The World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD) recognises that children are among the most vulnerable and overlooked populations impacted by the global drug problem. Across the world, children, especially those living in marginalised, high-risk, or underserved communities, face a range of challenges related to drug use and the drug trade, including exploitation, neglect, violence, and exposure to substance use within their families or communities. Despite increasing global attention to youth engagement through initiatives like the Youth Forum at the margins of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), the unique protection needs of children under the age of 18 are still significantly underrepresented in international drug policy and programming.

In response, WFAD has established the Child Protection Thematic Working Group (CPTWG) in June 2025, which is a dedicated working group to advocate for and advance the protection of children in the context of drug-related risks. This initiative is grounded in the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and aligns with WFAD’s 10-year Strategic Plan to promote the Rights of the Child and broader mission to promote drug-free environments that support health, safety, and human dignity.

The CPTWG serves as a collaborative platform for WFAD members, partners, and allies working to place child protection at the centre of drug prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation efforts. It also aims to foster stronger cross-sectoral partnerships, enhance the capacity of civil society actors, and amplify children’s voices in local, national, and global forums where policies affecting them are shaped.

Our Key Objectives:

  • Promote child protection as a cross-cutting theme in all drug-related programs, including prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation initiatives.
  • Advocate for the integration of child protection in international drug policy discussions, particularly within institutions such as the CND, UNODC, UNICEF, and related global and regional platforms.
  • Build the capacity of WFAD members and partners to design and implement child-centered and child-sensitive programs, ensuring children’s needs and rights are prioritized in every stage of intervention.
  • Strengthen collaboration with child-focused organisations, government agencies, and international stakeholders to create a united and effective front for protecting children.
  • Document and share best practices and evidence-based approaches to child protection within drug prevention and response efforts, contributing to knowledge exchange and innovation across the sector.

Through the CPTWG, WFAD reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding children from the harms of drugs and organized crime, and to ensuring that every child—regardless of background or circumstance—can grow up in a safe, supportive, and drug-free environment.

Activities

The Working Group will be presenting statement, activities, and webinars highlighting existing gaps and needs as well as best practices. Activities include:

June 2025

On the Day of the African Child (June 16), the Working Group presented a statement to the African Union, commemorating their published report reflecting on progress made since 2010 while highlighting gaps in the inclusion of the impact substance use disorders among children and youth. Read the full statement here.
Leading up to the World Drug Day on June 26th, members of the Working Group shared their activities commemorating the important day. All their activities put emphasis on the child, building resilience, and supportive environments. Find all activities here