Around 275 million people used drugs worldwide in the last year of unprecedented upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, up by 22 per cent from 2010. That’s among the key findings of the latest annual report released on Thursday by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which also provides an overview of global drug markets, as well as their impact on people’s health and livelihoods.

Climate crisis could push 141 million more women into extreme poverty
Sudan war: First suicide bombers, now long-range drone strikes are the norm
When deaths go uncounted: WHO flags dangerous blind spots in Africa’s health data
Security Council LIVE: South Sudan’s first elections loom amid rising violence
COP31: Energy transition takes centre stage as countries map path beyond fossil fuels
1.5 Billion Women and Girls Live in Climate Hotspots, as UN Women Urges Stronger Action at COP31