SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS FOR MORE EMPHASIS ON REDUCING DEMAND FOR ILLEGAL DRUGS SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS FOR MORE EMPHASIS ON REDUCING DEMAND FOR ILLEGAL DRUGS

SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS FOR MORE EMPHASIS ON REDUCING DEMAND FOR ILLEGAL DRUGS

IN MESSAGE FOR DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE

   Following is the message of Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, 26 June:

The scourge of drug abuse spares no country, rich or poor.  An estimated three to four per cent of the world's population regularly consumes illegal substances, with devastating effect.

There is a need for more emphasis on reducing demand for illegal drugs.  Our strategies need to focus greater attention on young people, who are especially vulnerable to pressure from pushers and peers.  If we are to promote alternatives to drug-taking lifestyles, entire communities -- civic groups, businesses, teachers, doctors and parents -- must be involved in the effort to reach into young people's lives and grasp their concerns.  These and other necessities are spelled out in the "Guiding Principles of Drug Demand Reduction", adopted by the United Nations General Assembly at its 1998 special session on the drug problem.

The theme of this year's International Day against Drug Abuse is "Sports against Drugs", in recognition of the great power of sport as an agent of positive change.  Where drug abuse destroys bodies and minds, sport makes them stronger and healthier.  Where drug abuse undermines incentive, sport involves striving for excellence.  Where drug abuse threatens relationships, sport enables participation.  And where drug abuse preys on aimlessness, sport offers young people focus and structure.

A growing number of sports professionals around the world are lending their names, status and time to prevention campaigns, some as United Nations Goodwill Ambassadors.  I salute these individuals and I look forward to working as a team with them and all anti-drug abuse campaigners to achieve our common goal of encouraging young people to cherish their bodies, hone their minds, and build fruitful lives in which there is no place for drug abuse.

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