On the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, to be celebrated on June 26 this year, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) executive director sent a message calling for the protection of children from narcotic drugs that shows the theme of the international drug prevention campaign this year.

The message “drugs are not games for children” UNODC chose will be used for the international campaign 2006. The campaign aims to raise the community’s awareness of drugs and responsibilities of society to take care of children.

According to the latest statistics, around 200 million or 5% of people around the world between 15 - 64 have used illicit drugs at least one time in the past year. There is little national and international research on the relationship between children from 4-10 and narcotic drugs, but it has been affirmed that children of all ages can be affected by drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

The campaign on drug prevention and control by the UNODC calls upon adults to protect their children from drugs. Parents, brothers and sisters and other members in families must ensure that the house is a safe environment for children and help them be aware of drug abuse-related dangers.

Teachers and cadres who do social work also need to keep close watch on children, and warn them about drug-related problems.

Members of the press, communications, governmental and non governmental organisations must also contribute to protecting children.

BTA
(According to Nhan Dan newspaper)