Speeches

Chargé Kristen F. Bauer
Remarks Commemorating the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking

June 23, 2006
Vientiane

Venerable Monks,

Your Excellency, Mr. Bouasone Bouphavan, Prime Minister of Laos

Your Excellency, Mr. Soubanh Srithirath, Minister to the President's Office, and Chairman of the Lao National Commission for Drug Control and Supervision

Your Excellency, Mr. Leik Boonwaat, UNODC Representative to Laos

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

          Today we are commemorating the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, which is being observed in many countries around the world as we bserve it here in Vientiane. It is an appropriate occasion to reflect upon what the people of Laos have already accomplished in the fight against dangerous drugs, and what remains yet to be done.  

          Opium may soon disappear from Laos, but it has left a lasting and troublesome legacy, thousands of addicts who remain addicted, a burden to their villages and families alike. Too many are debilitated by the drug, lost in its smoky grasp, unable to support themselves or those who should be able to depend upon them. As prices have continued to rise, addict households find that they spend more time working to pay for opium than growing the food they need to survive. As long there is addiction in Laos, there will be opium, and the nation will not be rid of opium, as long as addiction persists.

          The solution to this problem is effective treatment, rehabilitation, and follow up care. In this, communities and families play a critical role. Without their support, treatment is unlikely to succeed. It is only through the commitment of villages to free themselves from addiction that our joint efforts can succeed. Together with international partners, Laos has reduced its opium addict population by at least 80%, a laudable achievement which demonstrates what can be done with the support of the Lao people. If this effort can be sustained for just a few years more, opium addiction in Laos could become a thing of the past.

          Another and  more menacing drug now threatens Laos, the synthetic stimulant methamphetamine, known locally as yaa baa. Easy to produce, light to transport, and fast to sell, it has spread like a wildfire across the country. The young suffer from the ills of yaa baa disproportionately, as they are most easily enticed by its false promises of enhanced athleticism, tireless study, and effortless labor. Drug pushers know that once hooked, the addicts cravings will never decrease, and as the need grows, so will the dealer's income. For traffickers, there is no better commodity.

          Methamphetamine is insidious, it comes into our communities, our schools, and our homes unheralded. We know it is present only when our streets have become unsafe, our belongings insecure, and our young people unmindful or belligerent. Village leaders, teachers, and parents must learn to recognize the signrs of abuse, and have the confidence to take action without hesitation, or we will all suffer the consequences. 

          Methamphetamine is here, and we have no choice but to meet it head-on. Laos can defeat yaa baa, but it will not be an easy task. Sources of supply will have to be isolated. Illicit transit routes need to be cut. Traffickers must be arrested and convicted. Corruption can not be tolerated. The consequences of failure, already apparent, are all too dire. Law enforcement agencies should take the lead in this effort, but without the support of communities, it will not succeed. Working together with its regional and international partners, Laos can prevail.

          As with opium, treating yaa baa addicts will be critical. Unfortunately, methamphetamine treatment capacity in Laos currently falls far short of need. The U.S. and regional donors are assisting to close this gap through the construction of new and more effective treatment centers. A U.S. funded facility opened only two months ago in Savannakhet, and another is planned for the coming year. We hope to see international support in this area continue.

          Illegal drugs pose a serious challenge to Laos, but one that can be overcome. It is not a problem unique to this country, but a threat confronting many nations around the globe. The people of Laos should know that in this struggle, they do not stand alone. The U.S. Government for one will continue its strong support for the Lao people in their battle against illicit drugs.
         
          Thank you.