OAS chief calls for drug violence debate [View all]
Source: Aljazeera
OAS chief calls for drug violence debate
Push for reform to the "war on drugs" grows ahead of an Organisation of American States meeting in Guatemala in June.
Joe Hitchon Last Modified: 26 May 2013 12:49
Washington, DC - Following the release of a major draft report on drug policy in the Americas, the secretary-general of the Organisation of American States (OAS) has called for debate aimed at reform throughout the region to halt drug-related violence and increasing use.
"Delivering this report today," Jose Miguel Insulza said, “we are encouraged by the sincere aspiration, which I now have the privilege of presenting to the entire hemisphere, that this is not a conclusion but only the beginning of a long-awaited discussion.”
The draft report was shared with the 35 member countries of the OAS, and is now scheduled to be discussed in depth at the upcoming organisation's general assembly, on June 4 in Guatemala.
The call for a new debate comes in light of a strengthened resolve on the issue throughout the region. This relates to the violence associated with drug trafficking as seen along the US- Mexico border, as well as an increased prevalence of drug use and growing demand for health care services to treat addictions.
Read more: http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/05/2013525124830563273.html
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