UN World Drug Campaign
UNODC, unodc.org
A major burden on healthcare is illicit drug abuse with 200 million people using drugs every year, and a mortality rate of 200,000 in drug related diseases worldwide.
To help the wider UN World Drug Campaign, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) publishes the World Drug Report, launched on 24th June, and promotes the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, on 26th June. The UN World Drug Campaign is aimed at promoting health in youngsters, informing them of the dangers of illicit drug use within society, and encouraging action against drug abuse.
The World Drug Report gave evidence on annual trends in the world drug markets. Highlights of the report include steady or falling global markets for cannabis, cocaine and opiates compared to sharp rises in synthetic drugs, chemically synthesised, within developing countries. The Report has shown a shift in the $50 billion cocaine trafficking market with a fall in seizures, increasing prices and fluctuating consumption patterns. This has led to conflicts between cartels in Central America fighting for falling demand. The falling markets have been recognised by Antonio Costa, director of UNODC, commenting: “International efforts are paying off.”
This year’s report contains for the first time patterns of crime related to drugs. Within the preface Mr. Costa acknowledged strict controls have caused an enormous criminal black market, but legalising illicit drugs would be a bigger danger to health. In terms of tackling cartels the report provides a number of recommendations. It was suggested people with drug problems should receive medical attention to attempt to combat their addiction thus causing a reduction in demand. Additionally there was a call for improving social networks of cities where there is lack of drug control, and strengthening international agreements against organised crime. Also discussed within the report are the types and effects of ‘cutting’ agents. Such agents are often legal, offering less risk in trading, and boosting trader’s profits by increasing drug quantity. Details of questions submitted by journalists can be accessed via www.twitter.com/unodc.
World Drug Day, founded by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987, was created to reiterate the targets set up by member states of building a worldwide drug free society. The member states focus on drugs with the largest medical impact including cocaine, cannabis, opiates, hallucinogens, and amphetamines. The campaign over the past 9 years has been based on varied themes; the theme for 2007 to 2009 is “Do drugs control your life? Your life. Your community. No place for drugs.” Teenagers and young adults are often at higher risk of abuse due to misinformation and peer pressure. Drug abuse has an impact on the individual, both physically and psychologically, that spreads to society at large. The campaign promotes tools to facilitate self education about risks associated with drug use. Everyone is encouraged to take part in the programme that has an impact on many lives. Follow www.unodc.org/drugs/get-involved/index.html to find ways in which you can get involved in the campaign.