International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking - Drug use disorders are preventable and treatable
JUNE 26 is observed as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking - this year's theme is Drug use disorders are preventable and treatable.
The UN Secretary General says,
Drug abuse and illicit trafficking have calamitous consequences for the world's efforts to deliver greater prosperity and equality for all. There are up to 200,000 preventable deaths each year from overdoses. Illicit drugs spawn criminal violence and weaken a state's essential institutions.
Countries emerging from conflict or escaping economic decline can be overwhelmed when illicit drugs pour across their borders. The United Nations, working across peacekeeping, law enforcement, health, human rights and other related areas, is strongly committed to helping them repel illicit drugs and prevent spill-over from becoming takeover.
In India, the National Academy of Customs Excise and Narcotics (NACEN) is organising the Day in a big way with both the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and his deputy Nirmala Seetharaman participating. This would be the first public/departmental function for the new FM.
As a part of the Drug Awareness Drive undertaken by the National Academy of Customs, Excise & Narcotics, several projects including publication of two books, release of a book of slogans for use in campaign, an academic seminar and a cultural fete are to be unveiled on the 26 June 2014 in observance of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
A musical CD comprising of songs on the theme of drug abuse and prevention has also been compiled, incorporating songs in Hindi, English and regional languages across India. A bilingual song based on a poem by Dr. Sreekumar Menon, DG, NACEN, sung & composed by Aadesh Shrivastava and Sunidhi Chauhan is also a part of the collection. These songs would be played on the FM channels in Mumbai and Delhi on the 26th June to aid the spread of word against Drug abuse.
NACEN has also prepared posters signed by celebrities with slogans. One such poster signed by Amitabh Bachchan.
Legal Corner Icon — the image was hosted by the publisher and was not captured.Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is well aware of this problem, as Amritsar from where he contested is one of the worst victims.
Jaitley blogged on 3.4.2014,
In the areas bordering Pakistan, drug trafficking is rampant. A large number of youngsters start with the thrill of experimentation and eventually become drug addicts. Several families have been destroyed due to this problem. The potential of young men has been damaged. The social fabric of the society has suffered badly.
Even though it is primarily the responsibility of every family to inculcate such values in the children that keep them away from the forbidden path, nonetheless, Governments cannot abdicate their responsibility in this matter.
Both Central and State Governments have an onerous responsibility to discharge.
Addiction to sports rather than to drugs must be the aim.
Let us hope Arun Jaitley as Finance Minister has some concrete steps to announce tomorrow.