Donjeta Kelmendi from KOMF and Muharrem Ademi from Labyrinth presented the current situation regarding the prevention and treatment of children and young people who use drugs. Kosovo is facing major challenges in preventing and treating children and youth affected by substance abuse. In recent years, the number of users has reached 30,000, with children and adolescents making up an increasingly large percentage. According to data from the Labyrinth organization, the average age of initial drug use has decreased from 18 years in 2018 to 16 years in recent years.
National conference on the prevention of drug use among children
National conference on the prevention of drug use among children
The National Conference “A Community Without Addiction” was organized by the Office for Good Governance within the Office of the Prime Minister, in partnership with the Coalition of NGOs for Child Protection – KOMF, Trust Circle Foundation, and the organization Labyrinth.
The President of KOMF, Remzije Krasniqi, emphasized that in recent years, children and young people who use narcotic substances have become one of the most vulnerable groups, requiring immediate intervention.
The Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, stated that a community without addiction is a national mission for everyone, without exception. According to him, the fight against addiction requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach.
The Director of the Psychiatry Clinic at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Faton Kutllovci, stated that there is a concerning increase in the abuse of psychoactive substances in Kosovo, with the most affected being young people and adolescents aged 15–25.
Safet Blakaj from Labyrinth emphasized the need to further rationalize the general prevention program. Krenar Batusha from Trust Circle Foundation called on the Prime Minister to increase investments and support in the field of prevention and treatment of children and young people who use narcotic substances.
The aim of the conference was to promote an inclusive dialogue between state institutions, civil society organizations, professionals, and the community to address and prevent the use of narcotic substances among children and young people.
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