International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking comes on June 26 of every year. The day is celebrated to raise awareness of the major problem that Illicit drugs serve to society. People, communities, and several organizations across the world will celebrate this day to make people aware and indicate the dangers of drug addiction and illegal trafficking.

“On this day I call on countries and communities to continue to improve the lives of everyone blighted by drug abuse by integrating security and public safety with a heightened focus on health, human rights, and sustainable development.” – Ban Ki-moon

History of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

The day was first celebrated on June 26 of 1988. According to United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), more than 200 million people are using illicit or illegal drugs like cocaine, opiates, cannabis, hallucinogens, and sedative-hypnotics. Due to this, UN General Assembly decided to observe June 26 as International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in December 1987. The United Nations Was keen to create a global society free of drug abuse. Following the resolution, the years 1991 – 2000 were announced as the “United Nations Decade Against Drug Abuse.” In 1998 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted a political statement to address the global drug problem. The declaration signifies UN members’ commitment to fighting against this issue.

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
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Other celebrations on June 26

June 26 is also celebrated as

How to Celebrate the day

To this day, the Government has the biggest responsibility to counteract both drug abuse and illicit trafficking. But communities can also make their contribution. Schools, families, religious organizations, and civil societies can make their contribution to ridding their communities of drug-free. The media can promote awareness about the dangers of narcotics. You can use the hashtag #InternationalDayagainstDrugAbuseandIllicitTrafficking to increase awareness of social media.

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