Criminalization, the ongoing arrest and detention of drug users, is not preventing the HIV epidemic in Cambodia among drug users, especially injecting drug users. That’s why, as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking approaches (26 June), NGOs are calling for the day to carry messages on HIV and health that will help injecting drug users.
Cambodia usually organizes its International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking event to show the strong efforts the Cambodian government is making in combating illicit drug trafficking. Generally, illicit drugs seized from drug producers and traffickers are burnt or destroyed during the event.
This year, the National Authority for Combating Drug (NACD) in Cambodia plans to hold events in 24 areas from 24 June. Most of the events will take place on the day itself (26 June) and centre around Phnom Penh, Banteay Meanchey and Stung Treng.
NGOs and donors say they are concerned that the events will focus on the arrest and detention of drug users rather than the need to help them reduce the harm they are exposed to through their drug use, including reducing their exposure to HIV.
“We support the days, however, we need to be clear that there are HIV and health educational messages for drug users. We need to hear measures to help the ‘victims’, not [about] arrest and detention,” said a representative from a funding agency, who asked not to be named.
“When drug users keep hiding as result of criminalization, arrest and detention, we find many difficulties, not only in reaching them for HIV education but also in helping them from drug abuse,” said an NGO staff member who works at a drop-in center.
Many NGOs have made efforts to help the Cambodian government combat drug abuse and prevent HIV among drug users. Different activities have been designed and carried out to help drug users receive good access to health services, education and psycho-social support.
People who are open about being drug users can receive different assistance from NGOs such as education about HIV, consequences of drug abuse, the relationship between HIV and injecting drug use, overdose prevention, vein care, hygiene, sanitation, sexual reproductive health and safe injecting. They can also be referred to services including methadone maintenance therapy, sexual transmitted infection prevention, birth-spacing, child care, maternal and antenatal care (for female drug users), opportunistic infection and antiretroviral treatment (ARV). Information, education and communication materials such as booklets, leaflets and posters are usually provided to drug users as part of counseling conducted by peer outreach, nurses, social workers, medical experts or relevant specialists.
“In reply to their basic needs after assessment, we also provide psycho-social supports such as clothes, water carriers, pillows, mats, stoves, blankets, mosquito-nets. However, the current situation make it more difficult to reach these people and help them,” said the manager of a drop-in center.
In the past, the Cambodian government has approached drug users as ‘victims’. For example, in 2009 the Prime Minister addressed more than ten thousand people at the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh with the words: “We have always considered drug users are victims. Our students should stay away from drugs. Don’t try it”.
However, on 6 April this year, General Touch Naroth, the Municipal Police Commissioner, said that drug users are no longer considered as victims and would be brought before the courts in the same way as drug traffickers. “Without drug users, there would have no drug trafficking and producing,” he added.