Vienna (Austria) - 1July 2024 – Addressing the global drug problem, which impacts millions of people affected by substance use disorders and drug-related crimes, requires a scientific, evidence-based approach that prioritizes health and the well-being of people. On 26th June, the world marks the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, commonly known as “World Drug Day.” This year’s theme “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention,” underscores the need for drug policies rooted in scientific evidence and research, with full respect for human rights, and a comprehensive understanding of the social, economic, and health impacts of drug use.
Fostering comprehensive societal approaches, combating stigma, and offering essential services to affected communities are crucial. Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a key role in supporting these efforts, ensuring that the voices and needs of those impacted are addressed, and promoting people-focused solutions to the global drug issue. Strong partnerships are essential for achieving health and well-being for all. On World Drug Day 2024, we highlight impactful activities of CSOs in addressing these challenges.
The Fourth Wave Foundation has bolstered the capacities of community stakeholders, including youth leaders, parents, teachers, school counsellors, child healthcare workers, local government agents, and enforcement agencies. By working collaboratively, these groups foster substance-abuse-free environments for children. The Foundation’s capacity-building programmes empower stakeholders to tailor evidence-based prevention initiatives to their local contexts and implement them effectively within their communities.
A notable example is the S.A.F.E. (Substance Abuse Free Environment) initiative in a coastal village of Kerala. Over 600 women have united to advance prevention efforts, focusing on safeguarding their children from substance abuse. In partnership with the Fourth Wave Foundation and local enforcement agencies, the local women’s group, “WIN Society”, organises community gatherings, awareness drives, and capacity-building programmes to combat substance abuse.
Over the past decade, the Fourth Wave Foundation’s Project VENDA has spearheaded a multi-stakeholder prevention programme aimed at children and youth in Kerala, India. This project empowers young people to reject substance abuse through evidence-based awareness education, while also enhancing their life skills and resilience through healthy engagement activities such as sports. These interventions are tailored to the local context and executed by community youth leaders and stakeholders.
In recognition of World Drug Day, the Fourth Wave Foundation’s Project VENDA has designed a Model Parliament for school students to amplify their voices in discussions on substance abuse prevention. This Model Parliament will be showcased by student representatives from 58 schools across three districts of Kerala during their school assemblies. Additionally, the Foundation has partnered with three colleges to raise awareness on prevention by conducting street plays in 51 schools across Kerala. This initiative underscores the commitment to educate students on the importance of prevention measures by actively involving youth in prevention programmes.
The Centros de Integración Juvenil (Youth Integration Centers) offer scientifically based training and equip volunteers with tools and resources to organise and lead activities promoting healthy and sustainable lifestyles for all age groups, including children, adolescents, young people, adults, and the elderly. One prominent initiative is the "CIJ's Clubs for Peace" project, which adopts a health promotion approach. This project creates spaces where community members can acquire and strengthen healthy habits through various activities, including physical sports, educational programmes, cultural and artistic pursuits, and recreational alternatives. These activities empower the community to gain greater control over individual and collective well-being, with over 70,000 participants annually.
Another noteworthy project is "Green Spaces and Therapeutic Gardens," which invites the community to contribute to the international efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030. All CIJ units are currently working on establishing gardens for environmental care and conducting agroecology workshops, promoting environmental sustainability and community involvement.
For over 20 years, CIJ has organised national contests to encourage the creation of positive messages among young people aged 12 to 29, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of youth engagement in designing preventive messages. This year, in commemoration of 26 June and under the slogan "The evidence is clear: invest in prevention," CIJ presents the Musical talent contest "Tumbando Letras." The goal is to stimulate the creativity of young Mexicans and transform them into agents of social change. This contest provides an opportunity for young people to express their creativity and contribute to the creation of a more conscious and responsible society.Find out more about the contest: CIJ national contest 2024 and YouTube.
The Oviedo Declaration initiative is a global effort on drug use prevention, aimed at urging Member States, international organizations and civil society to incorporate evidence-based prevention in drug policy both globally and locally. The declaration, guided by ten principles known as "The Declaration of Oviedo," has garnered support from 1,700 organizations across 140 countries (as of 1 July 2024). Additionally, 139 country focal points, including the latest from Ukraine, are enhancing and promoting this initiative to policymakers nationally. The declaration has been translated into over 25 languages. The declaration can be downloaded at www.oviedodeclaration.org. This international civil society effort aims to promote the development and implementation of evidence-based strategies for addressing the world drug problem. Reducing demand and investing in prevention is key to these efforts.
In the margins of World Drug Day (WDD), Proyecto Hombre and other focal points around the world engaged in several activities:
Association Proyecto Hombre, Spain: The launch of the 2023 Report on People with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) in Spain.
Consortium of Health Associations International, India: Various activities, including a human chain formation. Organizations also signed the Oviedo Declaration.
Global Action for Sustainable Development, Liberia: A conference was organized on June 20 with government participation with the participation of UNODC.
African Youths Initiative on Crime Prevention, Nigeria: Football matches and related activities were held.
UYDEL, Uganda: Youth consultations, sports events, and other activities took place on June 26.
Projecto Homem Braga, Portugal: A joint conference with ICAD on prevention.
ARTM, Macau-China: Gatherings, discussions, and a BBQ for clients and ex-clients. Additionally, an international conference with UNODC and VNGOC involvement will be held from 18 to 19 July.