Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 01:18:14 -0500
Reply-To: [d r c natl] at [drcnet.org]
From: [b--rd--n] at [intr.net] (David Borden)
Subject: Human Rights Group Questions Drug-Czar Choice in the Absence of Policy Change
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Drug Reform Coordination Network (DRCNet)
Rapid Response Team
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Please copy and distribute.
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[The following is a press release from the Washington Office on Latin
America, a human rights monitoring organization. DRCNet is distributing
their press release as a public service; please note, however, that the
two organizations are not otherwise affiliated.]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24, 1996
Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA)
400 C Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Tel (202) 544-8045
Fax (202) 546-5288
Contact: Coletta Youngers
Bill Spencer
(202) 544-8045
Human Rights Group Questions Drug-Czar Choice in the Absence of Policy Change
The Washington Office on Latin America released the following statement
concerning President Clinton's nomination of Army General Barry R.
McCaffrey as the nation's "Drug Czar." As Commander in Chief of the
United States Southern Command, General McCaffrey has overseen the U.S.
military's antinarcotics operations in Latin America.
"The nomination of General McCaffrey as the nation's 'Drug Czar' may take
the steam out of recent Republican attacks on President Clinton for
abandoning the war on drugs, but will not by itself solve the problem of
drug abuse and drug-related violence. 'General McCaffrey has an
impressive record of service to this country,' said George R. Vickers,
Executive Director of the Washington Office on Latin America. 'But what
is needed is a fundamental shift in U.S. anti-narcotics policies, away
from failed military strategies that have had little impact on the supply
of illicit drugs coming into the United States.'
"The nomination of a military officer to lead U.S. anti-narcotics efforts
is particularly troubling at a time when the involvement of Latin
American militaries in anti-drug campaigns has led to widespread
corruption and abuse of human rights. Civilian governments in the Andean
region are attempting to keep restive militaries in the barracks.
'Regardless of his personal qualities, McCaffrey's nomination symbolizes
the misguided militarization of U.S. drug policy,' notes WOLA Senior
Associate Colleta Younger, 'and suggests a continued erosion of civilian
control over law enforcement efforts in this field.'"
The "Drug Czar" heads the Office of National Drug Control Policy, which
coordinates anti-drug efforts. His nomination must be confirmed by the
United States Senate.
The Washington Office on Latin America has monitored human rights and
United States policy in Latin America since 1974, and has produced
numerous reports on U.S. anti-narcotics policy in the Andes.
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