2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Official Statement by Global Action for Sustainable Development (GASD)
On the Occasion of the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

June 26, 2025

On this 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Global Action for Sustainable Development (GASD) joins the international community in commemorating a day dedicated to raising awareness of the devastating impact of drug abuse on individuals, families, and communities across the world. Established by the United Nations, this day calls for global cooperation to combat drug trafficking and to strengthen responses to drug use based on health, human rights, and development. In keeping with this year’s global theme, we urge every nation—particularly Liberia—to commit to evidence-based policies that prioritize prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

In Liberia, substance abuse continues to escalate at alarming rates, particularly among the nation’s youth. The surge in narcotic drug use and the visible increase in communities of persons living with addiction reflect a growing public health crisis that has been met with weak policy response, limited government investment, and an absence of political will. We, at GASD, find it deeply concerning that the Government of Liberia has failed to treat drug abuse as a national public health emergency. A fragmented approach, combined with the lack of a clear national rehabilitation strategy, continues to endanger the lives and futures of thousands of vulnerable citizens.

Global Action for Sustainable Development has, over the years, positioned itself as a frontline advocate for drug policy reform and the protection of the rights of people who use drugs in Liberia. Through sustained civic engagement, policy dialogue, community awareness, and collaboration with civil society and international partners, GASD has amplified the voices of those impacted by drug use and has worked tirelessly to advocate for compassionate, health-centered responses. We have organized youth dialogues, public forums, and capacity-building workshops across the country to empower communities with knowledge and solutions.

We therefore call on the Government of Liberia to urgently develop and implement a comprehensive National Drug Prevention Strategy that is grounded in evidence, community engagement, and cultural relevance. Prevention must begin in schools, places of worship, communities, and through mass public education campaigns. The government must allocate adequate budgetary resources to treatment centers, mental health services, and rehabilitation programs that provide dignity, care, and long-term recovery support for substance users. The current absence of structured rehabilitation institutions leaves many in a cycle of addiction, homelessness, and criminalization.

Furthermore, we call for a shift from punitive drug policies to those rooted in public health and human rights. Arresting and detaining drug users without addressing the root causes of their addiction only worsens the problem. Liberia must decriminalize substance use and invest in community-led rehabilitation and reintegration programs. The stigmatization and abuse faced by drug users—especially youth—must come to an end. We call for legislative reform that ensures the protection of their rights and access to social services, housing, education, and employment opportunities.

GASD remains committed to advancing sustainable, people-centered solutions to the drug crisis in Liberia. As we observe this important global day, we remind the Government of Liberia that the time for action is now. We will continue to hold institutions accountable, advocate for those without a voice, and champion policies that promote health, dignity, and inclusion. Liberia must rise to this challenge and protect its most vulnerable citizens from the shadows of addiction and neglect.

Signed:
James Koryor
Executive Director
Global Action for Sustainable Development (GASD)