UNODC is cosponsor of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS - UNAIDS
UNODC Mission to Bhutan, 23-26 May 2007
There is a recognition that Bhutan is witnessing an increased level of
drug abuse, especially among it youth. Statistics vary but a recent
rapid situation and response assessment carried out by UNODC in the capital, Thimpu, although not necessarily representative of the situation nationwide, corroborated these concerns.
The government, aware of the need to address the problem before it becomes more severe, has, with the assistance of UNODC established the Bhutan Narcotics Control Agency (BNCA) to coordinate national efforts to tackle the problem. The BNCA was established under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (2005). This Act and the draft subordinate legislation (the Regulations and Rules) were developed with UNODC support.
UNODC is currently providing support to Bhutan under two projects
H13 on preventing transmission of HIV among drug users and
H60 precursor chemical control. In order to support the strengthening national response, Mr. Gary Lewis and Ms. Harsheth Virk traveled to Bhutan during 23-26 May for policy and programme discussions with local counterparts.
A presentation on the drug and crime scenario in South Asia and on the Rapid Situation and Response Assessment was made to the Narcotics Control Board (NCB) and, separately, to a selected group of middle-ranking law enforcement officers and relevant civil service counterparts.
A meeting was held with the Minister of Education. Given the current drug situation in Bhutan as determined by the government, a broad-based drug prevention programme targeted at the youth in Bhutan is the need of the hour.
There is a need to train law enforcement and customs officials on the NDPSSA and the Rules and Regulations. This will be linked with sensitization training for these officials on drug and HIV that will be supported by H13.
Counterparts from BNCA, police and other government departments receiving an update on drug abuse situation in Bhutan
