June 26 is recognized as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed this observance on December 7, 1987, marking June 26 as International Drug Day, also referred to as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Background of International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking
Drug trade has always one of the biggest issues that have discussed in the global platform. The first international conference on drug control was held in Shanghai in 1909. Slowly, an international system of control of the production, traffic, and consumption of drugs was established.
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Three drug control conventions were signed within the framework of the United Nations (in 1961, 1971, and 1988).
Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961 – The purpose of the convention was to ensure that every country works together in fighting drug use. The two forms of intervention and control that are most effective when combined are, first, regulating the possession, use, trade, distribution, import, export, manufacture, and production of drugs solely for medical and scientific purposes. Second, it assists in combating drug trafficking through international cooperation aimed at discouraging and preventing traffickers.
Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971 – An international regulatory framework for psychotropic substances established. This system tackled the diversification and proliferation of drugs of abuse, implementing controls for various synthetic drugs based on their potential for misuse and their therapeutic applications.
The United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988 – This Convention has broad-spectrum measures against drug trafficking, which includes the prevention of money laundering and diversion of precursor chemicals. It offers international cooperation, for instance, extradition of drug traffickers, controlled deliveries, and transfer of proceedings.
- The United Nations General Assembly, through a move of a resolution on 7th December 1987, agreed to observe the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
- This day meant to encourage actions and collaborations in the fight towards achieving the goal of having a drug-free international community.
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Importance of International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking
- The UN has launched many organizations to counter the threat of drug abuse.
- The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) leads global efforts to combat illegal drugs and international criminal activities.
- The UNODC established in the year 1997 and it has offices in all the world’s countries.
- There are International Days at the UN to create awareness among the people, to seek support from the governments and international organizations, and to involve the people and the communities in the fight against the severely affected issues and concerns.
- The International Day observed to raise the awareness of the world on the current situation of the effects of drug abuse and its negative effects on human life and society as a whole.
- Approximately two lakh people affected by illicit trafficking every year.
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Taking Action: What Can You Do?
Raise Awareness: Inform everyone, including yourself, about the risks associated with drug addiction and the significance of averting drug-related crimes. Share information from reliable sources and raise awareness using social media platforms.
Encourage laws and programs that support efficient drug prevention and treatment initiatives. Endorse groups that strive to lower drug usage and offer support to impacted people and communities.
Participate in local drug prevention and rehabilitation initiatives by volunteering and making a donation. Your contributions—whether in kind or cash—can have a big impact.
Encourage Healthy Lifestyles: Motivate people in your community to adopt healthier lifestyles. Participate in activities like athletics, the arts, and educational programs that offer alternatives to drug use.
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FAQs related to International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
Q1: What is the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking?
Observed on June 26, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking a worldwide initiative dedicated to increasing awareness about the profound effects of drug misuse and illegal trafficking on health, society, and security.
Q2: When the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking established?
The United Nations General Assembly declared June 26 as International Drug Day on December 7, 1987.
Q3: Why June 26 chosen for this observance?
June 26 chosen to commemorate Lin Zexu’s efforts to dismantle the opium trade in China in the early 19th century.
Q4: What was the first international effort to control drugs?
The first international conference on drug control held in Shanghai in 1909.
Q5: What is the purpose of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961?
It aims to regulate the use of narcotic drugs for medical and scientific purposes and to combat drug trafficking through international cooperation.
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Way Forward
To address the widespread problems of drug misuse and trafficking, there is an urgent need for international action. As highlighted by the International Day Against Drug Misuse and Illicit Trafficking. We can move closer to a drug-free society by increasing knowledge, promoting sensible legislation, and fostering community involvement. The UN’s initiatives and those of groups like UNODC demonstrate how crucial international cooperation is to overcoming these obstacles. By working together, we can build a society free from the devastation caused by drug addiction and illegal trafficking, one that is safer and healthier. Let’s all do our part to advance this important cause by taking real action.