AMERICA/ARGENTINA - Bishop of Jujuy: "We need the State’s strong support against drugs"

Wednesday, 24 June 2015

Jujuy (Agenzia Fides) - The problem of drug addiction and drug trafficking in Argentina does not diminish but increases, children and young people today are the most vulnerable groups: this was denounced by the Bishop of the Diocese of Jujuy, His Exc. Mgr. Daniel Fernandez, talking to the local press ahead of the International Day against drug abuse, which will be celebrated on June 26.
The note sent to Fides reports that the Bishop believes there have been progresses made by the State with regards to this scourge, but "we need the State’s 'strong' support, we need to hear that they are doing a great battle against drug trafficking". He added that the "peripheral areas have become fertile ground" for this dramatic phenomenon. The province of Jujuy, 1,500 km from Buenos Aires, is located towards the border with Chile and Bolivia. Despite the geographical and natural difficulties, even here drug trafficking is present and is growing daily.
Mgr. Fernández described the situation of Jujuy, which is not far from the situations experienced in great cities: "Some mothers tell me that their youngest children, 6 or 7 years of age, see older siblings with this problem and want to imitate them ... I do not have statistics to denounce the gravity, but there are more and more parents who come to ask for help to solve a situation of drugs, which is tragic and real. This scourge is ruining families even in the most remote and distant villages".
"The Church runs a center to guide young people with problems - said the Bishop - but it is not enough. We must prevent ... we should have state centers where to ask for help". The diocese, together with other organizations, has prepared a program with many activities for the whole civil community for June 26. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 24/06/2015)


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