Qatar’s UN envoy urges global support for Afghanistan’s former poppy farmers, emphasizing the need for alternative livelihood programs amidst a decline in opium production. Al-Hammadi calls for international cooperation to address drug trafficking challenges through adherence to established drug control agreements.
Qatar has called on the international community to assist Afghanistan in providing alternative livelihoods for former poppy farmers. Jassim Yaqoub Al-Hammadi, Qatar’s UN envoy, emphasized the need for global cooperation during a statement at the 68th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs held in Vienna, highlighting the decline in opium production as a positive development.
Al-Hammadi urged support for Afghanistan’s efforts to implement alternative development programs, aiming to reduce reliance on drug cultivation. He reiterated that addressing the challenges in combating drug trafficking requires adherence to international drug control conventions and collaboration with bodies such as the Commission on Narcotic Drugs.
Afghanistan has long dominated the illicit drug trade, producing over 90 percent of the world’s heroin as of 2021. This troubling statistic reflects the ongoing struggle the country faces in shifting away from a deep-rooted economy reliant on poppy cultivation, making international support critical in promoting alternative economic opportunities.
In conclusion, Qatar’s advocacy for international support highlights the pressing need for effective strategies to transition Afghan farmers away from poppy cultivation. With positive trends emerging in opium production reduction, collective international action is crucial. The continued focus on alternative livelihoods aims to further dismantle the drug economy in Afghanistan, fostering a more stable and sustainable future for its citizens.
Original Source: www.ariananews.af
