International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, June 26 |26 June 2019
Minister Mondon
‘Let’s join forces for a drug safe Seychelles’
Designated Minister Macsuzy Mondon has urged all concerned to pull our resources together to ensure a more coordinated approach maximising our limited human resources toward the goal of a drug safe Seychelles.
Minister Mondon said this in a message to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking being commemorated today.
The full text of Minister Mondon’s message reads:
“On this day, June 26, Seychelles joins the rest of the world to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This annual awareness day is used to highlight the dangers of drug use and their illegal trade and provide opportunities all over the world to help spread the message about the extreme cultural and economic harm the trade in drugs is doing across the globe.
“This year’s international theme ‘Health for Justice. Justice for Heath’ reaffirms the need to maintain the rights of all individuals as well as highlighting the necessity for engagement of all stakeholders to ensure effective responses to the drug problems. Health services have always been perceived to be the sole responsibility of those working in the health sector; however, this is no longer the case especially with regard to substance abuse.
“As per the country’s constitution everyone has a right to health, and that right extends to those suffering from substance use disorders. Society has a duty to ensure that those who have fallen victims to drug addiction are given access to treatment and health care in general.
“It is pertinent to note that drug addiction is now recognised as a chronic relapsing disease and not a moral failing or character flaw. Persons suffering from drug addiction should enjoy this right in dignity and without fear of discrimination or stigmatisation.
“Seychelles is today highly commended by the international community for recognising this fact and for providing services and interventions to safeguard health equity.
“We also boast one of the most progressive laws regarding drug abuse; one that provides for alternative and non-custodial sentencing and recognises the role of treatment in reducing drug abuse.
“Government is committed to the provision of treatment having recently introduced a methadone programme in prison and rolling out in the not-too-distant future a special programme for pregnant mothers who are abusing drugs. Preliminary results of treatment are encouraging.
“At the same time, we remain resolute to fight trafficking. While government will increase resources to fight drug addiction at its source, we also urge the community to mobilise against illicit drug-related activities in their midst. We call upon the traffickers to stop their callous activities and to recognise the damages they are causing to our youth and future generations.
“Government will soon introduce a school-based prevention programme to delay or prevent the onset of drug use in Seychelles.
“I urge all concerned to pull our resources together to ensure a more coordinated approach maximizing our limited human resources toward the goal of a drug safe Seychelles.”