People First:
Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention
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 a world free of drug abuse. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recognizes the importance of taking a people-centered approach to drug policies, with a focus on human rights, compassion, and evidence-based practices.
"We need humane responses that discard outdated attitudes."
In a special message on the World Drug Day, UNODC Executive Director Ms. Ghada Waly shares a special message, calling for drug responses that are rooted in empathy, built on science and focused on people.
Message from UNODC Regional Representative
for South Asia
"Under no condition should a person be denied access to health care based on the fact that they use drugs."
UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia, Mr. Marco Teixeira, advocates for a "balanced approach" to address drug use, calling for stronger evidence-based prevention efforts. "We must rise, and unite to challenge misconceptions and foster empathy, to create an environment where individuals feel safe to seek help and support," he says.
Voices from South Asia:
United against Drugs and Stigma
H.E. Takeuchi Midori Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives
"Prevention and education, raising awareness of people is critically important to address drug use. Let us unite to create more sustainable and brighter future for all."
Mr. Satya Narayan Pradhan Director General, Narcotics Control Bureau, India
"Under the vision of the Honourable Prime Minister and the Honourable Home Minister, NCB has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drugs. Our slogan is: Say No Drugs and Yes to Life."
Mr. Abdul Wahhab Bhuiyan Director General, Department of Narcotics Control, Bangladesh
"There has been a sharp increase in the supply of and demand for synthetic drugs across East and South East Asian countries, including Bangladesh. At present, our major concern is amphetamine-type stimulants, like Yaba."
Mr. Shakya Nanayakkara Chairman, National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, Sri Lanka
"Social support and support from family and friends are recognized as key factors for the recovery process and for the minimization of stigma and other negative impacts."
Mr. Imad Solih CEO, National Drug Agency, Maldives
"I welcome the theme of this International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The theme underlines the importance of a holistic approach, involving health, human rights, criminal justice system and social service institutions such as the health sector. "
Ms. Rudra Devi Sharma Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Nepal
"The production, trafficking and consumption of narcotic and psychotropic drugs are one of the biggest problems faced by the world. Collective efforts and mutual cooperation are required to control and combat the drug problem."
Ms. V Hekali Zhimomi Additional Secretary and Director General
National AIDS Control Organisation, India
"The Government of India has unambiguously and undisputedly adopted harm reduction as a core strategy to prevent HIV among people who inject drugs. NACO has rapidly increased the availability and accessibility of Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) through public health facilities, NGOs and prison settings at free of cost."
Ms. Navjeet Klair Chief Judicial Magistrate and Secretary
District Legal Services Authority, Chandigarh, India
"Incarceration adds to the stigma among drug users and discourages them from seeking the help they require. The need of the hour to is to amend our drug policies to be centered on deaddiction, rather than criminalisation."
Dr. Rakesh Chadda Chief, National Drug Dependence and Treatment Centre, AIIMS, India
"Addiction or drug abuse is like any other medical illness, and can be treated. Families and societies should offer support to people who are addicted to drugs, rather than criticising or stigmatising them."
Mr. Ahmed Shakir Chief Superintendent, Head of Drug Enforcement, Maldives Police Service
"Countering narcotics has been one of the key priorities of our Strategic Plan (2019-2023). Maldives Police Service has seized more than 2,000 kilograms of drugs within the last four years and more than 300 cases of drug trafficking have been sent for prosecution."
Dr. Upneet Lalli
Deputy Director, Institute of Correctional Administration, Chandigarh, India
"Prison systems are overcrowded, which adversely affects the justice system and also has repercussions both on safety and health of society. Prisons are also damaging--psychologically, socially and economically. Hence, there is a need to also focus on alternatives to imprisonment and provide evidence-based treatment programs to people who use drugs."
"Drug abuse poses several risks to public health, security and nation's stability. So let's unite to fight this menace--it starts by treating others with respect and empathy. "
Ms. Samhitha Sugathimala Program Director, Foundation for Innovative Social Development, Sri Lanka
"Let's unite on this World Drug Day to break the chains of stigma and discrimination that shackle drug users. Let's embrace a transformative approach, offering alternatives to punishment, prioritising prevention and leading with compassion."
"Every human being has the potential for a positive change and a chance for redemption. No one should be denied the compassion and the kindness they deserve. Together, we can make a difference."
Dr Sandeep Bhola Deputy Medical Commissioner, Kapurthala, India
"We need to stop discriminating with people who use drugs. My message is to strengthen efforts to rehabilitate them by offering them employment and opportunities. Civil society has a major role to play in this direction."
Mr. Ali Adyb
Master Trainer, NGO Journey, Maldives
"Stigma and discrimination can prevent people from seeking the help they need, and make it harder for them to recover. We need to discard our reactive prejudice and embrace proactive prevention measures to reduce the demand for drugs."
Dr. Sarwar Reza Assistant Surgeon, Cumilla Central Jail, Bangladesh
"I think if prison health officials receive upgraded training on management of drug users, the treatment procedures inside jails can improve significantly. That way, both societies and individuals stand to benefit."
Mr. Yeshi Nidup Program Officer, Nazhoen Lamtoen, Bhutan
"In our experience of working with children in conflict with law or children battling substance abuse disorders, it has always been evident that these children come from extremely difficult circumstances. We prioritise prevention and strongly stand against all forms of discrimination or stigma around people battling addiction."
"The drug problem must be addressed in its entirety: from supply reduction and demand reduction to the treatment of drug users. None of these aspects exists alone, and none of them can be resolved individually. A holistic approach is thus paramount, with involvement of all segments of the society."
Mr. Enrico Boninsegna Head of Programme Office a.i., UNODC Maldives
"The drug problem must be addressed in its entirety: from supply reduction and demand reduction to the treatment of drug users. None of these aspects exists alone, and none of them can be resolved individually. A holistic approach is thus paramount, with involvement of all segments of the society."
UNODC World Drug Report 2023 warns of converging crises as illicit drug markets continue to expand
Continued record illicit drug supply and increasingly agile trafficking networks are compounding intersecting global crises and challenging health services and law enforcement responses, according to the World Drug Report 2023. New data put the global estimate of people who inject drugs in 2021 at 13.2 million, 18 per cent higher than previously estimated. Globally, over 296 million people used drugs in 2021, an increase of 23 per cent over the previous decade. The number of people who suffer from drug use disorders, meanwhile, has skyrocketed to 39.5 million, a 45 per cent increase over 10 years. The World Drug Report 2023 also highlights how social and economic inequalities drive – and are driven by – drug challenges; the environmental devastation and human rights abuses caused by illicit drug economies; and the rising dominance of synthetic drugs. Youth populations are the most vulnerable to using drugs and are also more severely affected by substance use disorder in several regions, the report says.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) assists Member States in their efforts to combat illicit drugs and international crime. Over the past two decades, the UNODC Regional Office for South Asia(ROSA) has been working with governments and civil society in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, providing specialized assistance to address challenges pertaining to drugs, organised crime, security, justice and health. The commitment to Sustainable Development Goals, human rights and the rule of law is at the core of our mandate.
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