Strategic Programme Framework 2006-2009

The Strategic Programme Framework for the Lao PDR 2006-2009 was formulated in light of the fact that from being the third largest producer of illicit opium in the world, the Lao PDR is close to reaching its goal of eliminating opium. In the context of UNGASS, opium cultivation has been reduced by 93% over the past seven years. While this is a very significant achievement, external alternative development assistance has reached less than 50% of former opium poppy cultivating communities and there is concern regarding the sustainability of elimination and the impact of elimination on former opium poppy cultivating communities. To address anticipated issues arising in the immediate post-opium setting, UNODC and the Government of the Lao PDR have drafted a new national programme strategy for the post-opium scenario entitled "The Balanced Approach to Sustaining Opium Elimination in the Lao PDR" (2006-2009). The aim is to integrate the latter with the Lao National Growth and Poverty Eradication Strategy (NGPES). The Strategic Programme Framework supports the new national programme strategy, which is a national priority, and is being integrated with the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), as well as the Millennium Development Goals.

Laos is at a critical juncture. The risk of not providing timely, sufficient, and appropriate assistance could result in the reversal of successes achieved. The possible scenario of opium poppy farmers and addicts reverting to opium cultivation in order to survive - together with increased cross-border ATS, heroin and human trafficking, leading to corruption and crime - could affect national security and stability that are prerequisites for poverty alleviation and development. Unchecked escalation of such a situation would threaten the development and economy of the region. Drug control has been identified as a major crosscutting issue in the upcoming UN Common Country Assessment for the Lao PDR. | Read more...