16 > Next Generation Myanmar from where the youths do not take drugs. In some houses there are three brothers, and all are found to use drugs. So that I think creating jobs for youths can reduce the rate youth of drug use.’ Youth activist, male, Kachin State, age 29 ‘Indeed, there is a [significant] crime rate in the area due to a lack of job opportunities.’ CSO employee, female, Ayeyarwady Region, age 25 Others complained of ongoing corruption in the market for jobs. Several youth explained that nepotism and corruption too often barred qualified youth from good jobs, even those with university educations. ‘Even if you have a good education background, there are only limited job offerings for youth in your area. Even if there are many teacher posts offered, only those who can bribe get the jobs. Thus, there are many university graduates who do not have jobs.’ Male, Rakhine State, age 22 ‘There is also a problem with the civil servants. What I dislike about civil servants is that they have a mentality to oppress fellow citizens. If there are some job opportunities in the departments they are working in, they engage in nepotism and favouritism towards their relatives. But this does not concern the village administrator.’ Peace activist, male, Kachin State, age 30 In group discussions, many participants debated whether or not the job market was tougher for young men or young women. Some felt men were limited to high-risk jobs in construction, whereas women could access higher-paying and less risky employment in factories or shops. Others disagreed, arguing that young men have more choices than women, who also fear harassment and abuse in the workplace. ‘The men can work as mine workers, jade dealers or traders or open mobile shops when you can afford it,’ contested a 29-year-old young man from Kachin State. ‘The women have some more money, they can just make their own small business like opening beauty salons. I feel that women have more hardship in choosing careers than men.’ Nonetheless, the vast majority of both young men (93.1 per cent) and young women (92.4 per cent) reported concern about finding themselves unemployed, with no statistically significant difference between them. Youth crime and drug use Many youth interviewed in this study blamed the lack of quality jobs for the problem of youth crime and drug use. In the absence of employment, according to youth interviewed in this study, many of their peers turned to drugs and associated crimes. Interviews and discussions suggested that the 63.1 per cent of survey respondents that said ‘living in peace’ was very important for their future likely had drug-related crime and violence in mind. Many youth felt these crimes threatened their personal safety. ‘The first thing I am concerned about is security. Even I go out with my friend, I dare not stay and talk relaxingly after 8pm,’ explained a 31-year-old activist from Kachin State. ‘I feel insecure automatically at that time.’ Nearly all youth consulted in this study were concerned about Myanmar’s drug problem. Of those surveyed, 93.7 per cent said reducing people’s use of drugs was important to the development of Myanmar. In border states and regions, the proportion was even greater: 99.7 per cent of respondents from Tanintharyi Region said curbing drugs was important, as well as 95.6 per cent of respondents from Shan State and 95.1 per cent of respondents from Kachin State. Youth explained that in some of these border areas, drugs have almost become a form of currency. One 27-year-old male from Paletwa, Chin State (where 95.1 per cent of survey respondents said reducing drug use was important), explained: ‘Drugs is a major problem for the youth in Myanmar. When I talk to friends from different places, I can see that it is not just in Paletwa. Here, the drug issues are rampant. In donation ceremonies, people use to treat tea and alcohol to those who helped with chores. Now, they are offered two tablets of narcotic drugs each. That has become a culture especially near the town of Paletwa. Some people wanted also to be provided tablets with narcotic drugs as part of the compensation for their casual labour.’ Male, Paletwa, Chin State, age 27 Others interviewed in this study explained that drugs had become commonplace in communities across the country. Some guessed that the supply of drugs in their townships must have increased over the past two years. Most agreed that Myanmar’s drug problem prevents thousands of young people from reaching their potential across the country. ‘Drugs can be easily bought in the villages – even in betel shops. So it is easy to destroy the youths. Then the youths themselves have the desire to test the drugs. But when they start using the drugs, they become worse.’ Teacher, female, Shan State, age 26 ‘Drug issues are rampant in Kawkareik township. I witnessed a lot of people being addicted to drugs. Drugs limit the potential of the youth.’ Student, female, Shan State ‘Their lives are ruined. If someone who is working become addicted to drugs, they are no long willing to work. After they have addicted to drugs, they become spoiled guys. Then their futures as well are destroyed.’ Teacher, female, Shan State, age 26