UPSC Current Affairs
Drug Consumption Increasing: UN
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day, is commemorated every year on June 26 and aims to increase action in achieving a drug-free world. THEME FOR THIS YEAR: This year’s campaign recognises that “effective drug policies must be rooted in science, research, full respect for human rights, compassion, and a deep understanding of the social, economic, and health implications of drug use”. THE FINDINGS In the decade to 2022, the number of people using illicit drugs increased to 292 million, the UNODC report says.
VRAuthor Desk
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International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day, is commemorated every year on June 26 and aims to increase action in achieving a drug-free world. THEME FOR THIS YEAR: This year’s campaign recognises that “effective drug policies must be rooted in science, research, full respect for human rights, compassion, and a deep understanding of the social, economic, and health implications of drug use”. THE FINDINGS In the decade to 2022, the number of people using illicit drugs increased to 292 million, the UNODC report says.
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or
World Drug Day, is commemorated every year on
June 26 and aims to increase action in achieving a drug-free world.
THEME FOR THIS YEAR:
This year’s campaign recognises that
“effective drug policies must be rooted in science, research, full respect for human rights, compassion, and a deep understanding of the social, economic, and health implications of drug use”.
THE FINDINGS
- In the decade to 2022, the number of people using illicit drugs increased to 292 million, the UNODC report says.
- It noted that most users worldwide consume:
- 228 million people- cannabis
- 60 million people worldwide- opioids,
- 30 million people-amphetamines,
- 23 million-cocaine
- 20 million-ecstasy.
- Further, UNODC found that there was an increase in overdose deaths following the emergence of nitazenes – a group of synthetic opioids potentially more dangerous than fentanyl – in several high-income countries.
- Traffickers in the Golden Triangle, a region in Southeast Asia, have found ways to integrate themselves into other illegal markets, such as wildlife trafficking, financial fraud, and illegal resource extraction.
- “Displaced, poor and migrant communities” bear the brunt of this criminal activity and on occasion are forced to engage in opium farming or illegal resource extraction for their survival.
- This can lead to civilians becoming drug users or fall into debt at the Mercy of crime groups.
- These illegal crimes contribute to environmental degradation via deforestation, toxic waste dumping and chemical contamination.
- In 2022, cocaine production hit a record high with 2,757 tons produced – A 20 per cent increase from 2021.
- The increase in supply and demand of the product was accompanied by a surge of violence in nations along the supply chain, especially in Ecuador and Caribbean countries.
- There was also a spike in health problems within some destination countries in Western and Central Europe.
THE HOPE
The UNODC report highlights that the
“right to health is an internationally recognized human right that belongs to all human beings, regardless of a person’s drug use status or whether a person is imprisoned, detained or incarcerated”.
UNODC’s calls for
governments, organizations and communities to collaborate on
establishing evidence-based plans that will fight against drug trafficking and organized crime.
The agency also hopes communities will assist in
“fostering resilience against drug use and promoting community-led solutions".
- Prelims: Key facts, institutions, locations and terminology in the article.
- Mains: Connect the topic with Environment, Economy, Polity & Governance.
- Revision: Use the article headings to prepare concise notes and answer-writing points.
Test your understanding
Questions from this article
Prelims practiceWith reference to Drug Consumption Increasing: UN, consider the following statements:
- In the decade to 2022, the number of people using illicit drugs increased to 292 million, the UNODC report says.
- It noted that most users worldwide consume: 228 million people- cannabis 60 million people worldwide- opioids, 30 million people-amphetamines, 23 million-cocaine 20 million-ecstasy.
- 228 million people- cannabis
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
View answer
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3. All three statements are drawn from the article.
Mains practiceDiscuss the background, key issues and significance of Drug Consumption Increasing: UN for India.
Answer in 250 words.
View answer approach
- THE FINDINGS
- Background and context
- Key facts and institutional framework
- Significance and way forward
Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions
Why is Drug Consumption Increasing: Un in the news?
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day, is commemorated every year on June 26 and aims to increase action in achieving a drug-free world. THEME FOR THIS YEAR: This year’s campaign recognises that “effective drug policies must be rooted in science, research, full respect for human rights, compassion, and a deep understanding of the social, economic, and health implications of drug use”.
What are the key facts about Drug Consumption Increasing: Un?
THE FINDINGS In the decade to 2022, the number of people using illicit drugs increased to 292 million, the UNODC report says. It noted that most users worldwide consume: 228 million people- cannabis 60 million people worldwide- opioids, 30 million people-amphetamines, 23 million-cocaine 20 million-ecstasy. Further, UNODC found that there was an increase in overdose deaths following the emergence of nitazenes – a group of synthetic opioids potentially more dangerous than fentanyl – in several high-income countries.
Why is Drug Consumption Increasing: Un important for UPSC preparation?
The topic connects current developments with Environment, Economy, Polity & Governance and is relevant for both objective revision and analytical answer writing.