The World Customs Organization (WCO) and its 180 Member Customs administrations join the United Nations (UN) family and the rest of the world in marking the 2016 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
'Listen First,' the UN’s theme for this year, is an initiative to increase support for the prevention of drug use that is based on science, and is thus an effective investment in the well-being of children and youth, including their families and communities.
By Resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, the UN General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.
In marking this special day, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, "On this International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, I call on countries and communities to continue to improve the lives of everyone blighted by drug abuse by integrating security and public safety with a heightened focus on health, human rights, and sustainable development."
Following suit, WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya said, “The global Customs community continues to fight against the trade in illicit narcotics and other harmful products that have a negative impact on the health and safety of communities around the world, making every effort to ensure that such goods do not cross borders undetected.”
Over the past years, the WCO has organized, coordinated and supported numerous operations aimed at bringing drug trafficking to a halt, thereby contributing significantly to UN efforts to achieve the goals laid down in the 2009 ‘Political Declaration and Plan of Action on International Cooperation towards an Integrated and Balanced Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem.’
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Listen First campaign video