Greater Mekong Subregion

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Workshop on Drug Control Initiatives in the Greater Mekong Subregion

Introduction

The Workshop on Drug Control Initiatives in the GMS was held in Kunming, PRC from 14 to 15 August 2001. The Yunnan Provincial People's Government (YPPG) of the PRC hosted the Workshop, in cooperation with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The GMS countries expressed their appreciation to the Office of the Narcotics Control Commission of PRC, and the Yunnan Provincial People's Government. The Office of the Steering Group of Subregional Economic Cooperation (OSGSEC) of Yunnan Province, PRC, was particularly cited for the hospitality, organization, and cooperation provided to the Workshop.

The objectives of the Workshop are to discuss the best practices in drug eradication in the GMS, develop project concepts with regional/ cross border themes, foster networking between GMS focal points, and to generate appropriate material for a policy paper for GMS decision makers. The Agenda of the Workshop is attached as Appendix 1, while the Outline of the Workshop Background and Objectives is attached as Appendix 2.

The participants of the Workshop included delegations from the People's Republic of China (the "PRC"), Lao People's Democratic Republic (the "Lao PDR"), Union of Myanmar, Kingdom of Thailand, and observers/ resource persons from the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, UNDCP, ESCAP, ASEAN, AHRN, and NGO-ANCC, and GTZ's TG-HDP Project. ADB staff and consultants also attended. The list of participants is attached as Appendix 3.

The Workshop was facilitated by Mr. Myo Thant of ADB, and Mr. M. Amanullah Khan (RETA 5970 Consultant).

Opening Session

Mr. Zhao Songyu, Director General of OSGSEC-Yunnan Province, PRC, introduced distinguished guests from the Government of PRC, H.E. Shao Qiwei, Vice Governor of the Yunnan Provincial People's Government of PRC, Mr. Sun Dahong and Madame Zhou Hong. H. E. Shao Qiwei warmly welcomed the delegates to the Workshop. He cited Yunnan Province's problem of drug infiltration due to proximity to the Golden Triangle area. He noted the efforts of the government to control the drug problem, from organizing the agencies to deal with the problem, to instituting policies/ laws to penalize illegal drug activity. There are numerous alternative development efforts to stem opium production in the border areas. He noted statistics on the results of the Provincial Government's efforts at drug control enforcement, in terms of cases prosecuted, amount of drugs seized, etc., crediting such successes to public security personnel's efforts. In closing he reiterated Yunnan's commitment to work with the international community in dealing with the drug problem and wished everyone happiness and health.

In his Opening Statement, Mr. Wang Qianrong, Deputy Director General, Office of the Narcotics Control Commission, cited the importance of the Workshop and ADB as a new partner in drug control efforts. He cited PRC's commitment to combat the drug problem in the Yunnan area and the good relations of PRC with its GMS neighbors in drug control cooperation. He underscored a balanced and comprehensive approach in dealing with the problem. He noted alternative development and its role in arresting the drug problem, but acknowledged resource constraints from realizing its full potential. He stressed the role here of regional cooperation to maximize the impact of development efforts to arrest the drug problem.

Mr. Myo Thant, Senior Regional Cooperation Economist (GMS) of ADB, welcomed the participants to the Workshop and cited their presence as reflection of their keen interest in moving GMS cooperation forward. He stressed the importance of tackling the problem of opium based drug abuse, this being a socio-economic issue with heavy costs. He enumerated the regional dimensions of the drug problem, such as how the opening of borders could exacerbate the drug problem. He then noted that the Workshop is part of the ADB funded SSRETA, which focuses on alternative development and demand reduction. He then enumerated specific objectives of the Workshop and pointed out the preparations made coming into the Workshop.

Overview on the GMS Program and the Drug Workshop

Mr. Myo Thant provided an overview of the GMS Program, including a summary of the progress achieved so far in its tenth year, as well as the Program's medium-term strategic thrusts. The implementation of several priority subregional projects is either ongoing or completed, with ADB providing $772 million in loans and $234 million in co- financing for 10 priority GMS projects. He then enumerated progress in the various sectors of the GMS Program, specifically in transport, energy, tourism, trade/ customs facilitation, investment, and HRD. He then presented the key challenges ahead for the program, which includes mobilizing financial resources, building human and institutional capacity, and protecting shared natural resources. Among the emerging operational strategies are the following: extending the benefits of infrastructure development to rural and border areas; strengthening sector linkages through holistic/ multisectoral approach; facilitating cross border movement of people and goods; developing economic corridors along five major transport corridors; broadening participation of stakeholders in the project process; and improving coordination with other key players in the GMS.

Mr. M. Amanullah Khan, RETA 5970 Consultant, provided a background on the Drugs Workshop and gave a broad game plan for the next two days. He referred to Myo Thant's earlier presentation on the GMS Program which focuses on poverty alleviation, and which has linkages with drug issues in the subregion. There is a need for regional response to the drug problem, complementing the various national efforts. He cited the importance of recognizing the value added that various actors in the drug arena, could contribute. Comparative advantage in this case should be considered by organizations in defining their role in the fight against drugs. He reiterated the objectives of the Workshop which includes: stock taking; sharing lessons; fostering networking; developing project concepts with regional themes; and pushing advocacy within ADB and among policy makers. He enumerated the approaches of the Workshop, which include participation, true consultations, time management, and consensus building. He then went over the methodology for the Workshop, comprising presentations, facilitation, group discussions, and group work. Mr. Mak Khan then presented the rationale for sharing best practices, as well as the need to avoid reinventing the wheel.

Presentations on Best Practice Activities (PRC, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Thailand)

PRC. Mr. Wu Shiyin said that the problem is that much of opium production is now outside of the Chinese border. He gave statistics on the cost of the fight against drugs on PRC drug enforcement officers, but also mentioned success figures in terms of drugs seized and trafficking cases intercepted. Alternative development activities include enjoining enterprises to join alternative development (AD) programs. Chinese AD project areas cover more than 29,000 hectares. Under AD programs, it is necessary to involve local governments, and the central and local governments in Myanmar. Successful AD projects implemented in Lao PDR and Myanmar, include rubber plantations, sugarcane and rice paddy growing, other cash crops, and timber growing. He cited the difficulties in implementing AD projects in the border areas due to the rough terrain. Complications in project implementation include the multi-cultural linkages and the presence of ethnic minority groups.

Myanmar. Pol. Lt. Col. Wa Tin provided a general overview of the drug situation in Myanmar, starting with yearly figures on volume of poppy cultivation and eradication, and seizures of heroin, marijuana, stimulants, ephedrine (base for stimulants), phensedyl, and chemicals. He showed locations of refineries searched and destroyed. He also showed trafficking routes of drugs (heroin and stimulants and precursor chemicals). He then presented the Myanmar Government's strategy in the fight against drugs, and its 15 year Narcotics Elimination Plan (3 phases) with a total budget of about US$5.6 billion. The outcomes from each phase were enumerated, with most of the impact on agriculture/ livestock production. Positive lessons showed effective reduction in opium production and increase in alternative livelihood activities.

Among observations/ comments on the preceding presentation are the following:

a. A query to PRC was whether there was evaluation of assistance programs to Myanmar and Lao PDR, and whether something has been done on ethnic minorities. PRC responded that the evaluation showed success in reducing opium production in project areas. On ethnic minorities, PRC undertook needs assessment of local people (what projects were needed, technology transfer requirements, etc.).

b. On the institutional mechanisms for bilateral assistance, a query was at what level were decisions made. PRC replied most decisions are still cleared with Myanmar Central Government.

Lao PDR. Mr. Kou Chansina provided an overview of the opium production and consumption situation in Lao PDR. He gave the country's national drug control policy, which recently raised the penalties for drug related offenses. The new national drug strategy, formulated with UNDCP, called for eliminating opium production and reducing drug use. The downward trend observed in opium cultivation showed the positive impact of AD programs. Acceptance and participation of communities, particularly women, contributed largely to the success of the programs. The valuable lessons include the following: political will, action and initiative are essential; participatory and gender sensitive approaches are effective; decentralizing activities are crucial in gaining flexibility for projects; and participatory approaches are essential for sustainability and effective implementation.

Thailand. Mr. Pornthep noted three best practice cases in Thailand and the presentors for each of these. Mr. Thanakorn presented on the Community-Based Drug Abuse Control Networking Project, which aimed to reduce the severity of the drug abuse problem in 1,118 villages. Among its main activities included capacity building for government and non-government staff and the communities in terms of problem analysis, awareness raising, training of community leaders and organizing campaigns. Positive outcomes include improved awareness of the drug problem, and increased people's participation in solving the drug problem. Among the positive lessons are that people's organizations have strong potential for tackling the drug problem, and that networking at community level will lead to sustainability. One negative lesson was that some government organizations still failed to adjust work attitudes toward the community.

Mr. Maitree presented the Drug Abuse Prevention in School: A Model Development Project. This covered 10 secondary and vocational training schools in five sites in Thailand. Among outcomes expected were a methodology for assessing the drug problem, and guidelines for capacity building. The conceptual framework included data collection, school involvement in activities, and classification of target groups. Targets for work are school staff, students and parents, and the community. Work with the school staff cover team building, planning, implementation, and reporting. With students, there are prevention, intervention, and treatment/ rehabilitation activities. With parents, there are education, family counseling/ therapy, and parent organization empowerment.

Among observations/ comments on the preceding presentation are the following:

a. Out of school youth are more at risk for drug abuse, and how this group is reached/ targeted is an important concern;

b. ATS is less mentioned in Lao presentation, which is a growing problem in GMS (but less in China);

c. Ethnic minority groups are often mentioned in Lao presentation because of their predominance in opium producing areas.

Experiences From Bilateral funded Drug Eradication Projects

Dr. Ken Kampe noted that there are 20 years of experience in the TG-HDP project. He showed a few slides on the TG-HDP Programme, which in the beginning included crop substitution, transfer of know-how, and working through government agencies. In the end, the project became much more community-based, which stressed demand reduction. There was joint learning (from farmers, women villagers), and working through the people. He showed the project's phases, which changed its approaches as it moved through different areas. There was evolution of the agriculture and forestry programme. Best practices at a strategy level include: investment in HRD development; learning processes leading to changes in approaches; and approaches adapting concepts of empowerment, and indigenous and holistic knowledge. There are best approaches at various working levels. These include community based land use planning, community based drug abuse control, gender strategies and practices, holistic and participatory planning/ management, and HRD (as the focal point).

Among observations/ comments on the preceding presentation are the following:

a. Need to account for dynamics of projects especially since some projects are long term (Myanmar program);

b. There is need to define the term "community" in development parlance;

c. Non-involvement of locals/ stakeholders in projects in the past is a result of GO/ NGO indifference and disinterest;

d. The need to consider sustainability and how this relates to required change in local communities and government organizations;

e. Taking stock of lessons learned, for better project effectiveness and without need for large funding over long periods; implementors would do well to listen to the local beneficiaries who know more about their needs;

Experiences from Drug Eradication Projects Implemented by Multilaterals

ESCAP. Ms. Laura Skolnik gave a brief background on ESCAP being the regional arm of the UN for economic and social development. It is an intergovernmental forum of 61 member states. Targeted HRD services include education and skills development and health promotion. Activities to address drug abuse focus on small scale TA on drug demand reduction among young people, particularly ATS. Substance abuse is addressed among youth especially those at risk. ESCAP integrates youth drug abuse concerns into youth policy formulation. At the 2nd and 3rd Asia Pacific Intergovernmental Meeting on HRD for Youth, the focus was on making young people's voices heard. TA and capacity building programs include: integration of youth health concerns into non-formal education; addressing substance abuse through IEC material development/ adaptation and training youth organizations/ peer educators; and elimination of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of youth (highly correlated with substance abuse). A lesson from past projects include re-thinking of prevention, treatment and rehabilitation programmes, covering research on risk/ protective factors, training/ capacity building, networking/ inter country exchange, and promoting good practices.

ASEAN. Mr. Pratap Parameswaran provided ASEAN's role in coordinating the region's fight against drugs. He cited ASEAN's Plan of Action for Drug Abuse Control, which covers preventive education, treatment and rehabilitation, and law enforcement. ASEAN's projects involve research, and training/ capacity building. He cited the lack of financing as the reason for limited implementation of projects. Recent shifts in priorities of funding sources, further reduced the amount of funding for projects. ASEAN recently agreed to intensify its cooperation with UNDCP to address the problem of funding. Some projects were merged with UNDCP's, while some projects were dropped altogether. Some of the lessons learned from past years include the need for more concrete focus and outputs in projects, and for closer international cooperation to tackle drug abuse. The ACCORD, to which ASEAN and PRC are signatories, is a new milestone.

Among observations/ comments on the preceding presentation are the following:

a. A query is on the level of involvement of target groups in the projects- for ESCAP the target groups are involved in design and training activities, and determining who participates in needs analysis;

b. What is coordination/ contact point between drug control bodies at substantive level? for ESCAP, there is work with social workers at community level;

c. On the ASEAN Plan of Action, is prioritization being done given limited funding? There is now accounting in ASEAN on the costs and timeline of projects/ activities;

d. Next steps for the ACCORD meeting are not clear- and ASEAN clarified that there will be a review of the specific components soon;

e. On the lack of financial resources, the UN has moved ahead in tapping the private sector.

Presentation on UNDCP Regional Projects

Dr. Sandro Calvani stressed that UNDCP fully subscribes to the introduction made by ADB earlier, that the drug problem is a most serious threat to the development of the subregion. He cited the recent ACCORD as one that demonstrates what countries know about what should be done in particular time lines. UNDCP Regional Centre has two overarching concerns: one to build institutional capacity in drug control, and second, to foster multilateral cooperation in drug eradication. Among operational strategies is to boost dissemination of knowledge based on findings of extensive research, and to pursue law enforcement. He congratulated ADB for the Drug Control Report, which is a comprehensive, sound, and no-nonsense report. He welcomed ADB's entry as a mover in the drug control field, and enjoined it to look at the experience of Inter-American Development Bank, the only other multilateral agency involved in drug control.

Dr. Sanong Chinnanon presented the UNDCP programmes of cooperation in drug control. He first gave an overview of illicit drug situation and trends and showed statistics. Emerging trends include the potential for increase in production in GMS, the shift to other drugs (ATS, ecstacy), new trafficking routes for precursors, new groups of abusers, and connection between illicit drugs and transnational organized crime and human trafficking. He then showed increasing threats from ATS, especially as it is easy to produce, mobile, and easy to suppress. He then cited the various UNDCP projects, such as the Regional MOU, the ACCORD Plan of Action, and various Subregional Action Plan Projects. He cited new additional initiatives being planned, such as the ACCORD Cooperative Mechanism, Demand Reduction in South Central China, Asia-Europe Anti-Money Laundering, Training on Treatment, Rehabilitation and Workplace Prevention. He noted that UNDCP has alternative development projects at the country level in Myanmar and Lao. He cited the various main activities of UNDCP such as training, capacity building and information sharing among others. Among key issues discussed in the recent Taunggyi meeting are: the need for collaborative strategies on cross border trade and cooperation; impacts of globalization and international trade; competitiveness of AD products; law enforcement in AD; long term sustainability of AD; integration of AD in national development; and achievement indicators for AD. Additional issues discussed include cost efficient project design, culture and ethnic identity, micro credit, resource mobilization, private sector involvement, and security conditions. Recommendations presented include the pursuit of an integrated/ balanced approach, definition of the role of women in AD, study of options for non agricultural AD, and analysis of the negative impacts of AD (i.e. slash and burn, loss of identity, etc.). Other recommendations concern facilitation of micro credit, a look at marketing strategies, as well as joint mechanisms for cross border trade, information sharing, and cooperation among international agencies.

Among observations/ comments on the preceding presentations are the following:

a. Observation that AD is not effective for ATS problem- UNDCP Myanmar clarified that ATS and opium are different problems, so AD would need rethinking for ATS;

b. UNDCP Regional Center clarified the status of the specific projects in law enforcement, AD, and demand reduction;

c. ASEAN detailed the projects that were merged with UNDCP projects; UNDCP said Interpol also merged some law enforcement tasks with UNDCP.

Experiences from NGO-implemented Drug Eradication Projects

Dr. Suchati explained the functions of the NGO-ANCC which operates under the National Council on Social Welfare of Thailand (NCSWT). He gave the objectives of his organization, among which are: to support government organizations in drug prevention; to coordinate activities of narcotic NGOs; to mobilize NGO efforts in prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, outreach, training and research; and to mobilize public support for reducing drug problems. He then enumerated the various pilot and concrete projects, providing the scope and objectives of each. Among these projects are: Community based Pilot Project on Prevention; Youth Activities in Schools Project; Alternative Activities Projects; Youth Camp; etc. He suggested that the GMS program on drug control include Cambodia and Viet Nam and websites should be established to facilitate information exchange. He also proposed that Youth Camp and exchange programs for youth should be initiated, and that a vision of a world free of drugs be adopted.

Mr. Ton Smits explained the functions of the AHRN, which is fast growing in terms of membership and resources to combat the twin problems of drug abuse and HIV spread from a health perspective. He provided the world situation on injecting drug use (IDU) and prevalence of HIV. One solution used, incarceration, was not very effective in curbing the IDU problem. He showed data on share of IDU as a mode of HIV transmission. HIV transmission is very efficient in an IDU situation. He noted that HIV is a developing issue, which has caused drastic drops in life expectancy, such as in Africa; but in the latter, mode of transmission is mainly sexual unlike in Asia which is through IDU. He defined harm reduction as health maintenance, an example of which was use of seatbelts in cars. Drug related harms include HIV and hepatitis infection. He then enumerated the economic consequences of expansion of IDU and HIV/ AIDS. One way of dealing with this is better access to drug users, who need better access to health services. Critical success factors include: timely interventions; adequate coverage; supporting policies; and intersectoral collaboration. Activities of AHRN were enumerated and include: advocacy; support to policy reform; training; information dissemination;

Among observations/ comments on the preceding presentations are the following:

a. A query on source of funding of NGO-ANCC; the latter's representative responded that funding comes from NCSWT and from other donors;

b. AHRN can also bid for projects, which is a new area and new source of funds;

c. A point is that Asia is under HIV threat as Africa was before the epidemic exploded, and this requires early action and higher profile for harm reduction efforts.

Presentations by Other Participants

Mr. Jean-Luc Lemahieu (UNDCP Myanmar) provided information on the UNDCP Wa Project in Myanmar through a profile of the opium production problem in the area. He noted the main area problems as rural poverty and opium production and use. Project goal is sustainable improvement of living standards in the area. Among components are: community development; infrastructure; livelihood; health, education, training; etc. Currently, the Wa Project is facing funding constraints for Phase II. It had to do re-prioritization of a number of activities. Outcome from the project approach includes better understanding with community based approach, in addition to meeting opium production declines. A key lesson is on the stress on community participation and addressing sustainability concerns. He noted that in retrospect, the Wa project had too many objectives and was too complex.

Among observations/ comments on the preceding presentation are the following:

a. Is good infrastructure mainly responsible for reduced opium production, or is it a combination of community-based approaches and infrastructure?

b. Clearly both activities are necessary, and strategic alliances between organizations are thus needed;

Mr. Shariq Bin Raza (UNDCP Lao) provided information on the ADB-funded project on shifting cultivation, which will start shortly. He emphasized that there is now cooperation/ partnership between UNDCP and ADB in Lao PDR, where a combination of grants and loans for drug control are coming up.

Mr. Sovann Tith (UNDCP Cambodia) provided key vital statistics for Cambodia, and showed seriousness of the HIV/ AIDS epidemic there. He also noted the increase in drug abuse (ATS). He noted the efforts to establish the new UNDCP office in Cambodia. Mr. Huort Sophaly (Cambodia) reiterated the request for inclusion of Cambodia in the drug control project.

Mr. Hoang Viet Khang (Viet Nam) noted that the HIV infection and drug abuse problems are getting serious in Viet Nam. He cited the government's efforts to address these problems while promoting better equity and reducing poverty in its programs. There is therefore need to adopt stronger measures through regional cooperation.

DAY 2

Presentation by Office of Narcotics Commission, Yunnan Province

Mr. Wu Shiyin presented on the opium poppy control alternative development efforts of Yunnan. This is being implemented by the Yunnan Provincial Administrative Office on Opium/ Poppy Control Alternative Development Efforts in the Border Areas of Neighboring Countries. This Office was set up to better manage and coordinate AD activities in neighboring countries, especially Myanmar and Laos. He presented a report on the program to develop a model farm of planting replacement crops in Shan State (Myanmar), which is being implemented by the Kunming Jili Economy and Trade Development Company. The project's objectives include finding effective ways of reducing drug sources through comprehensive demonstration farms for crops suited to local conditions. Major activities include conduct of pilot planting for different crops such as lemon grass, vegetables, peanuts, castor, safflower, etc. Major outcomes include extension of crop substitution planting in Shan State and training of peasants in the planting techniques.

Summary of Discussions/ Preview of 2nd Day Activities

Mr. Myo Thant gave a summary of the points raised in the previous day's discussions. Among the points raised are the following:

a. The GMS region is changing very quickly, and drug eradication efforts have to be seen in this context;

b. Equity and efficiency considerations in projects were paramount in the projects presented;

c. Sustainability of projects was a major concern for most projects (e.g., ideas, financing, people);

d. Youth are a group, a target, as well as a source of ideas to be tapped into;

e. Ethnic minorities and how to deal with their needs, are major challenges; the Wa project is an example of a complex site due to varied cultures, language, etc.

f. Variety of organizations implementing projects, but discussions focused on GO/ NGO work;

g. Private sector involvement is limited at moment, but UNDCP will tap this in a forthcoming project;

h. ATS is a rising problem, but given limited amount of resources, we have to decide on how to deal with the problem, at the macro level specially;

i. Attitudes have to change in order to succeed;

j. Need to learn from the community, and show sensitivity to their needs;

k. We have to be dynamic, flexible, be armed with variety of approaches;

l. Voluntary resettlement is a factor to consider;

m. Networking has existed, but still rather informal, and institutional structures need to be more organized for this; UNDCP clarified however, that mechanisms for networking are in place through ACCORD and there would be no need for new formal structures in the interest of efficiency;

n. Question of whether we need micro level interventions, or major infrastructure projects, but both are needed for better success;

o. AD projects should consider the gamut of market conditions affecting substitute crops, such as transport, storage, buyers, etc.;

p. ASEAN's program has been rationalized for more cost effectiveness;

q. Advocacy with policy makers is an issue that needs to be pursued;

r. UNDCP could use its influence and resources for advocacy programs that could sway policy makers to the drug problem;

s. Need to address the looming health crisis in GMS arising from IDU, and this could affect socio-economic conditions in the future.

Dr. Mak Khan suggested that participants be divided into the three groups. Group 1 is the Project Identification Group. Group 2 is the Objectives Defining Group, which will flow from the outputs of the first group. Group 3 is the Outputs Group, which will be further divided into sub groups that would tackle particular outputs. However, changes in the workshop process were suggested in view of subsequent comments from partcipants.

Dr. Calvani asked whether there is need for new sets of projects given the number of unfunded projects in the ACCORD Plan. Dr. Mak replied however that the exercise could indicate the consensus of the GMS participants that could give ADB a sense of the relative importance of each project. Dr. Calvani added however that the projects in the ACCORD Plan is something that the leaders of the region have determined to be priorities in the drug control arena and could not be overturned by new proposals from say, this workshop. Mr. Ken Kampe however said that while projects are there, what is missing from these projects is the process incorporating the best practices suggested by more experienced people. This could be the workshop's major contribution.

Mr. Myo Thant said that this workshop is a major step for ADB and could give insights on what works and what does not work which will affect decisions within ADB. So far he was happy with the views given by the NGOs and international organizations, but wanted to hear more from the GMS countries who have learned a lot from past projects. Mr. Thant suggested restricting discussions to AD and demand reduction using the UNDCP project list as base. Mr. Shariq suggested that instead of designing projects, we could design frameworks, which can give ADB more flexibility in designing specific activities. Mr. Lemahieu added we can start with the unfunded UNDCP projects, but Mr. Thant replied that we can "think outside the box" and consider as well the ideas of the countries.

Mr. Khang agreed with the suggestions put forward; he added that the countries have their national action plans on drug control, and list of priority investment and TA projects where foreign assistance can come in. He suggested that the workshop form a framework that will consider these activities, which ADB can support under the regional cooperation program.

Mr. Thant suggested the following changes in the workshop process:

a. Undertake presentation on ACCORD;

b. Hear the countries' views on existing projects;

c. Concretize the views.

Design of GMS Eradication Projects

Presentation on ACCORD Plan of Action

Dr. Calvani presented the plans under ACCORD. These covered four pillars of drug control, namely, advocacy, demand reduction, alternative development and law enforcement. He provided the components of each pillar. Regional cooperation constitutes the fifth pillar, cognizant of the need for cooperative undertakings in the fight against drugs. Ownership of ACCORD is by the Governments. The ACCORD Plan of Action is treaty based and follows the process of policy making agreed to by the countries. Mr. Pratap said ASEAN fully supports the ACCORD and hoped ADB would follow suit.

Discussions

Mr. Wang (PRC) said ADB could look at the project lists from ACCORD and various national plans in the GMS and should find effective ways to support such projects. Mr. Pornthep suggested that ADB should support information exchanges, which is a regional activity and consistent with ACCORD. On supply reduction he said the GMS countries should support programs that would go to the community-village level. Experiences from best practices should be looked into for replication. He noted the ATS is now a big problem in Thailand and proposed community based drug demand reduction programs among the youth (in school and out of school) to tackle this problem.

Mr. Thant stressed that some proposals are regional and some are national in nature. For national projects he could forward the proposals to the proper ADB country desk officers. Mr. Smits endorsed the HIV/ AIDS component in ACCORD presented by Dr. Calvani, and concurred with PRC's suggestion to work within the existing project priority lists. U Ye Naing noted the two NGOs in Myanmar that deal with drug control, that complement the work of government agencies. Lt. Col. Wa Tin noted Myanmar's 15 year narcotics elimination plan, being implemented using its own resources. He noted that the drug problem is international and Myanmar needs international help to fight this. Mr. Kou Chansina stressed Lao PDR's need for funds to combat the ATS problem.

Ms. Skolnik explained in detail ESCAP's ATS program, focusing on the protective factors and training activities, covering the four countries (PRC, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand). Mr. Huort Sophally and Mr. Khang outlined the various national anti-drug programs of their respective countries (Cambodia and Viet Nam). Mr. Wu Shiyin asked for support for an audio video production on their model AD project, for dissemination on a regional basis.

Mr. Thant expressed the need for ADB and ASEAN to communicate better especially since CLMV countries have already joined ASEAN. He confirmed the plan to hold a GMS Senior Officials Meeting in Hanoi in early September where issues discussed in this workshop could be raised.

Presentation on UNDCP Unfunded Projects

Dr. Calvani presented the various unfunded UNDCP projects and explained the scope and cost of each. Among these projects are the Advocacy Program with mobilization component and the ACCORD Cooperative Monitoring Mechanism. He cited that ADB is funding a project against money laundering. He promised to provide the list for reference of the body.

Dr. Mak Khan asked the body's view as to how to proceed in designing the project framework. Mr. Shariq suggested that the workshop break into a small discussion group to discuss the framework. PRC preferred to have separate discussions with the Myanmar group. Dr. Khan named the participants for the small discussion group, composed of bilateral, multilateral, NGO and country representatives.

Plenary: Presentations of the Groups and Discussions

Presentations were made by two groups, one group composed of Myanmar and PRC representatives, and the other group composed of all other GMS countries, NGOs, and other organizations. Mr. Wu Shiyin presented the PRC and Myanmar output, shown as Appendix 5-A. He also circulated the Yunnan, PRC proposal for a documentary video film production on ATS prevention and education (Appendix 5-B).

Among observations/ comments on the PRC/ Myanmar presentation are the following:

a. Intention is for project to be expanded to other GMS countries, through ADB efforts;

b. Is revolving fund component provided for? Possibly use of micro credit to ensure sustainability

c. Is there role for BADA or any NGO in Myanmar? There should be capacity building for NGOs

d. Is there financial contribution from Yunnan or PRC Central Government? There is infrastructure for this type of project, with 1.5 million yuan investment already made by Yunnan; funding may be provided for a local (Chinese) consultant

e. Myanmar delegate said Myanmar and Chinese expertise could be used for the project

Mr. Kou Chansina (Lao PDR) presented for the GMS discussion group. The summary of the (revised) project proposal is shown in Appendix 5-C. The proposal involves regional exchange and proactive initiatives on supply and demand reduction. Mr. Chansina presented the proposed project's focus, its relationship with other efforts, strategies and approaches, and decisions required.

Among observations/ comments on the GMS group are the following:

a. All six GMS countries plan to be covered by the project

b. There are no budget estimates yet for the project

c. The mode of information exchange is ESCAP's existing information system. Concern is that there are already too many networks (or too many meetings)

d. NGO-ANCC recalled use of newsletters and web sites

e. Exchange on community development could be promoted; countries could be specific about what kind of information they exchange

f. Statistics on law enforcement, demand reduction, etc.- whether there is a network for this

g. Exchange would focus on community based approaches and information, but includes other information related to the drug problem; intention of proposal was to bring grassroots into the process

h. Group is not willing to give proposal to ADB in present form; their plan is to develop it into more viable proposal

i. UNDCP publishes the World Drug Report, but proposal is still relevant as far as GMS data exchanges are concerned

j. There is need to provide for translation and publication for cross- country dissemination, and it will be good to explore using existing task forces so as not to create a new mechanism (AHRN is serving as a clearinghouse for HIV/ AIDS information)

k. Each country has developed its own supply and demand reduction techniques, and there is scope for countries to exchange technical expertise

Concluding Session and Next Steps

Mr. Myo Thant thanked the Government of PRC and said we have come a long way in sharing knowledge on drug control. He cited gains in understanding existing programs and knowing what can and cannot be done. He thanked the participants for their time and efforts during the workshop. On behalf of ADB, he noted efforts to mainstream the drugs issue in ADB, as well as exploring funding possibilities with other donors.

PRC hosted a field trip to the Kunming Municipality Mandatory Drug Addiction Dropping Institute, located about 23 kilometers from downtown Kunming. The participants were briefed on the program for treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts, which included a three-step process involving medication, psychological treatment, and physical labor. The participants also toured the facilities of the Institute and were treated to a song and dance presentation by artistic residents of the Institute.

Appendix 1: Agenda [ PDF: 90.4kb | 2 pages]
Appendix 2: Workshop Background and Objectives
[PDF: 230kb | 4 pages]

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