Topic: 2024-Substance Abuse
Country: Ireland
Delegate Name: Jackson Harlan
Country: Ireland
Committee: WHO (ECOSOC)
Topic: Substance Abuse
Delegate: Jackson Harlan
School: Williamston High School
While some might not give it a second thought millions of people daily are affected by substance abuse. In the modern day, dangerous substances have been made more available. As trade prospers internationally, so does the trade of illegal or harmful substances, which only inflates the problem. The GFI estimated transnational drug trafficking has an estimated revenue of $426 to $652 billion USD despite this trade being illegal in the majority of countries. As of 2021, the UNODC estimated that 39.5 million people have suffered from drug use disorders, and out of those people only 1 in 5 received treatment. The most prevalent of these substances are cannabis, opioids, and amphetamines. The UN has attempted to tackle this issue countless times, one of the most recent being in 2016 where the focus was working towards using evidence-based strategies and creating more widespread access to treatment. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime has worked to create policy focusing on prevention, as well as treatment. The UN needs to continue to work on creating policies that can support the millions of people impacted.
Ireland has countless policies and plans addressing the issue of substance abuse, which primarily focus on the health aspect of the issue. This involves addressing treatment by providing things such as access to rehabilitation, and resources to inform of the dangers of substance abuse. Ireland believes that working towards reducing the stigma surrounding the issue and focusing more on a health and well-being standpoint is more beneficial than coercive sanction. Ireland has worked with European groups such as the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use and Dublin Drug Treatment Courts to work towards their goals of the education and treatment of substance abuse. Specifically working with the Dublin Drug Treatment Courts has allowed Ireland to push for rehabilitation for people impacted by substance abuse. Ireland is also currently part of a European Union Drug Action plan from 2021-2025 which focuses on education and health.
Ireland urges other nations to focus on addressing how to help the people impacted rather than punishment. Ireland has goals to find ways to provide resources to educate about the problem as well as access to treatment for other nations. In particular, providing rehabilitation opportunities will be a key factor in addressing the issue of substance abuse. Ireland aims to introduce court systems similar to the Dublin Drug Treatment Courts to other nations as a way of helping those suffering from substance abuse. Although steps surrounding treatment are important it is also important to address the constant change and growth within the problem. This requires the cooperation and willingness of the UN to truly continue to address such a growing issue. The continuation of the UN Office on Drug and Crimes is critical to addressing substance abuse, as well as providing funds to these programs aiming to end substance abuse. It is important to recognize the many aspects of the problem, but most importantly to acknowledge the need to help those affected by substance abuse.
