International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2019

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed on June 26, 2019. Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment flagged off “17^th Run Against Drug Abuse” on this occasion at Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi .

Theme

• This year theme was ‘Health for Justice. Justice for Health’. This year’s theme highlights that justice and health are two sides of the same coin when it comes to addressing drug problems.
• Effective responses to the world drug problem require inclusive and accountable institutions of criminal justice, health and social services to work hand in hand to provide integrated solutions, in line with the international drug control conventions, human rights obligations and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Run Against Drug Abuse

• This annual event “Run Against Drug Abuse” to observe the “International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking” is being held in India successfully for past 16 years. It is coordinated by Dr. Sunita Godara (1992 Asian Marathon Champion) under the aegis of M/o Social Justice & Empowerment Govt of India.
• The Nodal Agencies NISD, Narcotics Control Bureau, Directorate of Prohibition, Govt of Delhi, with the other Stake holders UN agencies and corporate partners like ONGC, GAIL, Indian Oil, IGL, Petronet, NDMC, ITS, LPU have been supporting the event all these years.
• The event proved to be of great value for awareness on drug abuse. Marking the World Drug Day on 26^thJune, 2019 to raise awareness about drugs; ‘Listen First’ is chosen as an initiative theme now to increase support for prevention of drug use that is based on science and is thus an effective investment in the well being of children and youth, their families and their communities .

Background

• By resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, the 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.