International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

South Asia: UNODC's Impactful Observance of World Drug Day focuses on 'Putting People First'

New Delhi, India/05 July 2023: The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day (26 June) serves as a global occasion to raise awareness about the challenges posed by drug use and to promote initiatives that prioritize the well-being of individuals affected by drug use. It brings together governments, organizations, and communities worldwide to address the multifaceted issues related to drugs and to foster a society free from drug-related harm.

In South Asia, UNODC emphasized the paramount importance of putting people first and eradicating the deep-rooted stigma associated with drug use, with a series of initiatives involving key stakeholders.

UNODC released a special e-feature titled "People First: United against Drug Use and Stigma." This publication showcased diverse voices from across South Asia, advocating drug responses rooted in empathy, science, and a focus on people. The e-feature prominently featured high-ranking officials from all countries in the region--UNODC extends its sincere gratitude to the national counterparts for their valuable contributions. Read here.

In India, UNODC joined hands with the Bilaspur Police in Chhattisgarh, lending its support to the police-led ‘Nijaat’ campaign, aimed at sensitizing local communities and young individuals about drug use prevention.

The collaborative efforts resulted in over 20 events-- included anti-drug public meetings, human chains, and drives in schools and colleges, among others--that reached thousands of people, with support of Superintendent of Police, Mr. Santosh Singh.

UNODC's Regional Representative for South Asia, Mr. Marco Teixeira, and Communications Officer, Mr. Samarth Pathak, provided knowledge support to the efforts with a series of videos and direct public interactions.

In collaboration with India’s Jagjivan Ram RPF Academy (Lucknow), a five-day capacity enhancement initiative for over 400 law enforcement personnel was held in Lucknow, India. The trainings focused on four crucial pillars: understanding and implementing the NDPS ACT and related laws, financial investigations related to drug seizure cases and property attachment, the use of cyberspace for drug trafficking (including social media, darknet markets, and cryptocurrencies), and cyber security and digital forensics. 

Additionally, UNODC joined hands with Rashtriya Raksha University, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to convene a web dialogue that brought together more than 200 participants from law enforcement and academia. The focus of the dialogue was on advocating a 'people-centred approach' to address drug use and related issues. At the event, Mr. Teixeira reflected on effective prevention methods, policies, and global best practices.

Further emphasizing knowledge enhancement, UNODC collaborated with the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in India to organize a "World Drug Day" dialogue, bringing together officials from law enforcement, the judiciary, and academia. Mr. Teixeira presented key findings from the UNODC World Drug Report 2023, to enhance knowledge and capacities in addressing the drug problem with a balanced approach.

The dialogue covered intensive discussions on emerging trends in drug trafficking, associated threats and risks, law enforcement and health responses, as well as key findings regarding young people, women, and vulnerable groups.

Joining a training on drug abuse prevention in prisons hosted by India's Institute of Correctional Administration (ICA) Chandigarh, Mr. Teixeira presented key findings of the World Drug Report 2023, with focus on putting people first and strengthening prevention especially in closed settings.

The UNODC World Drug Report 2023 highlights that "youth populations are the most vulnerable to using drugs and are also more severely affected by substance use disorder in several regions." At the same time, young people today are also more cognizant of the importance of understanding emotions and prioritizing mental well-being.

Enabling youth participation in addressing drug use is hence, an essential driver to promote health and transforming lives.

Scores of young people in India extended support to UNODC and took a pledge on the World Drug Day, with an appeal: “Let's put ‘People First’ to end stigma and discrimination.” With videos, art and community sensitisation, their collective efforts highlighted the important role youth can play in addressing the drug problem with the educational interventions, mentorship and activity-based learning.

Recognizing the crucial role of youth-led community efforts, young NCC (National Cadet Corps) cadets at The Lawrence School, Sanawar launched an anti-drugs awareness campaign in support of UNODC's initiatives and Himachal Police's "Pradhav" initiative. Their resounding message emphasized putting "People First" on this significant occasion.

Knowledge support was provided to the CompassAct Foundation’s youth-focused campaign and activities in Tamil Nadu, reaching thousands of young people and community members through a series of public awareness programs and pledge drives in educational institutions.

An interactive dialogue was organised with over 200 secondary level students in collaboration with the Tagore International School in New Delhi, with Mr. Teixeira engaging in an open conversation around drug use and its impact on public safety and health, the need to end stigma and ways to strengthen youth resilience.

The dialogue revealed enriching ideas and insights from students and culminated with a joint pledge to act as ‘Integrity Guardians’ for a better world. Watch the pledge here. 

Meanwhile, in Bhutan, educators and students from the Sonamthang Central School and Bukkey Primary School actively observed World Drug Day by raising awareness on drug use prevention using posters, artwork, and interactive dialogues.

With collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and impactful initiatives, UNODC continues to empower communities and individuals, striving for a future free from the harms of drugs and advocating evidence-based drug responses that promote empathy and a health and human rights-based approach.