International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking – 26 June
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed every year on 26 June. The purpose of celebrating this day is to strengthen action and cooperation against drug abuse and illegal trafficking.
Importance of this day
The drug problem in the world is a complex issue that affects hundreds of millions of people. People who use drugs face discrimination in society. This further damages their physical and mental health. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recognizes the importance of adopting a people-centered approach to drug policies, with a focus on human rights, compassion and evidence-based practices.
Theme of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2023
The theme of this year’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is ‘People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention’. The theme aims to raise awareness of the importance of treating people who use drugs with respect and empathy.
History of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
The United Nations General Assembly, by resolution 42/112 of December 7, 1987, decided to observe June 26 as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. In order to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free from drug abuse.
Message from the Union Home and Cooperation Minister
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Home Affairs has adopted a policy of zero tolerance against narcotics. Now its successful results are also visible. One of the main pillars of this policy is the “Whole of Government Approach” of the Modi government, in which the coordination of different departments makes the policy more effective.
The Home Minister said that it is our resolve that we will not allow the trade of narcotics in India, nor will we allow drugs to go out of the world through India. In this campaign against drugs, all the major agencies of the country, especially the “Narcotics Control Bureau” are continuously continuing their war. To strengthen this campaign, the Ministry of Home Affairs established NCORD in 2019 and Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) was formed in the police department of every state, whose first national conference was held in Delhi in April 2023.
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