Special Political and Decolonization Committee
International Drug Trade
Federal Republic of Somalia
Jacob Potter
Forest Hills Eastern
The International Drug Trade and illegal smuggling is a critical issue around the world. Weak enforcement and high demand are what cause the issue to get out of hand in many countries. The smuggling of illegal substances can cause chaos when law enforcement cannot control the situation. Action is needed to either reduce the demand or control the supply side of the issue.
Increasing restrictions would not solve the issue when it cannot be enforced. Peace cannot be obtained when drug networks overrun cities and borders. The UN Special Political and Decolonization Committee must address these concerns and improve the system to prevent illegal smuggling of drugs, resolving the issue worldwide.
Due to Somalia’s internal conflicts, the drug trade has progressed within its borders. Networks of drug trafficking run rampant. Although it has tried to regulate the issue, Somalia does not have enough military strength to resolve the issue on its own without international regulation. Somalia has strengthened military presence to try to regulate drug trafficking, but it has not proven to be successful. Somalia is a state party to the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and supports restricting the drugs listed in the treaties. Additionally, Somalia urges the UN improve strict regulation internationally by reducing demand, controlling networks, and preventing manufacturing of illicit drugs. If the UN does not improve the situation, drug networks will only grow substantially at this rate between Somalia’s internal conflicts and the advancement in technology and social media.
Strict reduction in the production of illicit drugs, enforcement of trafficking, and reduced demand will greatly reduce the strength of the drug trade internationally. Somalia supports the United Nations in restricting both supply and demand sides of the drug trade to weaken networks on an international level. The UN must urge countries to enact stricter punishments involving the manufacturing, possession, and use of illicit drugs. Creating strict laws for citizens to follow will help countries moderate the problem and create stability. The drug crisis in Somalia is an urgent issue and needs to be improved greatly to be a step closer to peace. If no further actions are taken by the UN, countries will remain chaotic and dangerous with gangs and cartels in control without law enforcement to control the problem.
- Jake Potter
