International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking [26 June]

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day) is celebrated annually on 26 June to address the issue of drug abuse and take action towards preventing it. The United Nations sanctioned International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by passing a resolution in December 1987.

Millions of people and hundreds of organizations from around the world participate in this day to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. In this article, we have shared more about International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, its history, and its importance.

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2023

This year will mark the 34th International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Every year on 26 June, the governments and organizations of many countries come together to pledge support in the fight against drug abuse. International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is also known as World Drug Day and was established by the UN in 1989.

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2023 Theme

The theme of World Drug Day 2023 is yet to be announced by the United Nations. Every year, a new theme is announced for the day and the events for the day are also based on the theme. The aim of specifying a theme for the day is to highlight a specific issue related to drug abuse at a time.

Some of the older International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking themes are as follows.

• World Drug Day 2022 theme: “Addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crises”
• International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2021 theme: “Share Facts On Drugs, Save Lives”
• World Drug Day 2020 theme: “Better Knowledge for Better Care”

World Drug Day History

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was first celebrated on 26 June 1989. Established by the United Nations, this day aims to raise awareness about drug use and its consequences. Go through the complete history and origin of World Drug Day below.

• On 7 December 1987, the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 42/112 to establish the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
• This day commemorates the dismantling of the opium trade in Guangdong, China by Lin Zexu.
• Inspired by Lin Zexu’s efforts to take action against the trap of drug abuse, the United Nations celebrated International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26 June 1989.

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking: Significance

World Drug Day is a significant occasion because it takes the issue of drug abuse to a global level. Organized by the United Nations annually, this day raises awareness about the need to take the concern of drug abuse seriously. Here are some other reasons why International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is important.

• This day can be a wake-up call for drug users, prompting them to quit using drugs and prioritize their health.
• World Drug Day advocates the need to provide better and more accessible rehabilitation facilities for drug users.
• This day encourages everyone to cooperate in making the world drug-free.

How to Celebrate World Drug Day?

There are many ways to celebrate International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This day is observed in many different parts of the world in unique ways. Some of the World Drug Day activities include the following.

• Joining seminars, conferences, and public talks that discuss drug use and trafficking and how to manage it.
• Participating in the official social media campaign on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
• Volunteering with groups that work for the welfare of people who want to quit drugs.
• Donating to rehabilitation centers.
• Educating yourself and your near and dear ones about the dangers of drugs and the impact they can have on your health.

World Drug Day Celebration Around the World

Some of the popular International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking celebrations so far have been as follows.

• In 2000, the ‘Run Against Drugs’ was conducted in New Delhi, India on World Drug Day.
• One of the most meaningful campaigns of the UN on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was the 2013 "Support. Don't Punish" campaign.

FAQs on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Q1. When is International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking?

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is celebrated on 26 June every year. Also known as World Drug Day, this day was established by the United Nations to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use. This day also promotes rehabilitation for people who use drugs.

Q2. What is International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2023 theme?

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2023 theme is yet to be announced. The United Nations shared a new theme on World Drug Day every year. Based on the theme, the events of the day are planned in several countries around the world.

Q3. Why do we celebrate International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking?

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is celebrated to encourage governments, individuals, and organizations to work towards making the world drug-free. This day was established by the United Nations to address the concern of ever-growing drug use and help drug users rehabilitate.

Q4. What was the theme of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2022?

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2022 theme was “Addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crises”. Drug use leads to the collapse of the user’s health as well as leads to crippling health challenges. World Drug Day 2022 theme aimed to address these challenges.

Q5. Who started International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and when?

The United Nations established International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in 1987. Passing Resolution 42/112 on 7 December 1987, the United Nations celebrated World Drug Day on 26 June 1989 for the first time. This day is celebrated worldwide annually since then.

Q6. How to celebrate International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking?

There are many ways to celebrate International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, some of which are as follows.

• Educating yourself and others about the dangers of drug use and their impact on health.
• Join seminars and conferences to discuss drug abuse and trafficking and how to stop it.
• Participate in the official social media campaign on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
• Donating to rehabilitation centers.