United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), New Delhi, India, Regional Office for South Asia (ROSA), in collaboration with the Institute of Correctional Administration (ICA), Chandigarh organized a two-and-a-half-day training programme on “HIV and Drugs” for the law enforcement officers of the State of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh at ICA, Chandigarh. Marco Teixeira, Regional Representative, UNODC ROSA, New Delhi in his opening remarks called for a collaborative and inter-sectoral approach to deal with HIV and drug issues.
Sanjeev Kalra, IPS, DGP Home Guards, Punjab delivered special remarks for the inaugural ceremony. Ms.Seema Joshi Arya, Criminal Justice Expert, UNODC ROSA highlighted the purpose of the training is to enhance the capacity of law enforcement officials to protect and promote access to evidence-informed, human-rights and gender-sensitive HIV and harm reduction services for key populations.
The Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Balbir Singh, Government of Punjab, inaugurated the programme. Dr.Balbir Singh in his inaugural address spoke on HIV and drugs as a social problem and to tackle the increasing drug addiction there is a need to work with a multi-disciplinary approach for which the various departments be it police, prison, NGOs, welfare dept., counsellors, psychologists have to come together to change the social environment.
He encouraged the role of skill development programmes for the persons undergoing de-addiction treatment to give them purpose and employment which may prevent their relapse into drug abuse. Society needs to change its approach and realize that drug addiction is a mental illness that needs a compassionate attitude and treatment. He concluded the address by emphasizing mindful living and the role of law enforcement officers in focusing on Confidence-Building Measures (CBM) to tackle the increasing drug menace in our society.
Dr. Upneet Lalli, ICA, Chandigarh expressed thanks to the Minister Dr. Balbir Singh and Sanjeev Kalra for gracing the event and adding strength to the programme with their esteemed presence. Around 30 police and prison officers are participating in this training workshop. The training will equip the officials with accurate facts and information about HIV and Drugs that will enhance and support the LE official’s role in the National HIV response.
