International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

2000 young people participating in the RUN AGAINST DRUGS, organized to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in New Delhi on June 26, 2004

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is an annual event observed on June 26th, dedicated to raising awareness about the major issues that illicit drugs present to society. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987, this day serves as a reminder of the need to combat drug abuse and illegal drug trade across the globe. The day is also known by its shorter name, World Drug Day.

Background

The decision to observe the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was made by the United Nations General Assembly following a recommendation from the 1987 International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The date, June 26th, was chosen to commemorate the signing of the first major international treaty aimed at drug control, the International Opium Convention, in 1909.

Objectives

The primary objective of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse. This involves various efforts, including:

• Raising awareness about the harmful health, social, and economic consequences of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
• Promoting educational activities and campaigns to prevent drug abuse among individuals, particularly the youth.
• Encouraging governmental and non-governmental organizations to spread the message about the dangers of drug abuse.
• Highlighting the importance of international cooperation to combat the global drug problem.

Themes

Each year, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) selects a theme for the day that highlights a particular aspect of the drug problem. These themes aim to focus attention on specific challenges and encourage a unified response from communities, governments, and international organizations. Past themes have included "Health for Justice. Justice for Health" and "Listen First - Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe."

Activities

Activities organized to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking vary widely and include:

• Educational workshops and seminars aimed at informing people about the risks associated with drug use and the importance of drug prevention.
• Public awareness campaigns, including the distribution of informational materials and the use of social media to spread the day's messages.
• Community events, such as marches, concerts, and sports activities, designed to unite people in the fight against drug abuse.
• Policy discussions and forums where stakeholders discuss strategies to address the global drug problem and implement effective drug policies.

Impact

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking plays a crucial role in mobilizing public opinion against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. It provides an opportunity for individuals, communities, and governments to work together to tackle the drug problem and highlights the need for continued vigilance and action against the drug trade that threatens global health, security, and stability.

See Also

• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
• Drug control law
• Substance abuse
• Illegal drug trade