26th June: International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

In order to make societies across the world free of drug abuse, on 7^th December 1987, by adopting resolution 42/112, the United Nations General Assembly declared 26^th June to be observed as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The Theme for 2020 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking: Better Knowledge for Better Care

Focus of 2020 Theme

For countering the impact that drug has on our societies, it is important that cross border cooperation increases among countries across the globe. This will help in restricting the negative effects of many kinds of misinformation that has caused challenges for the authorities involved in addressing the drug problem.

Drug trafficking has hindered the overall development of many developing countries over the years, as the financially weaker sections of society fall prey to various drug or trafficking networks for monetary stability in life. For countering this, understanding has to improve for which better knowledge through greater international cooperation is important for countering these negative impacts on society.

Significance of the Day in 2020

As per the World Drug Report 2020, if 2009 data are compared to the 2018’s, there has been a 30 percent increase in the number of drug consumers across the globe. 269 million people have used drugs in 2018.

At a time of a global pandemic, the day is to encourage individuals, private sectors, non-profit organizations, and the Governments across the world to continue their efforts in raising awareness about the adverse health consequences of drugs through social media campaigns.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2020