AFRICAN UNION UNION AFRICAINE UNIÃO AFRICANA Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA P. O. Box 3243 Telephone 517 700 Fax : 517844 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Third Ordinary Session 4 8 July 2003 Maputo, MOZAMBIQUE EX/CL/34 (III) Original: English MECHANISM FOR FOLLOW-UP AND REPORTING ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVISED PLAN OF ACTION ON DRUG CONTROL IN AFRICA (2002-2006)
Page 1 MECHANISM FOR FOLLOW-UP AND REPORTING ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVISED PLAN OF ACTION ON DRUG CONTROL IN AFRICA (2002-2006) BACKGROUND INFORMATION 1. It will be recalled that the magnitude of the Socio-Economic consequences of Illicit Drug Trafficking and abuse of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic substances in Africa was emphasized during Summits at Lusaka, Zambia in 2001 and Durban, South Africa in 2002. The drug challenge further complicated by poverty, gender inequality, conflicts, human displacement, refugees and voluntary migration; street children; women and child trafficking. Furthermore, proceeds got illegally from this nepharious activity are used to fund organized crimes and increasing sophistication of organized African criminal syndicates with international ramifications, coupled with terrorism. The spread of the HIV/AIDS pandemic through risky behaviour including the sharing of contaminated needles by drug dependant persons is of great concern because there is growing evidence of abuse of other kinds of drugs in Africa, including local plants, solvents and other substances. 2. In response to these problems, the Lusaka Summit of July 2001 mandated the OAU to organize the first OAU Ministerial Conference on Drug Control in Africa. Its objective was, among others, to take appropriate steps aimed at updating the OAU Plan of Action for Drug Control in Africa in view of current emerging drug issues in the Continent so as to be in line with global approaches to solving the problem. The Durban Summit mandated the Commission to develop mechanisms for monitoring the implementation of the AU Plan of Action (2002-2006), as well as addressing other emerging issues in drug control in Africa. 3. The mechanism was developed by the AU in collaboration with two Experts with financial assistance from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The African Group in Vienna then considered and adopted this draft during the 46th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), which was held in April 2003. 4. Also of importance is indication that our youths nowadays believe in the use of performance-enhancing drugs for sporting activities. The desire to get better in sports places a lot of demand on athletes and winning becomes a passionate obsession with disastrous consequences. The psychological, social and physical pressure exerted becomes too much for most athletes to handle and prompts the cutting of corners to get there quickly. This results in a vicious cycle that has led many athletes into taking various substances repeatedly to realize that dream. This has robbed sports of its fairness in addition to destroying athletes at their prime. 5. In the same vein, the fact that sports has become a professional job for most players and winning an ultimate experience that would confer status and earnings, players indulge in practically anything to win. The uncertainty loaded in the outcome of a contest
Page 2 further compounds the need to do all it takes to win. This has been the foundation of doping in sports, which has now assumed epidemic proportions as non-elite and elite athletes have been caught using performance-enhancing drugs. The gravity of doping in sports points towards the destruction of the ideals of sports and demands an immediate action towards eradicating the malaise to keep sports in its proper placeby our spr 6. The Commission has also, in conformity with the Lusaka Decision established a Drug Control and Crime Prevention Unit, to coordinate and monitor Drug Control activities in the continent as well as the formulation of appropriate Drug Control Policies and Programmes that would facilitate implementation Drug Control and Crime prevention strategies. 7. As stated earlier proceeds got illegally from the nepharious activities of illicit cultivation, production and trafficking in narcotic plants are used to fund organized crimes and increasing sophistication of organized African criminal syndicates with international ramifications coupled with terrorism. 8. According to the Durban Decision, the All Africa Games of October 2003, which will be held in Abuja, Nigeria will be dedicated to the theme SPORTING AGAINST DRUG ABUSE IN AFRICA. It is hoped that this sporting event will enhance the creation of awareness as well as sensitize the populace in general and the youth in particular on the dangers inherent in illicit drug trafficking and abuse. 9. The Permanent Representative Council is invited to consider the followings i. Consider the Mechanism for Follow-up and Reporting on the Implementation of the Revised Plan of Action on Drug Control in Africa (2002-2006); ii. Support the All Africa Games on the theme SPORTING AGAINST DRUG ABUSE IN AFRICA, and encourage Athletes to participate.
Page 3 MECHANISM FOR FOLLOW-UP AND REPORTING ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVISED PLAN OF ACTION ON DRUG CONTROL IN AFRICA (2002-2006) INTRODUCTION The purpose of the Guidelines is to facilitate the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the AU Plan of Action on Drug Control in Africa by the various stakeholders. It is based on the Priority Areas, Objectives and Activities of the Plan of Action. Implementation Strategy a) Role of AU The AU is to play the following roles: Advocacy: Maintain drug control on the Agenda of AU meetings Policy Development: Develop appropriate policies and programmes, especially to tackle complex and new trends in drug trafficking, drug abuse and money laundering; Mobilisation of Resources: Efforts would be made to involve UN agencies, international organizations and the International community as financial and technical cooperating partners. Coordination, monitoring and evaluation: Coordination, monitoring and evaluation of drug control efforts of RECs and member states including its own efforts. b) Partnerships The successful implementation of this plan requires broad partnerships at member state, regional, Continental and International levels. The Media, Women's Organisations, Non-Government organizations, Civil Society Organizations, faith-based organizations, Community-Based Organizations, Labour Organization students organization and the private sector are an integral part of this partnership. c) Implementation Target Given the different levels of capacities and available resources among member countries in the implementation of this Plan, it is expected that countries will have achieved at least 2 activities in each of
Page 4 the priority areas identified at the mid-term of this Plan. It will be up to member states, given their own priorities, to select their activities. A mid-term review on the implementation of the Plan of Action after two (2004) years and a final review before the end of the given period shall be conducted. d) Monitoring and Evaluation 1., RECs and AU to establish effective monitoring and evaluation framework to monitor and evaluate their respective implementation of the Plan and other drug control programmes; 2. to respond promptly to requests for information by RECs and AU; 3. Annual AU Reporting system to be introduced to provide assessment of institutions and efforts; 4. An inter-ministerial/inter-agency joint review framework for periodic assessment of the implementation of the Plan should be set up. The mid-term implementation report will be presented at the Second AU Ministerial Conference on Drug Control in Africa, scheduled to be held in 2004
Page 5 PRIORITY AREA ONE: INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT Objectives Activities Responsibilities Time Frame Indicators Means of Verification Action Performed? Comments What Next Steps Create a strong coordination unit at the AU and more; Establish a drug control unit at AU Commission Mainstream components of drug control into relevant programmes/ activities at the AU Commission; Chairperson of AU Collaborators Personnel, Equipment and Budget effective cooperation between REC s for the discharge of their coordination function and advisory services Report to Policy organs of AU Policy development, coordination and training Formulate policy on Alternative Development, Organise training workshops AU in coordination with development partners, for the training of Development and implementation of appropriate policies Development of alternative programmes for the eradication of illicit cultivation of cannabis Report to policy organs of AU Technical evaluation Advocate for the establishment of Drug Control Units (DCUs) in and the RECs without DCUs Coordinate and the strengthen existing DCUs. Support RECs in development of regional Drug Chairperson of AU and partners AU, partners (UNDCP and other UN partners) Effective DCU s in REC s and member states Drug control strategies in REC s Report to AU by REC s and Report to AU by REC S
Page 6 Control Strategies Implementation of the regional legal instrument. Technical visits Development of Integrated Drug Policies and Strategies Sensitisation Training of Policy-Makers REC s and Dec. 2004 Integrated Drug Policies in REC s and Report to AU Technical visits Develop policies REC s and Dec. 2004 Integrated Drug Policies in REC s and Report to AU Technical visits Mainstreami ng of drug control concerns in regional and national plans Drug prevention education Creation of legitimate employment and income generation opportunities Introduction of Alternative Development Programmes states supported by REC s, partners Drug control component in: Labor Education Health Economic Planning Agriculture, [inc. crops substitutions] Micro-Credit Programme etc. to AU Effective licit drug control Policy development and consolidation Legislative supported by: REC s UNDCP Evidence of diminishing abuse of licit drugs Report to INCB
Page 7 measures Harmonisation of legislation Sensitization and empowerment of pharmacy and medical personnel WHO INCB INTERPOL CIVIL SOCIETY [including NGO s, Religious bodies]
Page 8 PRIORITY AREA TWO: INFORMATION RESEARCH AND NETWORKING Objectives Activities Responsibilit ies Time Frame Indicators Means of Verification Action Performed Comments What Next Steps Creation of African expert Networks in drug control Communicat ion between experts in Africa and from other continents Develop and maintain database of experts and organizations Train personnel involve in drug control Organize conferences, workshops Publication/dissemin ation of information Set up websites Exchange of experts Training of mass media practitioners AU REC s Partners Partners AU REC s Partners REC s Database created and updated Number of training sessions, workshops and conferences organised, networks formed Number of publications, websites, attachments, secondment, sessions organised, etc. Availability and accessibility of database Report Visitors on websites, reports, joint projects
Page 9 Develop research and information management capacity and programmes Establish national and regional research centres Strengthen research, educational institutions REC s Partners Number of centers established, research conducted and published Funding of research and centers Conduct research in drug control Develop and strengthen effective management of data and information Funding information and data management systems
Page 10 PRIORITY AREA THREE: LEGAL SYSTEMS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF LAW Objectives Activities Responsibilities Time Frame Indicators Means of Verification Action Performed Comments What Next Steps Harmonise and update legislations on drug control, organised crime and money laundering Develop framework to reform and harmonise drug laws Development of appropriate legal sanctions and remedial measures Develop monitoring standards on the sentence administration and procedure July 2004 December 2004 July 2005 Enactment of appropriate legislations Updated and harmonized legal instruments that protect human rights and differentiate between various types of drug offences and offenders Effective monitoring system of sentencing administration established and technical evaluation and technical evaluation and technical evaluation Training in effective use of different sentencing options for different drug offences and offenders Training of Judges, Magistrates and prosecutors for effective administration of law. Establish dedicated drug courts. s December 2004 Treatment options of drugs offenders including convicts Variety of sentencing options for classes of offenders. Upgraded legal and judiciary institutions Number of sessions organised Effective Establish effective legal s December Effective framework
Page 11 enforcement of regulations on licit substances framework for the enforcement of regulations on licit substances 2004 for regulation for licit substances Technical evaluation
Page 12 PRIORITY AREA FOUR: INTEGRATED DRUG DEMAND REDUCTION Objectives Activities Responsibilities Time Frame Indicators Means of Verification Action Performed Comments What Next Steps Effective Drug Education Campaign Introduce/sustain drug education programmes Develop/distribute model drug education curriculum for educational institutions Develop/sustain community-based programmes Prepare, produce and distribute information and educational materials to the public, especially groups at risk Establishment of comprehensive system for information on drugs Distribution and use of educational materials Extent and quality of drug abuse prevention materials in the mass media Technical evaluation Provide a variety of services for drug users, addicts by both government and the civil society Establish and strengthen health care institutions including establishment of drug counseling, (detoxification] for effective management of drug abuse NGO s CBO s Establishment of: Health care institutions Detoxifications centers Counseling services Rehabilitations programmes Social reintegration programmes and Technical evaluation Research on new drug abuse patterns and trends Conduct research on new drug abuse patterns and trends Research Centres Reliable information on new drug abuse patterns and trends
Page 13 Develops models of best practices in prevention treatment and rehabilitation Publications of guidelines on best practices in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation
Page 14 PRIORITY AREA FIVE: NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CONTROL CAPACITIES Objectives Activities Responsibilities Time Frame Indicators Means of Verification Action Performed Comments What Next Steps Comprehensive effective drug law enforcement Establish and maintain adequately funded and equipped national law enforcement agencies December 2004 Effective drug law enforcement units and visits Effective cooperation and coordination among drug law enforcement units Establishment of law enforcement national focal point in each country December 2004 Bilateral and multilateral cooperation agreements Establishment of communication links between the national focal points December 2004 Joint border patrol
Page 15 Strengthen, training and logistic support for specialized units Proper and continuing training for drug law enforcement officials, customs and immigration personnel, Central Bank and commercial banks staff Improved performance of specialized units against illicit drug trafficking and organised crime, money laundering, corruption and trafficking in human beings Improved cooperation between law enforcement, forensic sciences and the judiciary Establish control structures and mechanisms to limit the diversion of licit drugs to illicit markets Reform laws for effective regulation of importation, marketing and prescription of pharmaceutical drugs Effective regulation of access to licit drugs and substances
Page 16 PRIORITY AREA SIX : REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CONTROL MEASURES Objectives Activities Responsibilities Time Frame Indicators Means of Verification Action Performed Comments What Next Steps Strengthen cooperation between RECs Establish a liaison bureau to facilitate operational cooperation, bilateral agreements, joint training and operation, expert exchanges, intelligence sharing RECs Effective and functioning liaison bureau in each REC Creation of operational cooperation among law enforcement bodies Cooperation between authorities in African entry ports and sources/main destination countries Increased and improved communication and cooperation between member states of the RECs Training programmes and procurement of equipment for specialized units
Page 17 PRIORITY AREA SEVEN: INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Objectives Activities Responsibilities Time Frame Indicators Means of Verification Action Performed Comments What Next Steps Promotion of and advocacy for international cooperation; Collaborate with UN Agencies, the ICPO/ INTERPOL and other international agencies active in the fields of development, law enforcement and drug control, OAS, EMCDDA, Colombo plan, EUROPOL) AU RECs and partners Effective international cooperation Adequate funding of activities, through AU and partners Mobilise additional resources for the promotion of drug control efforts in the continent Sign and ratify all UN Conventions and Protocols, as well as RECs drug abuse and trafficking related Protocols Joint project development and implementation All African countries signatories and parties to all UN Conventions and protocols and RECs protocols