Fact Sheet: International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
Introduced by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 42/112 of December 1987 and observed annually since 1988, today marks the 29th International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
What is it?
- The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking serves as an expression of the United Nation’s determination to reinforce strong action and collaboration as the means to achieve a global society free from drug abuse.
- Its observance is supported by individuals, communications and numerous organisations worldwide.
What’s the goal?
- The event hopes to raise awareness of the problems illegal drugs pose for societies across the globe.
Why on the 26th of June?
- The date was chosen to commemorate Lin Zexu’s dismantling of the opium trade in Humen, Guangdong province, China around the time of the First Opium War.
What’s this year’s focus?
- The theme for 2017 is: ‘Listen First – Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe’.
- A key emphasis is on furthering the support for drug prevention initiatives grounded in evidence-based practice as the best way to achieve effective health outcomes for children, youth and those around them.
What are you doing for the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking?
We would love to hear from you. Please share your photos with us on our Facebook page or tweet us at @issupnet.
Remember to use the hashtag: #ListenFirst
You can also join the debate and share your insights on our forum, where we ask: ‘In your experience, what has been successful for combatting the problems related to drug abuse?’
To learn more about the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, click here.
