The Mon Drug Policy Team has completed drafting the Drug Policy, and implementation has begun among local communities in areas controlled by the New Mon State Party.
The Mon Drug Policy has been under development since June 2021 to address drug-related problems faced by the Mon people and to carry out awareness-raising programs in a systematic manner under a single policy framework.
A drug awareness program, which is one of the activities included in the policy, has been officially deployed this January to the Yechaunghpyar area and Kyainseikgyi area, according to a responsible official from the group.
“At present, our group is implementing the policy activities that have been drafted. In this initial year of the implementation, we are focusing on building a strong foundation. We are working to develop strategies based on the policy framework. In addition, for youth- related efforts, we are targeting young people in Kyainseikgyi and Yechaungpyar area to carry out awareness- raising activities,” she said.
Policy activities on administration, management, and awareness- raising have also begun for drug users at drug rehabilitation centres opened in various districts under the New Mon State Party.
The drug policy was drafted by incorporating the voices of local communities, as well as the views and input of various Mon organisations and relevant departments, and will therefore be formally presented to those groups.
As drugs have become easier to obtain in Mon areas, drug use is becoming a serious concern, while school dropout rates and incidents of domestic violence are also increasing.
Mon residents want Mon civil society groups, Mon armed organisations, and resistance groups to work together to solve the drug problem affecting the Mon community, without supporting drug activities.
