The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, participated today in the roundtable discussion entitled “International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.”
In her address, Acting President Haxhiu stated that drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking are among the most serious threats facing the country’s youth and social security.
“We have to speak openly about drugs and their consequences, without prejudice and without concealing the danger. We need to have these conversations in schools, with parents, teachers, and young people themselves, before the problem emerges as a crisis within the family,” Acting President Haxhiu said.
According to her, particular attention should be given to schools, especially in light of the ongoing reports of the presence or sale of narcotic substances in their vicinity.
“When the threat reaches the schoolyard, prevention becomes an immediate responsibility of families, schools, institutions, and the entire community. Prevention begins with accurate information, with psychologists and pedagogues, with trained teachers, with engaged parents, and with a language that young people can understand. If young people hear about drugs only from the streets, social media, or those who profit from them, institutions will not be able to make a sufficient impact,” Acting President Haxhiu added.
Acting President Haxhiu stated that this issue requires broad societal mobilization and clear accountability from every institution.
“That is why it is important that today’s roundtable brings together those who are most familiar with this issue: public institutions, healthcare professionals, the Kosovo Police, and organizations such as Labyrinth, which has spent many years working with people struggling with addiction and their families, often serving as the first point of contact for those seeking help. On this occasion, I would like to thank you for your longstanding, hard work in this field,” Acting President Haxhiu emphasized.
Speaking about addiction, Acting President Haxhiu said that a person suffering from substance addiction should not be treated as a criminal or a trafficker, but as someone who needs treatment, support, and rehabilitation within society.
“A criminal is the one who exploits that person’s vulnerability, who supplies them with drugs, pushes them deeper into addiction, and profits from it,” Acting President Haxhiu stated.
She stated that society and public institutions must be uncompromising in their fight against drug traffickers, while showing the utmost care and support for those who need help.
“The strength of a society is measured by its ability to prevent young people from being drawn into this vicious cycle, to provide treatment for those who need help, and to help them rebuild their lives with dignity,” Acting President Haxhiu said.
In conclusion, Acting President Haxhiu recalled that Kosovo has already adopted the National Strategy against Drugs 2024–2028 and that a number of important measures have been taken and important mechanisms established. However, she stressed that this issue cannot be resolved through a single document alone, but requires continued efforts in prevention, treatment, and law enforcement.
“Today is a call for greater responsibility, more coordination, and more action. Let us not wait for addiction to knock on the doors of our families before we respond. Let us protect every young person from the trap of drugs, protect society from drug trafficking, and protect the state from organized crime. Every life saved from addiction is a victory for our families, our society, and our state,” Acting President Haxhiu emphasized.
