Doha: The second and final day of the National Human Rights Forum, organized by the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) in partnership with the Ministry of Interior, and titled "Human Rights at the Heart of Combating Drugs: Challenges and Prospects for Sustainable Solutions," explored ways to combat drugs using a human rights-based approach, the impact of media on raising awareness, and highlighting youth perspectives on confronting this scourge.
According to Qatar News Agency, the first session of the day, and the fourth session of the forum, titled "Combating Drugs from a Human Rights Perspective: The Role and Impact of Media," featured academics and experts who discussed the importance of shifting from traditional approaches that focus on security aspects to comprehensive approaches that place human dignity and the right to treatment at the heart of media policies.
Participants in the session emphasized the pivotal role of media in shaping public awareness of drug issues. They pointed out that the media's role should not be limited to warning of dangers, but should extend to supporting recovering addicts, promoting empathy, and contributing to reducing the social stigma associated with addiction, which is viewed as a health and humanitarian issue, not a moral or security matter. They addressed the challenges facing media coverage of drug issues, noting that media discourse in some countries still focuses more on security and moral aspects than on health and rights. They called for presenting drugs as a comprehensive humanitarian issue and for including recovering addicts in awareness campaigns as success stories that inspire hope.
The session also discussed the impact of rapid digital transformation and the role of artificial intelligence and digital media in combating drugs. Participants highlighted the potential of modern technologies for early detection and data analysis on social media platforms to identify promotion patterns, as well as for designing digital awareness campaigns based on audience behavior analysis to reach the most vulnerable groups.
In a related context, the second session of the day, and the fifth session of the forum, entitled "Voices for the Future: Youth Perspectives on Combating Drugs," featured a select group of students and young people who presented several youth-led initiatives related to combating drugs and psychoactive substances. Participants in the session highlighted young people's assessment of the risks of drugs and the impact of social media and propaganda on their awareness. They called for rebuilding awareness discourse based on dialogue and understanding, involving youth in formulating preventive drug policies, integrating mental health considerations, reducing social stigma, and developing reliable digital media content.
They discussed the roles young people can play in strengthening drug control efforts, including monitoring risky behaviors and phenomena among their peers, creating their own awareness campaigns, and empowering them to become mentors in prevention programs. This, they argued, would foster mutual trust and break down barriers of fear and stigma. They emphasized the importance of the youth's role in raising awareness about the dangers of drugs and supporting recovery and rehabilitation programs. They also noted the ability of young people to effectively communicate messages through their experiences and real-life stories, utilizing modern digital media tools.
Furthermore, the third session of the day, and the sixth of the forum, titled "Integrating Roles in the Rehabilitation and Addiction Treatment Process: Challenges and Opportunities," featured legal professionals and experts who discussed the importance of monitoring, following up with, and coordinating with rehabilitation centers to ensure that individuals are treated as patients, not criminals. Participants in the session reviewed rehabilitation and care programs for drug addicts, emphasizing the importance of the health, psychological, educational, and vocational programs offered to them to ensure their recovery and prevent relapse. They affirmed that drug abuse is a multifaceted social phenomenon, calling for a focus on protecting families and adopting a comprehensive strategy that includes prevention, care, and law enforcement.