World Drug Day 2023: Date, theme, history, campaigns
World Drug Day 2023: World Drug Day also known as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2023 is marked every year on June 26 to educate the individuals about living a healthy life by quitting the drug addiction, , raising awareness about the dangers of illicit drugs, and promoting initiatives to address the global drug problem.
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The history of World Drug Day dates back to the early 1980s when the United Nations recognized the need for a global response to the growing drug abuse and illicit drug trade. In 1987, the United Nations General Assembly decided to observe June 26th as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This date was chosen to commemorate the establishment of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) in 1961, which is the United Nations' independent body responsible for monitoring and implementing international drug control conventions.
The Drug problem is the major issue which affects millions of lives globally. People using drugs face stigma as well as discrimination in the society which affects their physical as well as mental health.
The theme of this year’s World Drug is “People first: Stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention”.
The aim of this year is to raise awareness about treating the drug users with respect and empathy, providing voluntary services, offering alternatives to punishment and leading with compassion. It aims to combat the taint and discrimination against the drug addictors by promoting the language and attitudes that are unprejudiced.
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Every year a lot of campaigns and rallies in the form of slogans, posters, tweeting on websites and posting on social media are held to create awareness among people to prevent the use of drugs. These acts help the people to act against drug use.
The UNODC also recognises the importance of taking a people-centred approach to drug policies, with a focus on human rights, compassion, and evidence-based practices.
- With inputs from agencies
