26 June is the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
One of the issues which affect the lives of many young people around the world is illegal drugs. We have seen how families are shattered and life is destroyed due to illegal drugs. We must know that illegal drugs are the source of immense human suffering. Those most vulnerable, especially young people bear the brunt of this crisis. People who use drugs and those struggling with addiction face a multitude of challenges.
Though illegal drugs are banned, these are available through illegal trading in illicit ways. Illegal drugs often have various street names that can vary by region and change over time. Their effects include immediate physical harm and long-term impacts on psychological and emotional development, especially for young people. The illegal trade of drugs could be found in many countries around the world. These illegal drug users can impair judgment, leading users to take risks such as unsafe sex, which increases the risk of contracting hepatitis, HIV, and other sexually transmitted diseases. We should be aware that the most common illegal drugs include: Cannabis; Cocaine; Ecstasy; Heroin; LSD (D-Lysergic Acid Diethylamide); and Methamphetamine. In our country we often hear about bhaang, ganja , etc .
By resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, the United Nations General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. Supported each year by individuals, communities, and various organizations all over the world, this global observance aims to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society. Global drug use and the number of drugs on the market have been increasing in the past decades.
The challenge is that drug trafficking groups are seeking out technological innovation to target new audiences and ensure that drugs increasingly reach their users and help boost their billion-dollar businesses. In response to these challenges, this year’s campaign will showcase how the international community, local and national governments, civil society and the public is working together on innovative responses to reduce demand for and supply of illicit drugs and thus mitigate threats.
The trade in drugs was already recognized as a global problem requiring a global solution at the beginning of the 20th century, with the first international conference on narcotic drugs held in Shanghai in 1909. Over the following decades, a multilateral system to control production, trafficking and abuse of drugs was developed. Three drug control conventions were adopted under the auspices of the United Nations (in 1961, 1971 and 1988). The Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) was established by Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) resolution 9(I) in 1946, to assist ECOSOC in supervising the application of the international drug control treaties. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) supports UN’s Member States in implementing a balanced, health- and evidence-based approach to the world drug problem that addresses both supply and demand and is guided by human rights and the agreed international drug control framework.
The Secretary-General of the UN in his message said that “this year’s theme challenges the world to forge solutions grounded in foresight, innovation and solidarity. By working with police and authorities to detect and disrupt criminal networks and the manufacture of synthetic drugs. And by boosting investment in prevention, harm-reduction and treatment.” He further added that “as we mark this International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, let’s recommit to the bold, innovative and evidence-based solutions this scourge demands.”
Each and every one of us has the responsibility to fight illegal drugs and make the society from those illegal drugs. There is no doubt that illicit drug markets have always been adapting, and organized crime has always been looking to exploit gaps in governance and regulation. Apart from the government, civil society and every individual must be vigilant to make the world a safe place without drugs.
(With direct inputs from UN publication and feedback may be sent to bkranjan@gmail.com)
Ranjan K Baruah
Guwahati