A policy seminar aimed at combating drug abuse among youth in Mon State was held at the Rahmonnya Hotel in Mawlamyine on December 4th and 5th.

The seminar was led by the Transnational Institute (TNI) in collaboration with the Mon Women’s Organization (MWO) and the Mon Youth Progressive Organization (MYPO).

“The seminar aims to establish a good policy [approach to educate about] drug risks and to find out how to [establish] rehabilitation programs for addicts after [they have been arrested],” according to Mi Kong Sabae from MYPO.

Mi Kong Sabae added that instead of arresting and punishing young people who use drugs, alternatives are needed to help drug addicts.

“We mainly discussed how to minimize the number of drug users. Many have been arrested. However, a more effective [approach’ to reduce drug abuse [is to implement] programs, which can help [overcome the addiction and] get people back into society [again in a healthy way],” said Mehn Sa-Tang Nyan, a participant at the discussion.

The two-day drug policy seminar was attended by an estimated 40 youth representatives from various townships in Karen and Mon states.

Chairperson of the Mawlamyine Drug Rehabilitation Association U Zaw Moe Aung noted at the “Youth Against Drugs Forum” held on December 5th, that it was his belief that in Mon State more than 40 percent of people in their 20’s and above have used drugs. However, no official figures to confirm this estimate has been released by the government.