Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The government of Cristina Kirchner is at a crossroads with regards to the strategy to be adopted on the consumption of drugs. A part of the government is in favor of the decriminalization of possession of soft drugs for personal consumption, although the president has never spoken and knows that the proposal sees the opposition of the Church.
As revealed, the Secretary for Security, Sergio Berni, and the Minister of Security, Maria Cecilia Rodriguez, are favorable.
The President of the Episcopal Commission for the Social Pastoral, Mgr. Jorge Lozano, Bishop of the Diocese of Gualeguaychú, published an article in the newspaper "La Nacion" which states that "before thinking of decriminalization, the issues of social inclusion, strengthening equal opportunities and the fight against addiction must be addressed".
Mgr. Lozano prioritises ensuring access to education and assistance to drug addicts. "Sedronar (body responsible for coordinating national policies to combat addiction) is developing a program to set up 150 centers in the country for addiction prevention and 60 educational-therapeutic houses. Should one not end this chapter, which has just started, before decriminalization?", asks the Bishop.
He continues, pointing out "the slow processes of drug trafficking: slowness linked to the lack of appropriate tools and unethical legal maneuvers". The Bishops also asked "to provide security forces adequate means of control, to ensure transparency in order to remove corruption, to establish laws against money laundering".
Mgr. Lozano concludes by asking for a general consultation: "For such an important law, a vast national survey needs to be carried out. It cannot be regarded as the contribution of a few in the city of Buenos Aires. It should convene public meetings in every province, and listen to many other organizations: churches, schools, centers, institutes". (CE) (Agenzia Fides 11/10/2014)
