International Day Against Drug Abuse 2024: Know the date, history, theme and significance

Notably, as per the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), around 269 million people worldwide used drugs in 2018, and the numbers have continued to rise.

In the context of India, Punjab ranked third among states with the highest number of FIRs registered under the NDPS Act in three years between 2019 and 2021, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

“Drug use is a long and difficult road to nowhere”

–@GhadaFathiWaly calls for the critical need to #InvestInPrevention, to guide people away from drug use, and empower communities to live in safety and dignity.

Watch the Executive Director’s message from the UNODC drugs lab: pic.twitter.com/b0XaXqBAjP

— UN Office on Drugs & Crime (@UNODC) June 26, 2024

As the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and their abuse is an international problem, the government of India has entered into bilateral agreements with 27 countries, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with 16 countries, and has two agreements on security cooperation for preventing illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and precursor chemicals.

This day serves as a platform to raise awareness about these serious societal issues and promote global efforts to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking. With the day being celebrated today, here is all you need to know.

World Drug Day 2024: Date and Theme

Every year on June 26th, the world observes the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, and this year, it will be celebrated on  Wednesday, June 26, 2024, under the theme ‘The evidence is clear: invest in prevention,’ which highlights the importance of evidence-based policies to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking, thereby necessitating prioritising preventive measures grounded in science, research, compassion, and respect for human rights.

Source: UN

World Drug Day 2024: History and Significance

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was established by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 42/112, adopted on December 7, 1987. In the resolution, the General Assembly expressed its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

The establishment of this annual observance on June 26th was a significant step in the global effort to combat the devastating impacts of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. By designating a specific day, the United Nations aimed to:

• Raise awareness
• Advocate for investment in prevention efforts.
• Empower communities to foster resilience against drug use and promote community-led solutions.
• Facilitate dialogue and collaboration.
• Promote evidence-based policymaking to ensure that drug policies are grounded in scientific research and informed by best practices.
• Empower youth with the knowledge, skills, and resources to become agents of change and advocate for drug prevention initiatives.
• Promote international cooperation to develop and implement evidence-based strategies for combating drug trafficking and organised crime.

By uniting globally, prioritising prevention, and adopting evidence-based approaches, we can make significant progress towards a healthier and safer world, free from the devastating effects of drug abuse.