NCJ Number
216358
Journal
Perspective Issue: 1 Dated: 2006 Pages: 8-17
Editor(s)
Norha Restrepo
Date Published
2006
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This article examines the links between children and drugs in the countries of Myanmar, Peru, Egypt, and Kenya and what these countries are doing to combat the strong influence of drugs in their communities.
Abstract
Although Myanmar, in Asia, is the world's second largest producer of opium poppy, production is declining. Many farmers have left the poppy fields and returned to their villages. The residents of northern Shan State, struggling with endemic poverty and drug addiction, have united in an effort to improve their quality of life and assist families with special needs. Peru's Sport and Life schools are helping to prevent drug abuse and delinquency among disadvantaged children and adolescents through a program of cultural, educational, and sporting activities. In Egypt, children living and working on the streets are vulnerable to violence, exploitation, and drug abuse. Many turn to drugs to cope with their stressful and unstable lives. In 2004, the Egyptian Government launched its National Strategy to Protect and Rehabilitate Street Children. Children are viewed as victims in need of support to be reintegrated into society. In Kenya, there are children who consume and traffic drugs, are victims of drug-abusing families, and live in drug-infested communities. Many of these children have run-ins with the police. Several options are available to children and adolescents with drug-related problems, including non-custodial sentences and community service.