2006년도 UN세계마약퇴치의 날 주제가 “아동과 약물("CHILDREN & DRUGS")” 그리고 “약물은 아동의 놀이가 아니다.( "DRUGS ARE NOT CHILD'S PLAY"),”로 확정되었다.

유엔 마약과 범죄실(UNODC)에 따르면 “불법 약물의 파괴적인 악영향과 아동의 복지를 돌볼 책임에 대한 일반 대중의 경각심을 높이기 위하여” 설정하였다.

목표는 아동의 취약성을 알리고 동시에 성인으로 하여금 아동의 관심에 가장 적합하게 활동하도록 용기를 주는 것이다. 표적 대상은 부모, 가족과 친구, 이웃사람, 교사, 사회복지사, 언론인, 정치인과 비정부기구이다.

이 주제는 오는 6월 26일부터 2007년 6월 25일까지 사용될 예정이다.

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

UNODC has selected "drugs are not child's play" as the theme of its 2006 international campaign, in an effort to increase public awareness about the destructive power of drugs and society's responsibility to care for the well-being of children. The latest estimates indicate that 200 million people, or 5 per cent of the global population age 15-64, have consumed illicit drugs at least once in the last 12 months. But what about kids? What about children (aged 4 to 10)?

Although they are seldom the object of national and international studies, children of all ages are affected by drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Street children, working and living in dire conditions, are vulnerable, as are boys and girls whose family members are buying or selling illicit substances. These kids are exposed not only to bad examples but also to violent behaviour associated to drug abuse. In some instances, children have lost their parents to this scourge and are now cared for by uncles, aunts or grandparents.  At school, the situation may not be any better. Teenagers and peers may be pressuring kids to smoke cigarrettes and drink alcohol, at first, and then to try marihuana. Other types of drugs may follow.

UNODC's anti-drugs campaign urges adults to protect children. Parents, siblings and other family members can ensure that a child's home is a safe environment and that children are aware of the dangers associated with drug abuse. Teachers and social workers also have a role to play by watching out for warning signs and taking measures to address any drug-related problems.  For example, teachers can provide kids with information on the health risks linked to drug abuse and also give them a forum to discuss the issue openly. Other individuals and organizations can and should also contribute to the protection of children. The media, non-governmental organizations and government institutions are among them.