International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2018

The 26th of June every year is observed as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2018, it was declared by the General Assembly of the United Nations as a day to strengthen the action against drug trafficking and also to seek cooperation to achieve its aim of an international society free of illicit drugs.

Many organizations around the world, civil societies, communities, and individuals support the United Nations and use this day to raise awareness on the problems caused by illicit drug trafficking on the society.

The theme for the year 2018 is “Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe”. This is an initiative to increase support for drug abuse prevention and to invest in the well-being of children, families, youths, communities and the society at large.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is the organizer of this event; over the years it has launched various campaigns to organize and mobilize support for drug control and to encourage individuals in the society to take part actively in these campaigns and fights against illicit drugs and drug trafficking.

The UNODC estimated that over two hundred million people worldwide use illicit drugs like hallucinogens, cocaine, cannabis, sedatives hypnotics and opiates. They want to raise awareness during this event to create a drug-free society and a society free of drug abuse. They also highlight the dangers of drug abuse and the consequences of their illegal trade.

Educational materials are provided during this event to teachers and public officers all over the world to help spread the information about the cultural and economic dangers of illegal drugs. They also call for improved treatments for addicts and to combat the demand and supply of these drugs.