HOLY SEE ADDRESSES U.N. ON INTERNATIONAL DRUG CONTROL

VATICAN CITY, OCT 15, 2003 (VIS) - Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Holy See permanent observer to the United Nations, spoke yesterday in New York before the Third Committee on Item 109, International Drug Control.

"In all of its phases and dimensions," the nuncio said in opening remarks, "the illicit drug scourge robs the human person of his or her innate dignity. My delegation notes with special concern the ever more obvious links between the illicit drug trade and other human tragedies, such as the trafficking of human beings, the proliferation of illicit small arms, organized crime, and terrorism."

He affirmed that "developing countries and populations afflicted by poverty are particularly vulnerable to the devastating trickle-down effects of the drug trade as easy trafficking points or inexpensive cultivators of source crops. It is for this reason that my delegation welcomes development projects that offer farmers profitable and viable alternatives to drug cultivation."

"As the many causes and consequences of dependence on psychotropic substances are related to family dynamics," stated Archbishop Migliore, "prevention, treatment and rehabilitation efforts should target family relationships in their biological, psychological, social, cultural and economic dimensions." He noted the "link between strong family bonds and the prevention of drug abuse by children. The family is usually the first to suffer from both the acute and the long-term consequences of substance-abusing members, a tragic situation which in most cases leads to the disequilibrium in the household relationship and finally to the breakdown of the family."

"The Holy See is confident," concluded the nuncio, "that the international community will not fail to heed what so many young people are trying to say through their tragedies and anguished appeals, and will redouble its efforts in helping the young generation to liberate itself from this deadly phenomenon of narcotics abuse because the future of youth signifies the future of all humanity."

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