Basic Information
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is an annual event observed on 26 June to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society.
Observed on: 26 June
Organized by: United Nations and member Countries
Introduced in: 1987 (UN Declaration)
Observed: Worldwide
About International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
On 7 December 1987 United Nations General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
This was done with a resolution 42/112 and this resolution recommended further action with regard to the report and conclusions of the 1987 International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
According to the UNODC, nearly 200 million people are using illicit drugs such as cocaine, cannabis, hallucinogens, opiates and sedative hypnotics worldwide.
The objective of the observation is to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society.
In 1998 the UN General Assembly adopted a political declaration to address the global drug problem. The declaration expresses UN members’ commitment to fighting the problem.
Activities and Programs on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
1991 to 2000 were celebrated as the “United Nations Decade against Drug Abuse”.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on this day launch campaigns to raise awareness about the global drug problem. UNODC has, over the years, cooperation with many other organizations launching campaigns to mobilize support for drug control and give awareness to society.
Member states also do different programs, actions and campaigns with an objective of creating an international society free of drug abuse.
Individuals, communities and various organizations all over the world celebrate this day with different programs with the objective of raise awareness about illicit drugs.
Governments and other organizations of different countries are actively participating in these campaigns and programs with public rallies, mass media involvement etc. to promote the awareness of dangers associated with illicit drugs.
The programs and messages on the day are highly concentrated on giving awareness to people and community to make their contribution. It encourages the involvement of families, schools, civil society and religious organizations to do their part in eradicating the use of illicit drugs. This can be achieved by reducing the demand for such drugs in the society. Media is used much to give awareness against the usage of drugs and narcotics.
Theme for International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2020 Theme is “Better Knowledge for Better Care“
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2019 Theme was “Health for Justice. Justice for Health”
World Drug Day 2018 Theme was “Listen First – Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe“
2017 Theme: Listen First – Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe
2016 Theme: Listen First
2015 Theme: Lets Develop — Our Lives — Our Communities — Our Identities — Without Drugs
2014 Theme: A message of hope: Drug use disorders are preventable and treatable.
2013 Theme: Make health your ‘new high’ in life, not drugs.
2012 Theme: Global Action for Healthy Communities without Drugs
2011 Theme: Say No!
2010 Theme: Think health – not drugs
2009 Theme: Do drugs control your life? Your life. Your Community. No place for drugs.
2008 Theme: Do drugs control your life? Your life. Your Community. No place for drugs.
2007 Theme: Do drugs control your life? Your life. Your Community. No place for drugs.
2006 Theme: Value yourself…make healthy choices.
2005 Theme: Drugs is not child’s play.
2004 Theme: Drugs: treatment works.
2003 Theme: Let’s talk about drugs.
2002 Theme: Substance abuse and HIV/AIDS.
2001 Theme: Sports against drugs.
2000 Theme: Facing reality: denial, corruption and violence.