200,000 Deaths a Year Can Be Prevented, Says Secretary-General in Message

 

for International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

 

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, to be observed on 26 June:

Drug abuse and illicit trafficking have calamitous consequences for the world’s efforts to deliver greater prosperity and equality for all.  There are up to 200,000 preventable deaths each year from overdoses.  Illicit drugs spawn criminal violence and weaken a State’s essential institutions.

Countries emerging from conflict or escaping economic decline can be overwhelmed when illicit drugs pour across their borders.  The United Nations, working across peacekeeping, law enforcement, health, human rights and other related areas, is strongly committed to helping them repel illicit drugs and prevent spillover from becoming takeover.

On the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, I urge the international community to strengthen its efforts to confront illicit drugs as an integral element in building a safe and sustainable future.

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For information media • not an official record