o be addressed during the debate include: the impact of drug trafficking on the socio-economic development of States and regions; the link between drug trafficking, financing of conflict, organized transnational criminality, illicit arms trafficking and money-laundering; and the specific situation of some regions.
The role of the Council, the UNODC, regional and subregional organizations, civil society and the private sector could also be discussed, as well as the specific responsibilities of the producing, consumer and transit countries. Another matter for consideration is the urgent need to strengthen international cooperation in eradicating the threat and for all States to accede to international conventions.
Statements
Council President BEDOUMA ALAIN YODA, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Development of Burkina Faso, speaking in his national capacity, said his country had asked for the debate on the danger posed by drug trafficking to international security, as it wanted to invite the members of the Council and the United Nations to consider the means to best address the harmful effects of the scourge. The effects of drug trafficking were evident, he said. Powerful drug cartels had exercised influence on politics and the internal affairs of countries and posed a threat to the security and stability of States. Drug trafficking also fuelled corruption and trafficking in arms. From Latin America to Asia, Europe and Africa, many people had witnessed the chaos it caused.
He said that West Africa had suffered under the trafficking of cocaine. Annual seizures of cocaine in that region had increased exponentially and clandestine landings of drug planes revealed the vulnerability of the region’s States. The countries had become a privileged group: “the El
Dorado of drug traffickers”. The weakness of the rule of law, corruption and poverty promoted the actions of drug trafficking. The scourge required an international response through heightened surveillance, as well as effective cooperation and coordination. The members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had decided to address the problem by organizing, in October 2008 in Cape Verde, a ministerial conference on the issue. Implementation of the Conference’s plan of action required the support of the international community.
He said three provisions of the plan of action deserved the support of international partners: undertaking national and international operations; establishing units for control and surveillance at airports, seaports and border posts; and establishing police laboratories for communication and information exchange. In addition to that, sustainable development conditions should be created, because as long as unemployment and poverty persisted, illicit drug trafficking would persist. The international community |
