About International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking:
- The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day, is marked on 26 June every year, to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving the goal of a world free of drug abuse.
- History:
- It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1987, following the recommendation of the International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
- The observance was created to strengthen global action and cooperation to combat drug abuse and trafficking.
- Each year, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) selects a theme for the day, focusing on specific aspects of the global drug problem and promoting strategies to address it effectively.
- The theme for 2025, "Break the cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime," highlights the need for coordinated long-term action to break the cycle of organized crime and drug trafficking by addressing root causes, investing in prevention, and building stronger health, education, and social systems.
- Every year, UNODC issues the World Drug Report, full of key statistics and factual data obtained through official sources, a science-based approach, and research.
- Following is the Drug Use Statistics 2025:
- Over 300 million people aged 15-64 worldwide have used drugs in the past year.
- Cannabis use has increased by 25% in the last decade, with rising concerns over synthetic opioids like fentanyl and methamphetamine.
- 1 in 8 people with substance use disorders receive treatment, highlighting the urgent need for improved healthcare access.
- The global drug trade generates over $400 billion annually, fueling organized crime, corruption, and violence.
