JUNE 26- INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING

The General Assembly decided to observe June 26 as International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by resolution 42/112 with a vision to strengthen action as well as cooperation to achieve the goal of a society free of drug abuse. Individuals, communities, and various organizations all across the globe join hands on this day to raise awareness of the problem that illicit drugs represent to society. As per World Drug Report, around 269 million people used drugs in 2018, while over 35 million people suffer from drug use disorders.

The theme for 2021- Share Facts on Drugs, Save Lives

There has been a lot of misinformation that has been spread pertaining to drugs, which is why the theme of 2021 is about sharing facts on Drugs. The aim is to combat misinformation about drugs and promote sharing real facts on drugs. 

Covid-19 has made us more aware of the need to stay healthy, take protective measures for staying healthy, and protect each other. There is a growing sense of global community, and World Drug Day aims to continue this sense of solidarity and create awareness by sharing real facts on drugs and combating misinformation. 

It is vital to make society aware of real facts pertaining to drugs- from health risks and solutions to tackle the world drug problem to evidence-based prevention, treatment, and care. Everyone can do their part by taking a stance against misinformation and unreliable sources and sharing only real facts, and save lives.

Points to keep in mind: 

1. Know the facts

2. Share information only from verified sources 

#ShareFactsOnDrugs to help #SaveLives.

For more information click here, here and here.

Mahak Rathee

Global Representative (India) 

Roya Institute of Global Justice