Qatar’s Call for International Aid to Afghanistan’s Former Poppy Farmers
Qatar urges global support for Afghanistan’s former poppy farmers to provide alternative livelihoods, as highlighted by Jassim Yaqoub Al-Hammadi at a UN meeting. Despite a decline in opium production, the need for international collaborative efforts and alternative development programs is crucial for sustainable economic transitions.
The government of Qatar is advocating for international support for Afghanistan’s former poppy farmers to help them secure alternative livelihoods. This call was made by Jassim Yaqoub Al-Hammadi, Qatar’s envoy to the United Nations, during a presentation at the 68th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna. Despite a generally discouraging global drug production scenario, he highlighted notable declines in Afghanistan’s opium production and progress in combating drug production in other regions, such as Syria.
Al-Hammadi emphasized the necessity for global concerted efforts to assist Afghanistan and Syria, particularly through alternative development programs aimed at providing farmers with viable economic alternatives. He underscored that the ongoing challenges in the global drug fight can only be resolved through adherence to international drug control conventions and supportive policies from the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND).
Historically, Afghanistan has been a predominant producer of opium poppy, yielding over 90 percent of illicit heroin worldwide in 2021, and was responsible for more than 95 percent of heroin supplied to Europe. This production has conferred upon Afghanistan the status of the largest illicit drug producer since 2001, necessitating urgent action to support transitioning farmers away from opium-based livelihoods.
In summary, Qatar’s initiative to garner international support for Afghanistan’s former poppy farmers represents a pivotal step towards resolving the entrenched issues within drug production and cultivation. The call to action emphasizes the importance of collaborative international efforts and the implementation of alternative development strategies. Addressing the farmers’ plight is not only essential for their economic stability but also crucial for combating global drug trafficking effectively.
Original Source: www.ariananews.af