On June 27, 2024, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) presented key findings from its World Drug Report 2024 in New Delhi, coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The report highlights a troubling rise in global drug use, now at 292 million people, marking a 20% increase over the last decade. Cannabis remains the most prevalent substance, with 228 million users, followed by opioids (60 million), amphetamines (30 million), cocaine (23 million), and ecstasy (20 million). The report also points to the significant environmental consequences of drug production, including the harmful impacts of spraying illicit substances on crops.
Marco Teixeira, UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia, stressed the urgency of coordinated responses to these challenges. He emphasized the importance of evidence-based prevention programs that equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to avoid drug use. The event featured messages from Indian celebrities like actor Suniel Shetty and badminton star Saina Nehwal, reinforcing the call for awareness against drug use.
The report sheds light on the stark treatment disparities in drug use disorders, indicating that only about one in eleven affected individuals receive the necessary care. This gap is especially pronounced among women, where only one in eighteen with drug use disorders is treated compared to one in seven men. Priyank Kanoongo, Chairperson of the National Commission on Protection of Child Rights, highlighted the need for measures to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children, from the detrimental effects of drug trafficking and to ensure their right to a healthy environment.
The findings also discuss how drug trafficking bolsters organized crime groups, which are expanding into other illegal activities, such as wildlife trafficking and financial fraud. Tackling the drug crisis necessitates a multifaceted approach that includes prevention, treatment, and stronger law enforcement to dismantle criminal networks involved in these illegal trades.
The report indicates a substantial drop in global opium production, attributed to a 95% decrease in Afghanistan and a contrasting 36% rise in Myanmar. Overall, global opium production fell by 74% in 2023, with potential long-term effects on heroin purity and rising demand for opiate treatment services in regions affected by Afghan opiates.
Lastly, the report advocates for the right to health, emphasizing that it is a fundamental human right applicable to everyone. It calls for enhanced efforts to ensure access to necessary health services for all individuals, regardless of their drug use status. The presentation and report underline their contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
For further details, the full World Drug Report 2024 is available on the UNODC website.
Source link
