United Nations International Drug Control Program example essay topic

Illicit Drug TraffickingBackgroundDrug trafficking and illicit trade has proven to be a major problem that the international community faces as it enters into the twenty-first century. Currently the illegal drug trade market is one of the largest sectors of the modern global economy. Because of this fact, the drug trade is deeply rooted in many nations economic and social cultures, which makes it very difficult to control. Drug trafficking also brings with it the problems of organized crime money laundering, corruption, and violence.

In 1999, the United Nations Economic and Social Council warned that the international drug trade was brutal, dangerous, and ruthless for those involved with its actions, as well as those trying to enforce restrictions against it. In the debate over the international illicit drug trade, many have argued that the current situation is based on a supply and demand. The international business of narcotics produces around 400 billion dollars in trade each year, which accounts for almost 10% of all worldwide trade. With that in mind, over the past decades the problem with the illicit trafficking of drugs has been based mainly on the supply of narcotics to the international community.

Many nations such as Thailand, Laos, Pakistan, Morocco, Columbia, Peru, and Bolivia are heavily dependant upon the profits of the international drug trade. The United Nations has been continuously involved in stressing the need for governments to reduce production and supply of illicit drugs. However, many nations rely on the profits of the international drug trade as a sustaining force in their economies; this has proven to be a very difficult task. Over time, the problem with illicit drug trade has worsened, over the last decade the production of opium and marijuana nearly doubled, and the production of cocaine tripled. The increase in the demand for drugs, has led to the increase in production of synthetic drugs as well as an increase in the profits for those involved in the drug trade themselves. With the demand for drugs on the rise throughout the international community the time has come for problem solving bodies such as the United Nations to step in and take action.

Past United Nations Actions For the past decade the United Nations has been heavily involved in the fight against the illicit drug trade of the international community. Most directly involved has been the United Nations International Drug Control Program (UNDCP). The UNDCP is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. This sector of the United Nations provides information about the global drug problem enables the international community to identify drug control priorities. Founded in 1991, UNDCP works to educate the world about the dangers of drug abuse.

The Program aims to strengthen international action against drug production, trafficking and drug-related crime through alternative development projects, crop monitoring and helps to draft legislation and train judicial officials as anti-money laundering program. UNDCP also provides accurate statistics through the Global Assessment Program (GAP) part of its Legal Assistance Program. In 1984 the United Nations passed the Declaration on the Control of Drug Trafficking and Drug Abuse, which demanded for the reduction of drug production. General Assembly members in 1998, also set goals of halving drug use and substantially reducing illicit production by 2008. In addition, the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, signed in Palermo, Italy; December 2000, should aid in the eradication of all organized crime, including drug trafficking. However these actions alone will not solve the problems of international drug trafficking, if member nations do not take on these initiatives.

Recently, indicators measuring the demand for illicit drugs have also started to receive international attention and have helped to develop international principles required for drug testing. The research on this should enable international drug control efforts to be strengthened and thereby aid law enforcement services in countries with limited resources. Yet, countries with unstable economies must find other sources of income to rely on if stronger measures are enacted. Possible Solutions When trying to find solutions to this problem I would encourage delegates to look specifically at what is being done within their nation and their region.

Issues that should be addressed by each delegate have been brought up in the policy questions below. Possible Solutions include ways of reducing the availability of narcotics by chemical and crop monitoring and regulations, the formation and better enforcement on drug and chemical production and usages, as well as more severe punishments for those individuals involved in the drug trade. Also consider your nations economic position and whether or not your nation relies on narcotics to sustain its economy. Try to find solutions that are effective, plausible, and creative.

This will help each delegate become more prepared and familiar with the topic, as well as providing a more interesting debate. There are research tips and links listed below for your help. Good luck and have fun! Block Positions. Western Block There a great deal of conflict as to solutions to these problems and how much involvement these governments should take in other nations. These nations must serve as a model for other nations to follow by generating ample solutions to this dilemma and must help in implementing the resolutions already passed...

Latin Block Almost all of the cocaine and heroine that enters the United States each year is produced in nations like Bolivia, Peru and Colombia. The drugs most often travel through the West Indies, Central America, and Mexico. These are the most prominent trafficking centers of the Colombian drug cartels. This region is heavily involved with the production and trafficking of a great deal of narcotics and is equally dependent on its profits.

Nations in this region need to focus on ways to regulate the drug industry as well as alternative sources of income... African Block recent analysis of this region done by the UN International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) reveals that African countries, more and more, are serving as springboards for international trafficking and criminal organizations. The nations of Africa are also being used by drug cartels as areas for production and utilization. Consequently, this involvement with the narcotics industry has led to the rise of violent crimes, corruption, and social devastation. Many African nations are perplexed on how to address the problem... Asian Bloc Illicit opium cultivation in Southeast and Southwest Asia, particularly in Burma and Afghanistan, continues to provide the raw materials for much of the world's heroin.

Trafficking is continually expanding throughout South and East Asia. The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, (INL) has recently set up programs in Asia and the United States Government has been working closely with UN agencies and NGOs to encourage farmers to reduce the cultivation of illicit opium in favor of alternative crops, but more action needs to be taken... Middle Eastern Bloc With the rise of the black market and mafia in certain areas, drug consumption has taken a major rise in recent years. Demand for opium, cannabis, heroin and cocaine have risen drastically. The governments within this region must focus on the stronger law enforcement and restriction of corruption especially in transit countries... Policy Questions.

What systems or programs does your country support relating to drug trade and control? What, if anything, has your country done in the past to help deal with illicit drug trade? Does your country rely on illicit drug trade for its economy? What has your nation done in collaboration with the United Nations or other independent NGO's to combat illicit drug trade? Research Here are some good sites for research- web don't forget the Mira Costa MUN site web LUCK!