FORUM: “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention.” International Day against Drug Abuse and illicit Trafficking 2024. The global drug problem presents a multifaceted challenge that touches the lives of millions worldwide. From individuals struggling with substance use disorders to communities grappling with the consequences of drug trafficking and organized crime, the impact of drugs is far-reaching and complex. Central to addressing this challenge is the imperative to adopt a scientific evidence-based approach that prioritizes prevention and treatment. The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking aims to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse. This year’s World Drug Day campaign recognizes that effective drug policies must be rooted in science, research, full respect for human rights, compassion, and a deep understanding of the social, economic, and health implications of drug use. Together, let us amplify our efforts to combat the global drug problem, guided by the principles of science, compassion, and solidarity. Through collective action and a commitment to evidence-based solutions, we can create a world where individuals are empowered to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #26june, #PutPeoplefirst #WorldDrugDay, #DrugPrevention, #worlddrugreport.
Statement from the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2024; June 26th.
Drugs are at the root of immeasurable human suffering.
Drug use eats away at people’s health and wellbeing. Overdoses claim hundreds of thousands of lives every year.
Meanwhile, synthetic drugs are becoming more lethal and addictive, and the illicit drug market is breaking production records, feeding crime and violence in communities around the world.
At every turn, the most vulnerable people — including young people — suffer the worst effects of this crisis. People who use drugs and those living with substance abuse disorders are victimized again and again: by the drugs themselves, by stigma and discrimination, and by heavy-handed, inhumane responses to the problem.
As this year’s theme reminds us, breaking the cycle of suffering means starting at the beginning, before drugs take hold, by investing in prevention.
Evidence-based drug prevention programmes can protect people and communities alike, while taking a bite out of illicit economies that profit from human misery.
When I was Prime Minster of Portugal, we demonstrated the value of prevention in fighting this scourge. From rehabilitation and reintegration strategies, to public health education campaigns, to increasing investment in drug-prevention, treatment and harm-reduction measures, prevention pays off.
On this important day, let’s recommit to continuing our fight to end the plague of drug abuse and trafficking, once and for all.
On this important day, let’s recommit to continuing our fight to end the plague of drug abuse and trafficking, once and for all.
This year’s World Drug Day is a call to:
- Raise awareness: Increase understanding of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of evidence-based prevention strategies, emphasizing their impact on mitigating the harms of drug use.
- Advocate for investment: Encourage greater investment in prevention efforts by governments, policymakers, and law enforcement professionals, highlighting the long-term benefits of early intervention and prevention.
- Empower communities: Equip communities with the tools and resources to implement evidence-based prevention initiatives, fostering resilience against drug use and promoting community-led solutions.
- Facilitate dialogue and collaboration: Promote dialogue and collaboration between stakeholders to enhance evidence-based prevention practices and policies, fostering a supportive environment for knowledge sharing and innovation.
- Promote evidence-based policymaking: Advocate for evidence-based policymaking at the national and international levels, ensuring that drug policies are grounded in scientific research and informed by best practices.
- Engage communities: Raise awareness about the importance of community engagement and participation in designing and implementing effective drug prevention programs, empowering communities to take ownership of prevention efforts.
- Empower youth: Provide youth with the knowledge, skills, and resources to become agents of change in their communities, advocating for drug prevention initiatives and amplifying their voices in the conversation.
- Promote international cooperation: Foster international cooperation and collaboration among governments, organizations, and communities to develop and implement evidence-based strategies for combating drug trafficking and organized crime, recognizing the global nature of the drug problem and the need for coordinated action.
PUBLICATION: Every year, UNODC issues the World Drug Report, full of key statistics and factual data obtained through official sources, a science-based approach, and research. This year’s report will be launched on June 26th.
CONFERENCES, WEBINARS AND WORKSHOPS
LIVESTREAM:
‘Industrialization’ of cocaine production major factor in drug’s popularity | The Lid Is On.
Cocaine & Montenegrin criminal groups: The Index Podcast.
Drugs, Thugs and Terrorism: the experience of India.
The history, policies and practice of drug control in Asia.
The Drug Markets of East and Southern Africa.
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