Arab League Reaffirms Commitment to Drug Prevention on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26, by reaffirming its commitment to advancing coordinated Arab efforts in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

In a statement, the General Secretariat emphasized the significance of the occasion as a global call to raise awareness about the devastating impacts of drug use on individuals and communities. It highlighted the importance of preventive measures and cross-border cooperation to achieve the shared goal of a drug-free world.

The statement noted that the Council of Arab Health Ministers, during its 62nd ordinary session held in Geneva in 2025, adopted a resolution aimed at unifying Arab efforts to tackle the evolving drug threat. The resolution included a plan to address emerging patterns of prescription and psychotropic drug misuse, incorporating a report from the UAE’s Ministry of Interior on controlled substances and aligning with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s strategy on synthetic drugs.

Furthermore, the Council of the League of Arab States, at the Summit level, endorsed Resolution 920 during its 34th ordinary session held in Iraq on May 17, 2025, approving the establishment of an Arab Centre for Combating Drugs.

The General Secretariat stressed its commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3—ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all—and to reducing the health and social burdens linked to substance and alcohol abuse. It called for increased awareness, stronger healthcare and social support systems, and better coordination among Arab nations.