International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illegal Trade, also known as World Drug Day, is organized by the United Nations. It is observed annually on June 26. The global event highlights the physical and psychological impact of substance abuse, drug overdose deaths and drug-related humanitarian crises with the aim of eliminating the threat from society.
The event spreads awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, not only for adults, but also for children, who are the most vulnerable. Attention is paid to the issue of access to controlled illicit drugs for essential analgesics and scientific purposes. Below we look at the theme, history and significance of the day for this year.
Theme
“Tackling drug problems in health and humanitarian crises” is the theme for the celebration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Traffic in 2022. The event will address the issue of transnational drug challenges, as stated on the United Nations Office website on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The current pandemic, the war between Ukraine and Russia, the refugee crisis and communities devastated by violence will also take center stage.
History
At the 93rd Plenary Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December 7, 1987, Resolution 42/112, adopted on the reports of the Third Committee of the General Assembly, was adopted.
The date of June 26 was chosen to commemorate the campaign of Lin Zexu, a prominent Chinese politician and philosopher of 18th-19th-century China, who, from June 3, 1839, destroyed about 1.2 million kilograms of opium illegally sold by British traders in China had been imported. Zexu’s successful campaign was completed in 23 days.
Meaning
The UNODC has proposed a #CareInCrises campaign for this year’s World Drug Day celebration. It highlights data from its annual World Drug Report and urges governments, citizens of the world, international organizations and every stakeholder to prevent drug abuse, provide treatment and limit the illicit drug supply. Data based on research and evidence is shared with stakeholders and suggestions and solutions are provided to address the drug threat.
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