AHRC Recognizes the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and the International Day in Support of victims of Torture: 

By AmericaAmerican Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA)

The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) joins the world’s community in recognizing and observing the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking that falls annually on June 26 and coincides with the International Day in Support of victims of Torture.

The United Nations general assembly resolution 42/122 was adopted on 1987 marking the date of June 26 as the day of awareness, education and renewed commitment and collaboration against drug abuse and illicit trafficking towards a world free of drugs abuse that claimed innocent lives on daily basis.

On 1997, the UN General Assembly proclaimed June 26 by adopting UN resolution 52/149, declaring it as day of joint efforts and partnerships to fight torture as a blatant violation of human rights that must end, and its victims must be provided the effective and adequate support through special programs. Recovering from torture requires serious support systems so those victims can survive and move forward with their lives.

The lack of respect for human rights is conducive to the emergence of torture as a state tool of repression. We should spare no effort in helping the victims of torture overcome the challenges to living a normal life.

As to illegal drugs, multiple political, social, economic, and environmental challenges facing the world create vulnerabilities for drug abuse to flourish and become the money-making machine. Substance abuse, opioids, and drug disorder constitute a daily challenge for many parents and families who are caught in the middle. Their suffering is doubled as they cope with the agony to help save their own loved ones who are at the mercy of depraved drug dealers and distributors. Families find themselves between a rock and a hard place desperately seeking solutions.

It is very unfortunate that, in many cases, the drug addict's family have their safety and wellbeing threatened. Many finds themselves subject to intimidation, fear, threats and blackmailing from drug addicts and dealers who demand money in return for the safety of their loved ones or themselves. Families find themselves living the dilemma of the unknown and the uncertain.

Families of the victims of opioids and substance abuse reach a level of frustration and despair as existing laws and regulations today leave parents in limbo. Current law limits the ability of parents to save their loved-ones and unwittingly enables criminals to continue spreading their poison and/or killing their victims for monetary gain. This leaves families with bitter and limited choices, either seeking police help which is limited, or handling the matter on their own with the attendant complications.

The substance abuse challenge merits more serious and more effective response. Being proactive is what is required. Building ongoing partnership and active engagement with law enforcement is a must. Law enforcement must be empowered to address ongoing challenges in more effective ways. Elected officials are also required to do more. Time is overdue for a serious plan of action at each the local, state, and federal levels.

One possible way to help contain and hold those drug dealers and distributors accountable is through a local and state registry listing them the way convicted sex offenders are. This way they become publicly exposed, and neighborhoods become aware of their presence and locations. Too many are being victimized and will be victimized until more is done to fight drugs and their pushers. Time is due for a strong public and visible stance.

AHRC urges all to visit with the #CareInCrises campaign of UNODC, and calls upon all governments, local and international organizations, civil society, and all stakeholders to take urgent action to protect people. One key component is strengthening drug use prevention and treatment, and swiftly tackling illicit drug supply by all means.

“Drugs and torture destroy human dignity, spirit and life,” said Imad Hamad, AHRC Executive Director. “The law abiding who believe in human rights should spare no effort in fighting back against torture and illegal drugs,” added Hamad.

For more information on the torture and on illegal drugs, visit:

https://www.unodc.org/unodc/index.html
https://www.un.org/en/observances/torture-victims-day