International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking-2025: 26 June

Why in News?

• International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is celebrated every year on 26 June.
• Theme of this day for the year 2025 - “Breaking Barriers: Prevention, Treatment and Recovery for All”
• The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) conducts the activities of this day.
• UNODC publishes the “World Drug Report” on this day every year.

Objective of this day:

• To highlight the harm caused by drug use.
• To inspire cooperation in action against the global network of drug trafficking.
• To keep youth and children away from drug addiction.
• To garner support for de-addiction and rehabilitation centers.

History of this day:

• In 1987, the United Nations General Assembly declared 26 June as this day.
• The date of 26 June was chosen to commemorate the action taken by China against the opium trade in 1839.

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC):

• UNODC was established in 1997 and is headquartered in Vienna, Austria.
• It helps countries to combat drug trafficking, organized crime, corruption, human trafficking and terrorism.
• It publishes the World Drug Report every year on 26 June.
• UNODC provides technical assistance, training and lawmaking support to member countries.
• India works with UNODC on drug control, human trafficking and criminal justice reforms.