The absence of parents who migrate to work overseas may leave some young people more vulnerable to drug use and the health risks that follow including HIV, UNAIDS HIV Advisor Renata Ram says.
Ms Ram said young people needed to be understood within the social and emotional circumstances surrounding them, particularly when parents were away and children were left with relatives or guardians who may not provide the same level of care.
“In terms of trying to find some support or love, they go and find love on the streets,” she said.
She said these circumstances could contribute to depression and other emotional difficulties, leaving young people more vulnerable to turning to drugs for support as a way to escape their struggles.
She referred to a father who posted on social media about going overseas to earn money for his family, only to later realise that his child had become involved with drugs and was eventually admitted to a psychiatric hospital.
“He realised his child needed his presence more than the money he was sending.”
Ms Ram said addressing those causes required communities to look at vulnerable people with greater compassion rather than judgement.
“Let’s see from a lens of compassion.”
She said this was particularly important because judgement could push people further away from the health and support services they need.
She said places such as churches and the Great Council of Chiefs could play an important role by providing safe spaces for people who may be struggling with drug use or other social problems.
“Maybe they cannot help people individually, but can be a safe space for people, and that’s the most important thing.”
Ms Ram said the response should therefore go beyond telling young people not to use drugs and instead look at what may have led them there in the first place.
