UN chief calls for tackling drug abuse, illegal trafficking

UN Secretary General Ban Ki- moon on Friday called for greater global efforts to fight drug abuse and illegal trafficking on the international day against this scourge.

In September, leaders from around the world will meet at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City to adopt an ambitious new sustainable development agenda to eradicate extreme poverty and provide a life of dignity for all. This ambition, while achievable, must address various obstacles, including the deadly harm to communities and individuals caused by drug trafficking and drug abuse, said Ban in a message to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illegal Trafficking.

The international day is observed on June 26 every year. This year's theme of the Day features "Let's Develop -- Our Lives -- Our Communities -- Our Identities -- Without Drugs."

"In full compliance with human rights standards and norms, the United Nations advocates a careful re-balancing of the international policy on controlled drugs. We must consider alternatives to criminalization and incarceration of people who use drugs and focus criminal justice efforts on those involved in supply. We should increase the focus on public health, prevention, treatment and care, as well as on economic, social and cultural strategies," said Ban.

The secretary-general also highlighted the connections between illegal drugs and violence, corruption and terrorism.

On international cooperation, Ban said: "no country can work in isolation. Comprehensive and integrated efforts at the local, regional and global levels offer the best hope for dealing with the traffickers, while taking care to protect vulnerable groups and marginalized communities."

Ban also called for improving awareness about the value of applying a balanced approach to these problems caused by drug abuse and illicit trafficking, based on an understanding that sustainable development can and must catalyze change across all fronts.

In 1987, the General Assembly decided to assign June 26 as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in a bid to strengthen action and cooperation and achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.