International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is also known as World Drug Day is observed annually on 26 June, since 1989. as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. The observance was instituted by General Assembly Resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987.

All over the world, we see that risks and consequences of drug use are worsened by poverty, limited opportunities for education and jobs, stigma, and social exclusion, which in turn helps to deepen inequalities, moving us further away from achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

The theme of the 2023 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was which aims at combating misinformation and promotes sharing the facts on drugs — “People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention”.

Having a commemorative day to fight against drugs and trafficking is an expression of the world’s leaders’ determination to strengthen acts of cooperation among countries and societies to create a world free of drug abuse. It is to raise awareness of the major problems each country has to face concerning illicit drug use.

Each year hundred thousand people die due to illegal drugs. Drug use damages health in the form of debilitating HIV, hepatitis, and tuberculosis, while drug traffickers flourish in money laundering and deadly terrorism.

However, the damage done upon lives and communities does not stop there. Men, women, and children are also forced to illegally transport drugs by extremist groups as their means of earning funds for their activities that harm or threaten international peace. Hence, they become collateral damage to the continuous fight against illicit trafficking and drug abuse.

Many national and international organizations have been formed, such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and widespread promotional events and activities have been organized by different countries to combat this challenge. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime calls upon the Member States to organize events that highlight the issue of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking on June 26 each year.

Globally, governments, organizations, and individuals continue to actively participate in promotional events and activities such as mass media involvement, public rallies, and promoting awareness of dangers associated with long-term drug abuse.

You can find more information on the United Nations website for International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

How the day is observed

Governments need to follow a new effective and humane way to manage the drug problem. It should be honored to common people for their broader participation in the reduction of risks caused by drug abuses, trafficking, and abuse of drugs for ensuring more peaceful and safe lives and promoting human rights and equality.

Governments, organizations, and individuals in many countries collaborate with the World Health organization and organize various programs and events with the aim to spread awareness among the general masses about the ill-effects of drugs which is spreading its tentacles in the world like wildfire and no one has escaped from its fallouts especially the youth.

Central Drugs Standard Control Government Organization in India organizes various programs to eradicate drug abuse. Narcotics Anonymous, a Non-Governmental Organizations in India provides treatment and counseling to drug users.

Events are also organized in schools, colleges, workplaces, public spaces around the world to make people aware of the whole issue, and the dangers of drugs and their use.

Anti Drug Quotes

Drugs are like a sweet poison that kills you.
I’m very serious about no alcohol, no drugs. Life is too beautiful. – Jim Carrey
Get high on grades – Not on drugs.

Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will. – Mahatma Gandhi
Avoid using cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs as alternatives to being an interesting person. – Marilyn Vos Savant
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Parents are key when it comes to keeping kids off drugs. Good parenting is the best anti-drug we have. – Mel Carnahan
There’s not a drug on Earth that can make life meaningful. – Sarah Kane

Drugs are a waste of time. They destroy your memory and your self-respect and everything that goes along with your self-esteem. – Kurt Cobain
Whether you sniff it smoke it eat it or shove it up your ass the result is the same: addiction. – William S. Burroughs
Children are often the silent victims of drug abuse. – Rick Larsen
Drug abuse is a medical disease that requires medical professionals. – Doug Ose