploitation drug control which resulted from the Inter- the world, but it also serves as a forum of human beings. The partners agreed on national Congress “In pursuit of a drug-free where new adaptive changes to new chal- some immediate steps to take more active ASEAN 2015” which was held in Bangkok in lenges of drugs are considered. As shown role and make tangible contributions to the 2000. On that occasion, ASEAN countries in this meeting’s deliberations, it is antic- MOU process. and China jointly endorsed the ACCORD ipated that the MOU countries will be The meeting adopted the Beijing Dec- Plan of Action – ASEAN and China Co- manifesting their more active role through laration. Furthermore, a subregional proj- operative Operations in Response to Dan- increased contributions to the process ect “Reducing HIV Vulnerability from Drug gerous Drugs. of planning, managing and implementing Abuse” was signed. While entering the tenth year of drug cooperative activities. This year’s meeting contributes to the control partnership in the Greater Mekong implementation of the recommendations Subregion, the MOU represents not only – UNDCP, Bangkok

EASTERN HORIZONS • JUNE 2002 7 How the Golden Triangle is becoming a Hexagon: New Gross Criminal Product and Illicit Business the Golden Triangle

The dark side of globalization, i.e. new transnational crime utilizing new opportunities created by economic development was the subject of a recent UNDCP presentation. The main conclusions are here made available for a broader public.

t present most of the greater Mekong subregion is developing Arapidly, which generally has a very positive impact on local communities. However, this development is also creating new opportunities for transnational criminal organizations. Especially the newly constructed (or planned) “Asian Road Links” are opening up the region for a number of unwanted activities. The focus of the presentation was on these unwanted side effects of economic development and infrastructure construction. The new road links not only benefit local business, they also serve as links for trafficking of drugs, precursor chemicals and trafficking of humans and migrant smuggling. The most important of the new routes used for drug trafficking are: Meth- amphetamine is trafficked from Myanmar to China and Thailand sometimes using Laos as a transit point. Heroin is traf- Maps of Drug Smuggling Routes. ficked from Myanmar to China and Viet- nam either for local consumption or in transit to overseas markets. Laos and nese illegal immigrants travel via Mekong increasingly Cambodia are used as transit River to Muang Mom in Bokaew Province, point for these activities. Laos and cross the river to Ban Sob Ruak, The Mekong River is increasingly pre- Chieng Saen District, Chiang Rai, Thai- pared and applied for commercial traffic land. Some of them cross the land bor- and as a result drug traffickers too are ders via Laos and Myanmar into Thailand. increasingly using these new riparian Most of the illegal female immigrants transport facilities. This trend has been from China end up at entertainment busi- highlighted by a recent seizure by Myan- ness parlors. Daily, Vietnamese illegal mar authorities where 9 million ATS tab- immigrant workers are trafficked into lets were seized at a boat at Wong Pong Dongxing in China. More than 6,000 Viet- Port near the Myanmar Laos border. namese illegal immigrants work in the Besides drug trafficking, human traf- Cambodian sex trade. Myanmar illegal ficking is another illicit business which workers are working in the border prov- is utilizing the opportunities created by inces of Thailand. Cambodian children are the region’s improving infrastructure. Chi- trafficked into Bangkok via Cha Cherng

8 UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMME Sao Province to become organized beg- gars. Daily Cambodian illegal workers cross the border to Thailand from Poipet as well as other Cambodian provinces. and , In order to safeguard the proceeds of these illegal activities, money laundering has become a serious problem across But No Rock ‘N’ Roll the region. Casinos situated along Thai/ Cambodian, Thai/Myanmar and Chinese/ Myanmar borders constitute a heaven for A survey of female commercial money laundering activities. Additionally, licit businesses based on drug money are sex workers in Vietnam everywhere including investments in golf courses, real estate, and other front business. Faced with this challenge the question of what to do becomes more urgent than ever. In order to resist that the fruits of development are abused by transnational criminal organizations action must be taken. Most importantly: As part of UNDCP activities to prostitutes became addicted to drugs reduce drug abuse and prostitution after entering the sex work. The drug • Raise civil awareness through national a survey of female commercial sex using urban group mainly prostituted and regional advocacy efforts on the workers was conducted in Vietnam. themselves to earn money for drugs. major and emerging transnational In this sample almost half had been in crimes among member countries he survey provides a wide range prostitution for 1-2 years at the time of • Promote and facilitate the strength- of information about the women the survey. The work place depended Tand the link between prostitution on age, beauty, health status and addic- ening of regional cooperation and develop new links and partnerships and drug addiction. A total number of tion. Addicted prostitutes tend to work to generate more knowledge, ideas 500 female sex workers from Hanoi, more in public places. and resources to fight against all illicit Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Heroin is the drug best known by activities Thai Nguyen and Baria-Vung Tau partic- the women. It is also the main drug of • Develop legal cooperation and harmo- ipated in the survey, which took place choice and usually injected. ATS was nize laws for maritime and cross-bor- during the last quarter of 2000. In addi- still not very well known at the time of der cooperation purposes tion to questionnaires in-depth inter- the survey. Drug use is very prevalent in • Promote more effective communica- views took place with a smaller sample both the workplace and the social envi- tion channels for information sharing of 100 women. The survey sites com- ronment of this group. The harmful con- on recent drug trends, current on prise for 55% of all known female pros- sequences of drug use seemed to be the ground situations, intelligence and titutes in Vietnam. well known, but the knowledge itself did other related issues The survey found that 71% of the not appear to lead to a decrease in the women were drug users. Most (64%) level of drug abuse. Conclusion: were in the 18-25 years age bracket, Self-esteem was low and family but 9% was younger than 18 years. support for the women limited. Child The most important challenge for every- 10% of the sample was illiterate and traumas (including sexual abuse) were one concerned is how to balance the facil- they were found mainly in Ho Chi Minh highly prevalent both among drug abus- itation of economic development in this City. Compared to findings of previous ers and non-users. region with proper controlling measures studies the level of education of women High risk behaviour for HIV/AIDS in fighting against drugs and other illicit in this sample was significantly higher. transmission was highest in the sub- activities and to do so without entering Almost 2/3 had secondary school level group of drug users. In this group almost into conflict with the region’s economic (including upper secondary) education. half never used condoms and 62% development. About half of the women participating shared needles. Daily drug use cost is The problems of drugs and other illicit in the survey were married. 3-15 US$ (50,000 – 200,000 VND). activities are no longer problems reserved Apart from prostitution half of the 75% of those addicted received the countries in the Golden Triangle. women were unemployed. Almost all some form of drug treatment but relapse Transnational crime has become truly were ethnic Vietnamese. 42% were is very high. international and activities have become migrants from rural areas. This figure Interviews are now being prepared a threat to all countries competing on the is significantly lower than previous find- to reduce drug abuse and prostitution global market place. ings that indicated that most commer- rates in project sites (Haiphong, Danang cial sex workers were rural migrants. and Ho Chi Min city). Implementation is – Songsatit Kittikhunwatchana, Almost half cited “living a difficult foreseen for 2002. UNDCP, Bangkok life” as main reason for entering commercial sex work. Most rural migrant – UNDCP, Vietnam

EASTERN HORIZONS • JUNE 2002 9 Cambodia Receives AND from ODCCP in Its Fight against Drugs

he UNODCCP Liaison Office in the Teng Savong said, “We can say that the “that this new human resource develop- Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, assistance will contribute to further ment technology will result in a significant Tformally handed over the right of use strengthening the capacity of the NACD increase of the amount of illicit drugs being of two vehicles and a variety of office equip- Secretariat-General and the national drug seized which in turn will strengthen the ment to the Secretariat of the National control programme. We hope that the co- Cambodian Government’s position as an Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD) in operation between the two institutions effective regional and global partner in the a ceremony held on February 21, 2002, will be more effective and fruitful in the fight against drugs.” as part of its commitment to help the future.” Those attending the handover cere- Cambodian government develop its capac- The computers handed over in the cer- mony included the Japanese Ambassador, ity to implement a national drug control emony form part of the UNDCP subre- the Deputy Head of the US Mission to Cam- programme under the supervision of the gional project Enhancement of Drug Law bodia together with representatives of the NACD. Enforcement Training in East Asia that Australian Embassy, the European Union, The ceremony held at the offices of the provides Cambodian language computer- the Australian Federal Police and the Jap- NACD Secretariat was presided over by Lt. based training to law enforcement officers anese International Cooperation Agency Gen. Teng Savong, the Secretary-General at initially two training centres located in (JICA). of the NACD, and Mr. Bengt Juhlin, head Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. In his of the UNODCCP office in Cambodia. speech, Bengt Juhlin expressed his hope, - Graham Shaw, UN/ODCCP, Cambodia

10 UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMME Cambodia Begins FIRST EVER SURVEY of School Children

he first ever survey of illicit drug abuse spreading rapidly amongst school children amongst secondary school children in – a development that would mirror, for TCambodia began on March 27, 2002, example, Thailand where the number of in the capital, Phnom Penh. The survey, part frequent drug users among school children of the UNDCP project Subregional Develop- has risen from 70,000 to a staggering 2.3 ment of Institutional Capacity for Demand million in only 5 years. Reduction among High Risk Groups, was Other population sectors to be anal- organised by the National Authority for ysed include other youth groups, workers in Combating Drugs (NACD) with support from the entertainment industry, manual labour- the UN Office for Drug Control and Crime ers, truck and taxi drivers, junior military Prevention, Liaison Office, Cambodia. personnel, workers in the garment industry Bak Touk High School in central Phnom Penh A total of 2,000 high school students and fishermen. More extensive surveying aged from 14 to 17 completed the Cam- abuse surveys that will be performed in of high school, college and university stu- bodian language survey totaling 191 ques- the coming year. Schoolchildren have been dents are also planned in the near future as tions. The schools involved in the survey given priority as there is a common under- funds become available. included Sonthormok, Indratevi, Bak Touk standing that drug abuse, in particular and Preah Sisowath, which were randomly methamphetamine/yaba, is on its way to – Graham Shaw, UN/ODCCP, Cambodia selected. Further surveys of high school students will be made in Battambang (800 students) and Sihanoukville (700 students) in the coming weeks and it is hoped that the final results of the data collected will be published by the end of July 2002. The results from this initial survey will provide crucial data that will enable effective counter-measures to be developed as part of the national drug control programme. The survey will also help inform the development of future drug treatment and rehabilitation services for Cambodia and is of crucial importance in the efficient use of Government budget allocations as well as focusing assistance from donors, United Nations organizations, NGOs and other civil society groups. This is the first in a series of drug Cambodian High School students taking part in the illicit drug abuse survey

EASTERN HORIZONS • JUNE 2002 11 “We What Works” in Reducing Vulnerability

The increasing number of injecting drug users particularly in Asia highlights the need to address the link between drug abuse and HIV/AIDS. The Asian Harm Reduction Network (AHRN) is a global information and support network created to link and support the people and programs working in Asia to stop HIV among injecting drug users (IDUs). Activities include a resource center, newsletter, special reports, training programs and technical assistance and cover five key areas (advocacy, networking, training/capacity building, information dissemination and support to the establishment of enabling policies). Eastern Horizons has interviewed the Executive Director of AHRN, Mr. Ton Smits, on the dangerous link between drugs and HIV/AIDS.

What are the key programs promoted tify and address obstacles and challenges. to prevent harms associated with drug abuse? What are the barriers commonly faced AHRN does not run actual harm reduction in most projects working in Asia to stop programs. Key to AHRN success is our HIV among IDUs? partnerships with over 2000 members, of Currently there are few programs in place which more than 80% are based in Asia. in Asia, despite the fact that we know, that Partnerships include communities affected, in many countries injecting drug use is programs (where rehabilitated drug users the main mode of transmission for HIV/ play a key role), international organizations, AIDS. Moreover there is lacking political research institutes and universities, NGO’s support to the establishment of evidence- both national and international as well as based programs. Social order campaigns international organizations. based on dogma prevail in too many countries and are certainly to lead to disaster. What are the ongoing programs you are We know what works, there is over- promoting? whelming international backing (i.e. Some good practice examples in Asia Mr. Ton Smits. UNGASS, UN System Position Paper, CND include the Hong Kong Methadone Pro- Reduction Conference in Slovenia and to Resolution) yet things are not happening. gram, The Community Based harm reduc- the Netherlands where delegates could We will need all hands on deck to market tion interventions for Akha people in Mae see harm reduction in practice in prisons, these papers and strategies and convince Chan in North Thailand, SHAKTI in Ban- at municipal health services and with leadership of the importance of evidence gladesh, Nai Zindagi in Pakistan, SHARAN law enforcement agencies. These visits based, effective policies and programming. in India, the good work of the Samitarions were possible with the support of UNAIDS Too often I read reports in newspapers of in Calcutta, and Yayasan Hati Hati in Bali. SEAPICT, Population Services International country representatives where the words Some interesting social marketing harm (PSI) and AHRN. HIV/AIDS and the need for HIV prevention reduction programs are currently under- In Indonesia, the Centre for Harm are not even mentioned once. Moreover way in Thailand and China. Reduction (CHR) and AHRN are the Inter- most information is just sitting out there, national Partners of a Family Health Inter- often in languages not commonly spoken What are the policies/actions of AHRN national (FHI) coordinated project called throughout countries. toward promoting national harm reduc- ASA. This HIV/AIDS project is supported tion networks? by USAID. FHI, ARHN and CHR are confi- In relation to the project in Indonesia, Indonesia and Thailand are good examples dent that our joint efforts there will result what do you think of the roles of the of AHRN’s work on this issue. In a recent in an advocacy model that could be applied government, NGOs and communities in meeting between a small group of mem- elsewhere in the region. The AHRN compo- this country in reducing HIV and other bers of the Thai Parliament and the Ministry nent includes advocacy to law enforcement harms associated with drug abuse? of Health, it was agreed that a national harm agencies, the criminal justice system, reli- Progress in Indonesia so far has been reduction network would be an important gious leaders and media. AHRN will also be impressive. Within a relatively short period instrument in the process of establishing responsible for building capacity for net- of time support for pragmatic approaches enabling policies and programs. working. Yayasan Hati Hati in Bali will be and policies have grown. Indonesia is AHRN has been instrumental in coor- the coordinating agency for the first year. implementing a methadone pilot project, dinating this meeting after a successful As part of the process stakeholders will and is given headway for NGO’s targeting study visit to the 13th International Harm meet at national meetings to further iden- drug use and HIV in the absence of exist-

12 UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMME “We What Works” A FOR in Reducing Vulnerability BEST PRACTICES ealth Canada has recently selecting, planning and delivering prac- released guidelines for arriving tices; and evaluating the process and Hat “best practices” related to impact. A “best practice” for ensuring ing policies. I would argue that the Indone- sian Minister of Health, Mr. Achmad Sujudi, addiction treatment and rehabilitation that recommended practices are used, is is a great role model for the region. But and more are on the way. “Best prac- developed through constant and inten- also treatment programs such as Yayasan tices” are those actions that will have sive two-way communication. These Kita and great activists such as Chris Green the greatest impact on reducing the cur- qualities must be followed by opportu- deserve lots of credit for ringing the alarm rent and future burden of addiction and nities for potential users to discuss how bells in Indonesia for a long time. related health problems. These actions the practices might fit with their work, Further, there is strong leadership from include policies, programs, principles and how adaptations might improve the well-respected senior (retired) government and guidelines, instructive resources, fit. Each of the steps involved in using officials such as Pkh Brutto. With support research, and more. Achieving “best best practices requires as much care from AusAID good things are happening practices” requires integration of knowl- and attention as those involved in the too, and let’s not forget the great role the edge from science (evidence) and original knowledge synthesis. UNAIDS Country Program Advisors have practice to achieve informed decision- been playing in advocacy and coordination. making and action. This can be achieved PHASE III feedback – completing I believe UNDCP also has plans working through a process in three phases that the cyclic process with Indonesia. Clearly there is willingness offers such integration and builds a This step closes the best practices pro- in Indonesia to move ahead and I would not system and a philosophy that continu- cess loop. A system for best practice be surprised if it would become a regional ally infuses stronger knowledge in order involves continuously feeding informa- model. to improve practice. tion from practice and research back into the body of knowledge. Thus, orga- What are effective programs for HIV PHASE I synthesizing information nizations have the opportunity to impact prevention among IDUs that could be First step of the process involves syn- the best practices process and contrib- applied in this country? thesizing knowledge. Various sources ute toward a system that is cybernetic Like in any other country where drug users suggest methods for systematically and self-correcting. do not have access to user friendly and extracting the highest-quality evidence, In sum, a “best practice” is a fluid comprehensive services, we need compre- but the amount of high-quality informa- concept and continual program evalua- hensive programs inclusive of critical compo- tion relating to many behavior change tion. It contributes to the ongoing refine- nents such as drug substitution and needle practices is limited. Therefore, knowl- ment of what might more accurately be and syringe availability programs. Most of all edge synthesis can yield only recom- described as “better” practices. With the the criminalisation of drug users has to stop. mendations for practices – not “best development of models for identifying Drug users have to become part of the solu- practices”. This is due to the fact that best practices and the motivation sup- tion. It is possible; religion does not have they cannot account for the context in plied by funders anxious to make a dif- to be an obstacle. Wonderful programs by which the recommendations might be ference, the addictions community faces SHAKTI in Bangladesh and Nai Zindagi in implemented which is a critical aspect of an opportunity to develop a best prac- Pakistan are good examples of this. the process. tices system.

Do you face any difficulties during this PHASE II applying knowledge – Patricia M. Budiyanto, UNDCP, Bangkok on-going program since the issue of to practice Based on information available in drug abuse and HIV/AIDS in Indonesia is Steps in applying best practices include: Developments, Edmonton: AADAC, very sensitive? building awareness and understanding; Vol. 21, Issue 6, Dec 2001 – Jan 2002. People who are facing the greatest difficulties are those who are at risk of incarceration and of contracting HIV and other blood borne infections. Often forgotten, but also often No “best practice” can be assumed under extreme pressure are the outreach to be best long into the future, workers and other program staff who often face harassment as a direct result of their so we must repeatedly redefine and compassion to their fellow men. Our difficulties compared to theirs are relatively small. implement better practices.

–Patricia M. Budiyanto, UNDCP, Bangkok

EASTERN HORIZONS • JUNE 2002 13 Recognising the Need for Acumen in Alternative Development Projects

pium poppy is cultivated and forms a crucial source of cash Oincome for poor farmers living in often extremely remote, mountainous areas, where the mainstream national economy has yet to penetrate. In alternative development projects aiming to end opium poppy cultivation by finding alternative sources of income, major challenges occur as the opium farmers are introduced to a whole new economy: How can farmers in these remote areas find markets for alternative products that lack the automatic marketing force of opium? If they are fortunate enough to have a nearby marketplace, how can they be empowered to deal with post-harvest technology, transportation costs, pricing, and competitiveness? How can they get financial credit so that they are able to start small enterprises? Issues such as these are currently faced in projects around the region, and were recently discussed at the regional seminar “Sharing experiences and good practices on micro-credits, revolving funds and marketing,” held in Luang Prabang, Laos from 12-16 March 2002. The seminar forms part of the UNDCP project administered by the Regional Centre, “Alternative Development Coop- eration in East Asia,” a sub-regional project supported by AusAID running since October 2000. The recent seminar in Luang Prabang was preceded by a meeting of the Project Coordination Commit- tee (PCC) for the project on 11 March. The PCC reviewed and expressed strong satisfaction with the progress in project implementation, and adopted the work- Slash and burn cultivation is still common in the highlands of Laos. plan for 2002-2003. Upcoming activities for the Alterna- seminar held in Taunggyi, Myanmar, where coordinators and managers, development tive Development Cooperation in East micro-credit and marketing were identi- specialists and representatives from Asia project include a regional training fied as areas where much more infor- UNDCP offices, donor and international on monitoring and evaluation of AD proj- mation and knowledge were needed in development agencies all participated in ects and a regional seminar on data base order to arrive at more successful income the five-day seminar in Laos. There was collaboration. replacement. Country delegations from certainly a sense of community among The alternative development cooper- China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet- the participants, after many have now met ation seminar built on last year’s regional nam, alternative development project several times in various regional activities

14 UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMME recommended guidelines for marketing motion. The interest was very high among AD products thus provided the partici- the participants, and the seminar boosted pants with more detailed information on many conceptual and practical discus- practices that have proven successful. A sions. The seminar successfully initiated a regional study on marketing was also pre- common conscience on the impact tools sented to give an overview and account such as micro-credit, revolving funds and of the experiences in marketing AD prod- marketing can have in opium producing ucts gained so far. areas. Group discussions were organised A one-day field study visit to the out- to allow more interaction and arrive at skirts of Luang Prabang provided oppor- recommendations for future practices. tunities to become more familiar with the One group focused on micro-credits and seminar topics in practice. Several vil- revolving funds, and among their recom- lages were visited, where local leaders mendations were that alternative devel- presented their experiences with various opment should move towards enabling forms of revolving funds in particular. projects to incorporate such options, The seminar participants also visited the defining the structures that need be in Northern Agriculture and Forestry place and their proper functioning in Research Centre, and the “Sloping Land micro-credit and revolving fund schemes. Management Project” and research site The group discussion on marketing run by IBSRAM. found that the range of alternative development products is very wide in the A full report of the seminar’s conclusions Peeling of mulberry bark – a cash crop and some- region, some marketing constraints were and recommendations, including papers times a beneficial alternative to opium. The bark is identified, and finally the group listed and presentations, will soon be available in sold and applied in commercial paper production. important issues in establishing a mar- paper form and on the Regional Centre’s keting component in AD projects such AD website http://www.undcp.un.or.th/ad. as identifying products, product development, storage, transport, pricing and pro- – Lise Bendiksen, UNDCP Bangkok. International Drug Control Summit 2002: Unite to Fight Drugs

The International Drug Control Summit ATS and other synthetic drugs, and the 2002, jointly hosted by the Federation involvement of organized crime in pro- of Japanese Parliamentarians to Fight duction and trafficking of illicit drugs. against Abuse of Narcotics and ATS, the There were also discussions on the con- implemented under the project. Government of Japan, and the United trol of precursor chemicals used in the Country delegations presented their Nations International Drug Control Pro- manufacture of ATS and other synthetic experiences in micro credits, revolving gramme (UNDCP), was held in Tokyo on drugs and ways of combating drug traf- funds and marketing for alternative devel- 23-24 April 2002. The summit in Tokyo ficking. opment. Project presentations from Laos was the first truly global forum of par- Regarding demand reduction issues, and Thailand gave hands-on information liamentarians on drug control, since the the discussion focused on concerns on how these issues are felt at the proj- previous four summits convened only about the deteriorating situation of drug ect level. Since the amount of experience the Western Hemisphere. abuse among youth and it was stressed within the AD community is limited, advise The exchange of views on interna- that priority must be given to drug abuse and recommendations were also sought tional drug problems included discuss- prevention. It was suggested that Sweden from invited guest speakers with more ing global trends in illicit drugs focusing host the next Drug Control Summit, specialised expertise. Presentations on on Bolivia’s efforts and the development which will take place next year. micro finance and micro business prac- of the situation in and around Afghan- tices, marketing of horticultural crops istan, the global market situation of – Patricia M. Budiyanto, UNDCP, Bangkok in mountainous regions in Thailand, and

EASTERN HORIZONS • JUNE 2002 15 International Day Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Myanmar

Last June 26th, a groundbreaking marathon against drugs, a public event attended by over 300 people, took place in the streets of Yangon. This had also been organized to assess the feasibility of a deeper involvement of the local civil society in the anti-drug endeavours. The experiment proved better than expected.

ver since, a number of remarkable steps have been taken. Pursuing the Egoal of an all-round youth-targeted drug awareness campaign, the idea was further pushed forward by networking with a group of local celebrities, who share our launch of its second drive last January, campaign, which capitalizes on the popu- concern over the threat posed by synthetic when the idea of a NGO consortium, for larity of the “Stars against Drugs” group. drugs. In this respect, the findings of a drug long time in the pipeline, materialized. In The overall framework plans to undertake consumption school survey, recently con- recognition of the need to foster concerted a variety of innovative initiatives such as ducted by UNDCP, speak for themselves. action, UNDCP and eight Yangon-based the first ever music tour across the country The most striking outcome is that, after NGOs active in the field of drug control, by a drug awareness raising mobile team; marijuana, synthetic drugs have passed agreed to jointly pursue their common goal a wall-poster, street-poster and press cam- heroin as the second drug of choice among of a drug free society in Myanmar. paign; a sport event and a video clip pro-

urban areas’ high-school students. After identifying the partners and duction. The problem has not yet spread to acknowledging their firm determination, all For all this to materialize, funding is endemic proportions, but UNDCP believes that remained to do was to lay down a set needed and UNDCP is now in the process that timely preventive action is to be taken of concrete initiatives and move on to the of appealing to the generosity of the local in order to avoid a major ATS epidemic. To operational phase. This is at the bottom of private sector, another crucial civil society this end, the involvement of local celebri- a multi-media outreach campaign. In prin- constituent. However, even if only half of ties, role models for the youth, was sought ciple the concept has already received the the package was financed and hence imple- and formally displayed in October 2001, government’s go-ahead. mented, this would represent an achieve- when the “Stars against Drugs” group was The celebration of the International Day ment unthinkable just one year ago. established. against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking The civil society initiative recorded the provides an ideal occasion to kick off the – Giovanni Gallo, UNDCP, Myanmar

16 UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMME to Become Drug-free by 2005: But What’s Next?

The Shan State, one of the most remote anced and sustainable, actions to provide and rugged regions of Myanmar, alternative sources of income are imper- accounts for 95% of the national ative. Similar to Afghanistan, opium cul- opium production. The Wa and the tivation in Myanmar is intrinsically linked Kokang areas alone account for 70%. with humanitarian aspects such as food These two ethnic groups are now in the security. world’s spotlight. Recent socio-economic studies conducted by UNDCP revealed that 95% of ast year’s drastic drop in Afghan- opium growers are forced by the neces- istan’s opium production crowned sity to offset chronic rice shortage. 94% LMyanmar as the world’s largest of them showed a keen interest in alter- opium producer, capturing public atten- native economic development to replace tion and condemnation. The President of opium in their cash economy. the United States Mr. George W. Bush, as It goes without saying that the sustain- recently as last February, labelled Myan- ability of any opium ban requires invest- mar as “one of those countries that failed ments involving, among others, sectors demonstrably to make sustainable coun- such as agriculture, health, education and ter narcotics efforts over the last 12 infrastructure. With a precarious econ- months”. This makes Myanmar ineligible omy, Myanmar doesn’t have sufficient to receive any bilateral aid other than domestic resources and external humani- humanitarian from the United States of tarian aid to the country is limited. America. Against this background, since 1998 On the domestic scene, earlier this UNDCP has been running an alternative month, the Wa and the Kokang authorities development project in the heart of the issued a bill stating that all drug related notorious Golden Triangle. With an ini- activities, such as production, trafficking tially estimated US$15.4 million budget, and consumption, are prohibited in the the project aims at reducing and eventu- territories they control and violations will ally eliminating opium production in the be severely punished. The Wa went even Southern Wa by providing opium-grow- further, reaffirming that their regions will ing communities with economically viable be drug-free by 2005. Rather ambitious, and sustainable alternatives. Last year, if one considers that it took Thailand 30 the lack of funding led to significant cuts years to stamp out opium. One of the pro- both in the staffing and in the scope of visions that characterizes both the bills is the project. For 2001, UNDCP received that opium growers will have their fields US$1.1 million, against an initially planned destroyed, should they fail to abide by the US$3 million. Despite these constraints, new law. opium cultivation declined by a resonant These decrees hint at an analogous 30% in the intervention zone. story just two years ago. It was July 2000 While on a limited scale, this demon- when the Taliban supreme leader, Mullah strates the potential for sustainable opium Omar, issued an edict imposing a total reduction in a humanitarian fashion. To ban on opium poppy cultivation. Amid repeat this all over the Shan State and in the global scepticism the ban was imple- order to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe mented and Afghanistan’s opium produc- for the current opium farmers and their tion was slashed by 94%. The enthusiasm families, additional external resources are following this extraordinary result was required. Depending on this, the sharp soon replaced by new concerns. The opium reduction might not look so unre- gravity of the humanitarian situation had alternative source of income. alistic. worsened by the over-night turn, leaving If anything, Afghanistan’s experience decades-long opium growers without any tells us that to make an achievement bal- – Giovanni Gallo, UNDCP, Myanmar

EASTERN HORIZONS • JUNE 2002 17 ADDRESSING – Social Problems at Work

ILO’s InFocus Programme on Safety and allow an organization or an enterprise to inte- tive action. The enterprise has the oppor- Health at Work and the Environment grate psychosocial issues into overall enter- tunity to choose the MicroSolve modules (SafeWork) in cooperation with ILO’s prise policy and establish a framework for that will best suit its organization. International Training Centre has preventative action. Specific action is devel- developed the course known as SOLVE. oped through MicroSolve packages that target Thus far, there are seven MicroSolve mod- each of the five identified areas of SOLVE. ules foreseen for 2001-2002: his program has been developed in The modules provide step-by-step collaboration with the Turin Centre guidelines for putting into place preventa- • Preventing sexual harassment at the Tand successfully tested at an inter- shop-floor level regional training course at Turin and a • The shop-floor recognition of a sexual national course in Malaysia. It was sub- harassment problem sequently launched in South Africa at a • Methods at the shop-floor level for regional course in Windhoek, in Novem- dealing with sexual harassment ber 2001, in South East Asia in The Broadening • What a supervisor can do to pre- organizational policy Penang, Malaysia, and at a national SOLVE through SOLVE to vent negative stress at work course in Chennai, India, in 2002. Concept include psychosocial problems • A supervisor’s ability to recog- Additional national-level courses are nize stress among subordinates foreseen during 2002. • Methods of dealing with nega- This SOLVE course offers an inte- tive stress grated workplace response to psycho- Evaluate workplace Implementing • Preventing discrimination social problems on stress, tobacco, psycho-social problems workplace action and modify the concept through MicroSolve against HIV positive workers alcohol and drugs, HIV/AIDS and vio- as needed modules lence. It also introduces an innovative As SOLVE becomes more wide- approach whereby workers’ health, safety spread, additional Micro-Solve mod- and well being become integral parts of the ules will be developed at the international, economic sustainability and organizational regional and national levels. development of enterprises. The SOLVE methodology is designed to The SOLVE implementation cycle – Patricia M. Budiyanto, UNDCP, Bangkok Skills for Drug Abuse Prevention

The Fourth Global Conference on Drug drug abuse prevention; /formulation and management Abuse Prevention held from 13 to 17 • To share best practices on innovative • Mobilizing workplaces against drug May 2002 in Penang, Malaysia, focused approaches in drug abuse prevention; abuse. on skill-based approaches in drug abuse • To forge linkages among policy makers, The meeting was organized by National prevention to enable prevention practi- NGOs and prevention practitioners in Drugs Agency - Ministry of Home Affairs tioners to be more effective in address- drug abuse prevention. Malaysia, PEMADAM Malaysia, The ing drug problems. Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Pro- There was a series of six specialized The purpose of the specialized skill-based gramme (DAP), International Federation skill-based workshops on all aspects workshops were: of Non-Governmental Organizations of drug abuse prevention. Additionally, (IFNGO) and US Department of State. there were two concurrent workshops • Enhancing life skills in drug abuse pre- The participants invited for this on sharing best practices and innova- vention meeting were policy makers, preventive approaches in drug abuse preven- • Parenting skills in drug abuse prevention practitioners, counselors, education. The objectives of this conference tion tionists, NGO volunteers, community were: • Role of media in drug abuse preven- and youth leaders, human resource tion managers, and members of civil society • To enhance specific skills in drug • Utilization of cyberspace technology in and concerned others. abuse prevention; drug abuse prevention • To develop the global network on • Drug prevention project design – Patricia M. Budiyanto, UNDCP, Bangkok

18 UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMME Bridging the GAP: Global Alliance Perspective on Crime

An impressive number of 400 law strengthening and building on the cur- Europe and the US. enforcement officials and academics rent interaction and existing levels of The political will created by the Mem- gathered in Hong Kong March cooperation, which the delegates agreed orandum of Understanding of the Greater 18-21,2002 to exchange views on required more trust and strategic part- Mekong Subregion and the ACCORD Plan a wide range of issues that they nership. of Action for a Drug Free ASEAN 2015 are confronting in the fight against The conference titled “Bridging the has laid the foundation for international transnational organised crime (TOC). Gap” was divided around four themes, cooperation. which were guided by panel discussions Nonetheless delegates recognised OC has been a challenge to the and keynote speakers. Their concerns that higher levels of inter-country cooper- international community for some centred around: ation had to be achieved in order to match T time and continues to pose threats the transnational nature of the crimes to the integrity of law enforcement sys- 1. Emerging trends in narcotic crime, being committed. By far, the greatest tool tems worldwide as it threatens the legit- new drugs appearing on the market to reinforcing this foundation was recog- imate ground on which we build our and the increased sophistication of nized as TRUST. Conference delegates nations. Some of the activities include the organisations marketing these reiterated that the fight against organ- prostitution, trafficking of human beings, drugs as well as the extent to which ised crime systems hangs on the levels and illegal drug trafficking. Organised illegal narcotic and precursor pro- of trust and willingness to cooperate with crime syndicates move these activities duction is occurring across borders each other as law enforcement officers in across national borders, strengthening in the region. The increasing abuse the region. their networks and increasing their prof- of amphetamine stimulants and the Hong Kong police has already con- its. growing trafficking of heroin in China firmed their commitment to the process Many of the delegates attending the was presented. by offering more places in their current conference came to share their experi- 2. How new networks such as those and upcoming training courses. Dele- ences gathered from the field as they face designed to undermine financial sys- gates left the conference with three chal- a reality where cyber crime, money laun- tems and those linked to child por- lenges issued to them by the Hong Kong dering activities and illegal operations nography have developed and have Police Commissioner: across borders are becoming difficult expanded the face of cyber crime. to detect using traditional law enforce- 3. Triad societies and their increasing • To share expertise and specialist ment techniques. Despite this, others span of influence. equipment when and where neces- came with clear illustrations of joint law 4. Money laundering, the funding sary; enforcement operations emphasizing the source of the transnational criminal • To seek assistance of each other when fact that cooperation and information activities. dealing with cases of an extent which sharing between different law enforce- may cross borders; ment jurisdictions is happening and has As a result of the deliberations it was • To trust each other. accounted for successful interdiction. clear that important milestones had been Hong Kong Police, the organizers achieved in the region. Credit was given As the Hong Kong Commissioner and trailblazers of the conference have to the existence of Mutual Legal Assis- stated: “The success of a case will not hosted this gathering as a statement of tance Treaties, the result of which has depend solely on how much information commitment towards creating an envi- made legal procedures between coun- you are willing to share but how quickly ronment for effective law enforcement tries much easier. Noted was also the you are able to respond as an interna- responses to challenge the operations of expansion of the technology crime divi- tional team.” transnational crime syndicates. sions in Hong Kong and Singapore along General consensus emerging from with the formation of Interpol’s working – Dianne McIntosh, Centre for the conference was focused around parties in cyber crime in Asia, Africa, Criminology, University of Hong Kong

EASTERN HORIZONS • JUNE 2002 19 Training ANTI-DRUG Motivators

Chu Po Xa, a Ha Nhi ethnic woman from Muong Te district, blushed when it was her turn to become a story teller The UNDCP/ in a training session on communication skills. It was not easy for her - an DAPC Grant ethnic woman who rarely went out of her native far-off Go Kha hamlet - to Project stand before such a big audience and talk. The UNDCP/DAPC Grant Project “Educating on drug abuse and HIV/ veryone in the classroom looked at AIDS prevention and control for edu- her in the new dress that she wears Catching their encouraging eyes, she felt cation representatives and key cadres Eon market days only. All of them are more confident and made up her mind not of provincial women’s association in newly-made friends in this training work- to read but to tell a story as required. With Lai Chau mountainous province in shop organized by the UNESCO Centre for a deep breath she started with her own Vietnam” has completed the follow- Non-Formal Education of Vietnam (UCNEV) story about Ly Xu Che - an opium smoker ing activities in 2001. with support from the UNDCP/DAPC NGO who successfully kicked off the drug habit Grant Scheme. They are 50 trainees coming with the support of his family and fellow vil- • 8,000 copies of 4 publicity materials from 10 districts and communes in Lai lagers. containing basic information about Chau Province. Chu Po Xa and two others Chu Po Xa’s story received a rousing drugs, appropriate to ethnic minori- from Muong Te district had traveled three applause from the audience. In only one ties were developed and distributed. days before they reached Dien Bien Phu week she learned a lot about drugs and to attend the training. But this time they drug abuse. Through role plays she prac- • 100 participants including 70 had nothing to worry about, because the ticed life skills such as making informed women from 10 districts and the provincial women union and the continu- decisions, refusing drug use and minimiz- Continuing Education Branch and ing education centre had provided travel ing drug related harms, and she learned Women Association of Lai Chau prov- cost, accommodation and meals during how HIV is transmitted by shared contam- ince obtained benefit from two train- their stay in the provincial town. inated injecting equipment. The training ing courses on education of drug Chu Po Xa was so shy and excited that provided her with knowledge and skills to abuse and HIV/AIDS prevention. she could not see anything, hardly know- become an anti-drug motivator. When she ing what to say. Someone slipped into her returns to her remote Muong Te mountain- • 50 of them became local trainers to hand a pictorial book developed under the ous district, she will set out to work to bring provide follow-up training to 450 dis- project for distribution to the trainees in the benefits of the project to hundreds of trict and commune women leaders in the workshop, urging her to read. She took drug users in the district’s villages. 10 districts and the provincial town. a secret glance at Ms. Van and Mr. Duc who are the trainers, seeking their support. - Nguyen Tuong Dung, UNDCP, Vietnam

LEADERSHIP United Nations Department of International Economics and Social The UN Secretary-General has appointed Affairs and became Head of Unit. He was subsequently appointed Antonio Maria Costa (Italy) as the Execu- Under-Secretary-General (Special Counselor) at the Organization tive Director of the United Nations Office for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris for Drug Control and Crime Prevention where he served until 1987. He was a member of the OECD Work- (ODCCP) and as the Director General ing Group for the liberalization of capital flows and the control of of the United Nations Office at Vienna. financial transactions, as well as Alternate Member of the Interna- Mr. Costa joins the UN from his position tional Monetary Fund (IMF)/World Bank Interim Committee and as Secretary-General of the European of the G-10 Group for the coordination of economic policy, public Bank for Reconstruction and Develop- governance and international monetary affairs. ment (EBRD) in London. He served at the Commission of the European Union between Mr. Costa was born on 16 June 1941 in Mondovi, Italy. He 1987 and 1992, rising to the post of Director-General for Econom- holds a degree in political science from the University of Turin ics and Finance. As Secretary-General of EBRD, Mr. Costa over- and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of California at saw political issues, institutional affairs, corporate governance and Berkeley. questions relating to shareholders. From 1969 to 1983, Mr. Costa served as an economist in the Mr. Costa is married with three children.

20 UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMME Global Fund To Action

n its first funding round, the Global Fund many countries. will be essential to facilitate and improve to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria The idea of an international funding effectiveness,” said Professor Richard I(GFATM) on April 25 announced how it mechanism to fight these diseases crys- Feachem, founding director and current was to disburse the nearly US$2 billion at tallized at the Okinawa G8 Summit in July head of the Institute for Global Health at its disposal. “We received far more propos- 2000. At the urging of UN Secretary Gen- the University of California. als than we are able to fund in this first eral Kofi Annan and national leaders, the Where will the money come from? So round, demonstrating how great the need concept was then unanimously endorsed far, almost all the money has come from is to address HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and at the UN General Assembly Special Ses- the public sector but governments’ gener- malaria”, said Anders Nordström, Interim sion on HIV/AIDS in June, 2001. GFATM osity has varied, which is criticized to be Executive Director of GFATM. “We prioritized became officially operational at the first a poor response to GFATM’s request for high-quality proposals that were based on meeting of the Board in January 2002 and funding. Therefore, an “equitable contri- effective programs and lessons learned, and the announcement of the approved pro- butions framework”, where the contribu- were developed by partnerships of govern- posals on April 25 therefore marked the tion of each relatively wealthy country to ments, community organizations, people end of a very swift review process. GFATM would be 0.035% of gross domes- living with the diseases, and other groups.” This first round seems to have been a tic product, is proposed. GFATM was created as an indepen- learning exercise for GFATM as there was Moreover, a key question in the future dent public-private partnership to increase insufficient focus on disease treatment com- will be the greater private-sector involve- the global resources available to combat pared to prevention and other aspects of ment in all stages of the funding process, AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, direct the care. Therefore, proposals with a strong treat- including technical review; and also the resources to areas of greatest need, and ment component, practicable and coming pharmaceutical industry, which it is ensure that the funds are used effectively. from groups or organizations that are com- believed has significant potential to contrib- Programs aimed at prevention, treatment, mitted to working together to achieve set ute in many ways, including sharing exper- care and support of those infected and goals will be favored. The need to disburse tise in research, development and business directly affected are all eligible for funding. funds towards programs with the potential management. Demonstrable impact and Proposals to the Fund must be evi- to have a rapid and tangible effect on the effectiveness of programs will attract more dence-based, technically and developmen- burden of AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria donors, as optimistically stated by Profes- tally sound, and must show that added and to demonstrate impact and effective- sor Feachem: “funds will follow demon- resources will bring added results. So far, ness on the ground is clearly critical. strated success, including support from GFATM has awarded and approved many “The Global Fund has clearly not been the private sector.” proposals to support national plans in established as a research-funding agency. fighting AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria in However, applied and operational research – Patricia M. Budiyanto, UNDCP, Bangkok

PERSONALIA Mr. Brian Iselin Ms. Patricia Marga- Mr. Fumio Ito (Japan) (Australia) is the new retta Budiyanto (Indo- joined the UNDCP Regional Legal Policy nesia) has joined the Regional Centre on 2 Adviser to the Regional Centre as an May 2002 as Asso- U N / O D C C P Intern. Patricia has a ciate Expert. Fumio’s Regional Centre for Master degree in Inter- main assignments will East Asia and the national Business from be to assist in the Pacific. His specific task is to counter Curtin University of Technology, Perth, implementation of law enforcement proj- human trafficking, and more specifically Western Australia. During her studies, she ects in areas such as strengthening of the sex slave trade in women and children worked as a research assistant at the Univer- judicial and prosecutorial drug control in the Mekong sub-region. Brian was sity for more than two years. By joining the capacity and response to trafficking of formerly a Federal Agent in the Austra- four-month internship program at UNDCP human beings. He has a Master of Law lian Federal Police, his last posting being Regional Centre, she intends to gain profes- degree from Japan and a Master of Law as Counsellor (Law Enforcement) in the sional experience in an international organi- and J.D. degrees from the US. He also Australian Embassy to China. His law zation. She is especially interested in global brings with him seven years of profes- enforcement experience includes Asian issues such as drugs, development, and sional experience serving municipal gov- organised crime investigations (mostly crime. Patricia will pay special attention to ernment office in Japan. drug-related), strategic intelligence, and the field of demand reduction and serve as operations policy. deputy editor for Eastern Horizons.

EASTERN HORIZONS • JUNE 2002 21 NEW PUBLICATIONS

Thinking Out of the Box: UNDCP Trends in Illicit Drugs and Firearms Activities Report in East Asia and Smuggling in Japan, Tokyo: Enforce- the Pacific 2000-2001, Bangkok: ment Division Customs and Tariff UNDCP, 2002. The report outlines Bureau, Ministry of Finance, Japan, the challenges which face the region 2001. The report outlines the present regarding issues such as illicit drugs, trends in drugs and firearms smug- human trafficking and the spread of gling and explains the initiatives taken HIV/AIDS and what UNDCP in part- to curb the illicit activities. The report nership with the people in the region is available from Coordination Section, are doing to face these challenges. Enforcement Division, Customs and There are chapters about com- Tariff Bureau, Ministry of Finance, 3-1-1 puter based law enforcement train- Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, ing, alternative development, actions taken against HIV/AIDS and what is done to curb the 100-8940, Japan, Phone: (+81-3) demand of illicit drugs. 3581 0039. The report is available from the UNDCP Regional Centre, 14th Floor, United Nations Building, Rajdamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok 10200, Thailand, Phone: (+66-2) 288 2091, Fax: (+66-2) 281 2129, E-mail: [email protected], Web site: http:// www.undcp.un.or.th

Gary Reid and Genevieve Costigan, Revisiting for Harm Reduction, The Mac- ‘The Hidden Epidemic’ A Situation Assess- farlane Burnet Institute for Med- ment of Drug Use in Asia in the Context of ical Research & Public Health, HIV/AIDS, Fairfield: Burnet Institute & The P.O. Box 254 Fairfield, Victoria, Centre for Harm Reduction, 2002. In 1997 Australia 3078. The report is the Centre for Harm Reduction and the Asian also available on-line on http:// Harm Reduction Network carried out a rapid sit- www.chr.asn.au uation assessment of drug use and HIV vulnerability in the Southeast Asian Region. The resulting report was called “The Hidden Epidemic.” Today’s report offers a new regional Final Report on Findings of Nation- situation assessment, which is also broadened wide Student Drug Use Survey; to cover all of Asia including South Asia. The Conducted by the The National report documents enormous changes in many Assessment Team, Myanmar, Yangon: areas including: changes in drug production and CCDAC & UNDCP, 2001. This report is use, new populations becoming involved with the outcome of one of the activities of illicit drugs and with their injection, and continu- the UNDCP regional project Develop- ing explosive epidemics of HIV among different ing Institutional Capacity for Demand populations. Reduction among High Risk Groups. The compiled reports from a wide selection The survey is available from UNDCP of Asian countries leaves a frightening and clear Myanmar, No 11 (A), Maylikha Road, message. The epidemic is no longer hidden and Ward 7, Mayangone T/S, Yangon, serious action needs to be taken - right now! Union of Myanmar, Phone: (+95-1) The report is available from The Centre 666 903, Fax: (+95-1) 666 903, E-mail: [email protected] Report on Results of 2001 and Strategies for 2002 of the National Authority for Combating Drugs, Phnom Penh: NACD, 2002. The report describes the results achieved in drug control in 2001 and outlines the strategy to be pursued in 2002. The English version of the report (unofficial translation by UN/ODCCP by the UN/ODCCP Liaison Office in Cambodia) is available from the UN/ODCCP Liaison Office in Cambodia, House No.4, Ma o Tse-Tung Boulevard, Sangkat Boeung Keng Kang, Khan Chamcarmon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Phone: (+855) 23 726 035, Fax: (+855) 23 216 257, E-mail: [email protected]. The report is also available on-line on the UNDCP Regional Centre’s website: http://www.undcp.un.or.th

22 UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMME NEW PUBLICATIONS

The ASEAN Work Programme on HIV/ List of documents previously AIDS II (2002-2005), Jakarta: ASEAN Sec- distributed by UNDCP retariat, 2002. The book contains plenty Regional Centre (Bangkok) of useful information about the ASEAN Work 1/2001 National Workshop for Cross-Border Law Enforcement Coopera- Programme (AWP) on tion in East Asia (AD/RAS/99/D91) HIV/AIDS. It includes 2/2001 First Annual Meeting of the Mutual Legal Assistance Advisory chapters reviewing Committee (MLAAC)-AD/RAS/97/C74 3/2001 Fellowship Programme in Malaysia 04 September-10 October the implementation 2000 (AD/RAS/97/C74) of AWP I, assessment 4/2001 Participants Database: Seminars, Worskhops and Meeting for 1st of the regional needs Phase of Development of Cross-Border Law Enforcement Coop- and capacity for AWP II on HIV/AIDS, objectives of AWP eration in East Asia (AD/RAS/99/D91) (12 November 1999- 15 II, strategies and priority programme areas. January 2001) The book is available from the ASEAN Secretariat, 5/2001 Review of High Risk Groups in China - Urumqui and Yining, 70 A jl. Sisingamangaraja, Jakarta, 12110, Indonesia, Xinjiang Autonomous Region (Urumqi-Yining, 15-19 September 2000) (AD/RAS/98/C75) Phone: (+62-21) 724 3372 or (+62-21) 726 2991, 6/2001 Directory of Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Services, East Fax: (+62-21) 739 8234 or (+62-21) 724 3504, Asia and the Pacific E-mail: [email protected], Web site: http:// 7/2001 Eliminating Opium: Lessons from Succeeding in Thailand www.aseansec.org 8/2001 Cross-Border Law Enforcement Cooperation Meeting/Workshop (AD/RAS/99/D91) Forum on Crime and Society, Volume 1 Number 2, 9/2001 Status of Donor Contributions to Regional Programmes as of Vienna: UN/ODCCP, 2001. The second issue of the December 2000 new periodical from UN/ODCCP was recently published 10/2001 Eastern Horizons No. 5, March 2001 continuing its efforts to 11/2001 Cambodia Country Profile 12/2001 Pacific Islands Regional Profile help forge partnerships 13/2001 Injecting Drug Use and HIV Vulnerability: Choices and Conse- among scholars, experts quences in Asia and the Pacific and decision makers so 14/2001 Report on Workshop “A Partnership with United Nations in A as to advance knowledge World Class Training Project”, Bangkok, Thailand, 24-25 April and policy, upgrade prac- 2001 tice and achieve reform in 15/2001 What they said: Press Clippings: Ministerial and Senior Officials the field of crime preven- Committee Meetings on Drug Control, Yangon, 9-11 May 2001 16/2001 Eastern Horizons No.6 June 2001 tion and criminal justice 17/2001 Sports end Drugs (Press Kit), International Day against Drug in line with universal stan- Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, 26 June 2001 dards, norms and pre- 18/2001 Annual Field Report 2000 cepts. This issue contains 19/2001 Regional Profile 2000 articles debating among 20/2001 Global Impact of the Ban on Opium Production in Afghanistan other issues drug traffick- 21/2001 Alternative Development Cooperation in East Asia ing, human smuggling, 22/2001 UNDCP Judicial Fellowship in the Balkans 23/2001 Alternative Development: Sharing Good Practices, Facing corruption, gender and mafiosi, and female law enforce- Common Problems ment. The Forum is available from UN/ODCCP Vienna, P.O. 24/2001 Eastern Horizons No.7, September 2001 Box 500, A-1400 Vienna, Austria, Phone: (+43-1) 26060 25/2001 Opium Reduction in Thailand, 1970-2000: A Thirty-Year Journey 0, Fax: (+43-1) 26060 5898, E-mail: [email protected], 26/2001 Training Guide: Community Participation in Alternative Devel- Web page: http://www.odccp.org opment Projects 27/2001 Model Drug Enforcement Policy and Suggested Training Materi- Australian Illicit Drug Report 2000-01, Canberra: als for MOU Countries, IX. Advanced Intelligence Analysis ABCI, 2002. The report provides a strategic review and 28/2001 ACCORD: First Meeting of the ACCORD Plan of Action Task Forces, 12 -14 November 2001, Bali, Indonesia statistical analysis of the illicit drug situation in Australia 29/2001 Eastern Horizon No.8, December 2001 and does so from a law enforcement perspective. The 1/2002 Projects B65 & C46 - Terminal Report report provides and comments 2/2002 Regional Drug Control Profile for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, on data obtained directly from 1 February 2002 law enforcement agencies and 3/2002 The Private Sector is a Protagonist of the Community Response provides the reader with the to the Drug Scourge in the East Asia and Pacific Region overall picture of the drug control 4/2002 Law Enforcement Programme Evaluation Report 5/2002 Eastern Horizon No.9, March 2002 situation in Australia. The report 6/2002 Progress Report on Subregional Action Plan on Drug Control is available from ABCI (Austra- (Report No. 6; June 2001 - May 2002) lian Bureau of Criminal Intelli- gence). PO Box 1936 Canberra The above documents can be obtained through the website of UNDCP City 2601, Phone: (+66) 2 6243 Regional Centre for East Asia and the Pacific 5666, Fax: (+66) 2 6247 5380. (http://www.undcp.un.or.th)

EASTERN HORIZONS • JUNE 2002 23 UNDCP EASTERN HORIZONS is published by the United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) in Bangkok, Thailand with contributions from the country offices in Vietnam, Lao PDR and Myanmar. Articles, comments and relevant information with photos or tables attached are welcomed. Submissions should not exceed 500 words. Full name and signature must accompany all letters to the editor. Articles and letters may be edited for purposes of space and clarity. Editor: Peter Lunding, Tel: (66 2) 288-2537 Email: [email protected] Deputy Editors: Lise Bendiksen, Tel: (66 2) 288-2551 Email: [email protected] and Patricia M. Budiyanto Tel: (66 2) 288-2101 Email: [email protected] For further information, please contact: UNDCP Regional Centre for East Asia and the Pacific, 14th Floor, United Nations Building Rajdamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok 10200, Thailand Tel: (+66-2) 288-2091 Fax: (+66-2) 281-2129 Website: http://www.undcp.un.or.th Not an official document. For information only. Opinions expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the view of the United Nations.