The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, is observed annually on June 26. The day is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting actions aimed at achieving a drug-free world.
Campaign Focus for the Year
This year’s campaign emphasizes that effective drug policies should be based on:
- Science and research
- Full respect for human rights
- Compassion
- A thorough understanding of the social, economic, and health implications of drug use
UNODC’s Stance and Recommendations
Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), highlights the need for:
- Evidence-based treatment and support for those affected by drug use
- Targeting the illicit drug market
- Increased investment in prevention strategies
Trends and Statistics
The UNODC report provides the following key statistics and trends:
- Increase in Drug Use: Between 2012 and 2022, the number of people using illicit drugs rose to 292 million.
- Cannabis Use: The most commonly used drug globally, with 228 million users.
- Other Drug Use: 60 million people use opioids, 30 million use amphetamines, 23 million use cocaine, and 20 million use ecstasy.
- Synthetic Opioids: There has been a rise in overdose deaths due to nitazenes, a group of synthetic opioids more dangerous than fentanyl, particularly in high-income countries.
Regional and Societal Impacts
- Golden Triangle Trafficking: Traffickers in Southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle have expanded into other illegal markets, including wildlife trafficking, financial fraud, and illegal resource extraction.
- Vulnerable Communities: Displaced, poor, and migrant communities are often forced into opium farming or illegal resource extraction, leading to drug use or debt.
- Environmental Degradation: Illegal activities related to drug production contribute to deforestation, toxic waste dumping, and chemical contamination.
Cocaine Production and Associated Violence
- Record Production: In 2022, cocaine production reached a record 2,757 tons, a 20% increase from 2021.
- Violence Surge: Increased production and demand have led to heightened violence in supply chain nations, particularly in Ecuador and Caribbean countries.
- Health Issues: Destination countries in Western and Central Europe have seen a rise in health problems related to cocaine use.
Cannabis Legalization and Health Impact
- Legalization Effects: Harmful cannabis use has increased in regions where it has been legalized, including Canada, Uruguay, and 27 U.S. jurisdictions.
- High-THC Content: Cannabis products with high THC content have led to higher rates of attempted suicides among regular users in Canada and the U.S.
Human Rights and Health
The UNODC report asserts that the right to health is an internationally recognized human right for all individuals, regardless of their drug use status or incarceration.
Call to Action
UNODC urges governments, organizations, and communities to:
- Collaborate on evidence-based plans to combat drug trafficking and organized crime.
- Foster resilience against drug use and promote community-led solutions.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary aim of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking?
- a) To celebrate drug culture
- b) To increase action towards achieving a drug-free world
- c) To promote the sale of illicit drugs
- d) To recognize drug traffickers
- What should effective drug policies be based on according to this year’s campaign?
- a) Speculation and guesswork
- b) Strict punishment and isolation
- c) Science, research, human rights, compassion, and understanding of drug implications
- d) Profit maximization from drug sales
- According to the UNODC report, which drug has the highest number of users worldwide?
- a) Cocaine
- b) Opioids
- c) Amphetamines
- d) Cannabis
- What has been the impact of nitazenes in high-income countries?
- a) Decrease in drug use
- b) Increase in overdose deaths
- c) Stabilization of drug markets
- d) Improved health outcomes
- Which region’s traffickers have integrated into other illegal markets such as wildlife trafficking and financial fraud?
- a) Golden Crescent
- b) Golden Triangle
- c) Latin America
- d) Eastern Europe
- How did cocaine production in 2022 compare to 2021?
- a) It decreased by 20%
- b) It remained the same
- c) It increased by 20%
- d) It doubled
- What effect did the legalization of cannabis have in Canada, Uruguay, and parts of the U.S.?
- a) Decreased harmful usage
- b) Increased harmful usage
- c) No change in usage patterns
- d) Legalization had no effect on health
- What is the UNODC’s stance on the right to health?
- a) It is not important
- b) It only applies to non-drug users
- c) It is an internationally recognized human right for all individuals
- d) It applies only to incarcerated individuals