The General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM) today agreed to join efforts to prevent drug use and combat organized crime during a ceremony held at the headquarters of the hemispheric institution in Washington, DC.
The OAS Secretary for Multidimensional Security, Ivan Marques, explained that the collaboration will focus on drug use prevention, treatment, recovery, and preventing the recruitment of young people by criminal organizations, combining evidence-based public health approaches with the Catholic Church's community and pastoral work.
"Faith-based organizations are often at the forefront of community engagement. Their presence within communities makes them key and indispensable partners in efforts to prevent substance use and to support those on the path to recovery," said Secretary Marques, who signed the agreement on behalf of OAS Secretary General Albert R. Ramdin.
For his part, CELAM Secretary General Monsignor Lizardo Estrada highlighted the support provided by the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) to the work of CELAM and its Pastoral Ministry for Accompaniment and Addiction Prevention.
"Thanks to the invaluable support of CICAD, we have been able to significantly strengthen our network," said Monsignor Estrada, adding that "the Catholic Church, inspired by its social doctrine, seeks not only to address the structural consequences of drug use, but also to accompany people in their human, social, and spiritual dimensions."
The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the General Secretariat, through CICAD, and CELAM to develop joint training initiatives, technical assistance, and knowledge-sharing activities for faith-based organizations. The collaboration will focus on drug use prevention, treatment, recovery, and preventing the recruitment of young people by criminal organizations, combining evidence-based public health approaches with the Catholic Church's community and pastoral work.
Reference: FNE-144947
