Drug and alcohol abuse continues to be among the more serious problems confronting modern society. Beginning from issues like smoking to alcohol and other innovative psychotropic drugs are a big issue looming over the youth of today. In previous generations, smoking topped the list of growing social issues. However, recent public efforts to curb the smoking habit have somehow effectively addressed this particular social problem, although it remains to be totally resolved. In its place, however, is a more dangerous social threat with more extreme repercussions. The growing explosion of alcoholic drinks and illegal drugs has led many young people down a losing path. The predicament is getting worse in recent times with kids in their high school years becoming unsuspecting victims. The drugs of choice among today’s youth include a range of new designer drugs that have been popping up at an alarming speed. In fact, it can be difficult for law enforcement to keep track of the new dangerous substances that continue being introduced on the black market.

It is in this respect the recent NAM meetings have heavily focused on the issue of increasing drug abuse globally and how to- if not eradicate- at least curb and manage the situation for the greater good. NAM Member States have articulated their deep worry for the severe risk that the growing inclination towards drug abuse poses for humanity and the lives and future of children and youth, and for the subverting effects that illegal use, manufacturing, trafficking and supply and circulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and drug-related offences have for the affected countries.

They renewed their most resolute pledge in the battle in opposition to not only the illegal manufacturing, trafficking, distribution and using up of drugs at all levels and degrees and also against money laundering, arms, ammunition and explosives trafficking, and the deflection of precursory and essential chemical substances.

NAM restates that the illegal drug chain starts with the inadequately controlled trade of the precursory and vital chemical substances for the making of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and is concluded with the laundering of money via the international financial and commercial channels. Hence NAM has figured that, owing to its global nature, the drug predicament can only be dealt with successfully through international cooperation based on the principle of collective liability in which national measures are expressed with a global, integral, and balanced reaction to the illegal drugs problem. The Heads of State or Government of NAM Member States have urged that all countries contribute in the growth of common principles that would direct the programmes for the decrease of requirement within an integral and balanced approach.

Given that poverty and marginalization are agents that favour the crisis of drug trafficking in the developing countries, predominantly as they promote prohibited crop cultivation, Non-Aligned Movement has made a call for an enhancement in the intercontinental collaboration of a multilateral and bilateral character pointed towards socio-economic improvement programmes in affected areas.

NAM also calls for global cooperation to maintain programmes for substitute development and for environmental remedy in areas where prohibited crops have produced severe environmental damage. NAM has also emphasized the need to encourage support in the areas of drug rehabilitation, drug abuse deterrence and enforcement measures. The Heads of State or Government NAM Member States urge for unison between the people and representatives of the States in all international fora, with the intention that drug-trafficking be considered and confirmed a sin against humanity.

NAM therefore emphatically reaffirms that the global fight against the illegal use of drugs and drug trafficking should be carried out in full unity and without breaching the principles of international law inscribed in the Charter of the United Nations, mainly the reverence for the autonomy and territorial integrity of States and non-use of force or threat of force in international relations.