Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Afghanistan
Delegate Name: Alex Mullen
School: Williamston High School

Afghanistan would like to have escalating violence stop like all nations but we believe that the ban of drugs and the plants that make them would be impossible. Afghanistan thinks that in order to stop violence that individual groups need to be stopped. We believe that its the country's job to stop violence between drug cartels and the people of its nation. If the nation is not able to stop the violence then it should seek the aid of the united nations or the help of willing countries.

Afghanistan thinks that stopping the production of narcotics would not be a effective way to stop the drug industry and there for violence. Also we think that it would be a high cost and ineffective battle that would never be resolved. We think it would also require to much man power and time to totally eradicate all drugs.

Afghanistan being a large producer poppy's knows first hand about drugs and what should be done. We think that not all drugs are bad and in fact can be very helpful. With our poppy plants we can produce morphine,poppy seeds, Codine, and many other useful drugs and products that can benefit man kind. Also the poppy plant is a large industry in Afghanistan making up 60% of our agricultural products. With out the poppy plant many farmers would be severely impoverished. For these reasons Afghanistan thinks that the cartels and drug lords need to be dealt with if the war on drugs is to be won.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Delegate Name: Jacob Schacht
School: Mattawan High School

The international drug trade has been successful in distributing dangerous narcotics to almost every part of the world. Tensions have arisen between several governments and between governments and independent organizations, like drug cartels. Violence has escalated in spots around the world which involve the deaths of innocent civilians.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, like various other nations, has drug trafficking and drug use problems amongst its citizens, particularly with the drugs heroine and cannabis. Western Europe has a high demand for drugs making the Balkan Peninsula a major location for harmful drug substances to make their way to Western Europe typically from production centers in Asia. Bosnia is experiencing a time of high unemployment which causes many of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s citizens to use drugs. A survey conducted by UNICEF in 2007, found that 80% of participating subjects who were labeled injecting drug users stated that they were unemployed. Though many drugs headed to Western Europe wind up in Bosnia, due in part to the actions of Bosnia and other neighboring European countries, Bosnia and Herzegovina does not experience very much violence related to drug trafficking.

Bosnia and Herzegovina provides many health centers that offer counseling and treatment for drug users. Bosnia and Herzegovina has school prevention programs and non-governmental organizations at work amongst the schools as well. The problem of drug abuse is also recognized in the laws of Bosnia and Herzegovina and governmental agencies work on implementing the law to reduce drug demand. Although outside of drug crimes and offenses, punishable by prison time, Bosnia and Herzegovina has little major drug related violence.

To solve the increase of drug violence, Bosnia and Herzegovina suggests trade sanctions against known major drug producing countries to have said countries decrease drug activity. Either way, Bosnia and Herzegovina is willing to talk and cooperate with their fellow European nations and/or other allies.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Brazil
Delegate Name: Ryan Tarr
School: Royal Oak High School

The violence surrounding the international drug trade is an obvious problem facing the world community, and the only way to address this issue is through international collaboration.

The 1984 Declaration on the Control of Drug Trafficking and Drug Abuse touches upon this idea in clause 3, through its declaration that “the eradication of trafficking in narcotic drugs the collective responsibility of all states,” but the ambiguity of this clause is outstanding. The Federative Republic of Brazil is of the firm belief that the key to preventing the continuation and exacerbation of the current violence issues is through international partnerships with the stricken countries.

The use of military has proven effective in the past, as evident by Colombia, and we believe this may be the path for the future as well. A military presence is not necessary in all cases and never in cases where the national government does not request the presence.

Regional agreements are most effective in these situations, and should only involve nations which can fully dedicate support in order to promote consistency and strength in the measure being pursued. Regional collaboration reduces the risk of distrust and ulterior motives that often results from non-regional campaigns.

Being so geographically close to the heart of the drug trade, the Federative Republic of Brazil recognizes the damage that accompanies this trade. We have witnessed the pitfalls and successes of the past efforts in the South American region, and we believe our contribution to the resolution of the conflicts will be beneficial on all fronts.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Colombia
Delegate Name: Tenzin Tsundu
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

The Republic of Colombia believes that Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade is a problem that needs to be stopped. In the past thirty years, The Republic of Colombia has had an atrocious reputation for being the largest exporter of Cocaine and other illegal drugs. With the support of many neighboring countries we have been able to take down some of the largest drug cartels in Colombia. The funds that are provided by our neighboring countries are essential in defending these drug cartels.

Our government has been fighting not only the billion dollar war on drugs, but also the rebels that are in our country. In recent years, the rebels have been financed by the trade in illegal drugs. This has caused a civil war in our country so it is even more important to control and stop the drug cartels. The civil war which is financed by the illegal drugs, has caused hundreds of deaths. What our country need to win this war on drugs in Colombia is continues support by our neighbors and members of the United Nations.

We have been closely monitoring the illegal drug trade to see if any large drug cartels arise. Our country is proud to say that we have made it very difficult for the drug trade to expand. What our county has noticed is that there are no longer any large drug cartels in Colombia which is bad thing because it makes it tougher to locate the illegal drugs. These drugs are being smuggled into Mexico and other countries like the United States. We believe that the United Nations need to on a global level get together and discuss how to protect our borders. The root of the escalating violence in the international drug trade is the drugs if we can eliminate the flow of drugs to difference parts of the world then it will also eliminate the escalating violence due to the drugs.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Cuba
Delegate Name: Freida Blostein
School: Royal Oak High School

The Republic of Cuba understands the complexities and confusions that are interwoven into the international drug trade. Before the days of Castro and the glorious revolution, Cuba faced many internal and external issues relating to drugs. But with the ascension of the Communist system, these issues have been dealt with, and Cuba faces a brighter, drug-free future. Hopefully, Cuba’s methods and success can be applied to the international community.

As international and domestic economies have faced recent turmoil, drug-related violence has escalated into previously unseen heights. It is easy to see the correlation between poverty and the allure of wealth that the drug trade presents. It is The Republic of Cuba’s belief that, as poverty is diminished and social and economic equality achieved, the drug trade and the violence it heralds will seize to seem so necessary to many impoverished participants. The encouragement of economic growth in many second or third world nations, unhindered by the embargos of first world nations, and assisted by good international relations, could alleviate this specter of poverty. As the world is rid of poverty, it will be gradually freed of drugs and their violence.

This is a long term solution, achievable through time, hard work, and cooperation. The international drug trade, however, is both a long and short term problem. In the short term, a two fold system should be adopted to deal with the many issues the drug trade brings.

First, prevention of drug abuse, use and trade is essential. Cuba has taken steps within its own boundaries to limit the influence of drugs. One of our most important tools has been the education of our youth. Education of the horrors of drugs will limit the demand within consumer nations. Education in alternative jobs for current drug manufacturers will curb the production of drugs. Thus education can be used to supplant both supply and demand of drugs. As the drug trade diminishes, so will the violence, crimes and corruption drugs leave in their wake.

Secondly, prosecution of drug lords and perpetrators of drug related violence must be enforced. Most importantly, prosecution must take place on a national level, within a strong system of government that is free of outside manipulations. Of course, international cooperation is necessary. Cooperation on a regional scale is especially encouraged, and Cuba has often attempted to initiate drug prevention and prosecution measures, despite the resistance of a strong regional nation. Regional centers, for the research, treatment and even tracking of the drug trade remain one of many provoking possibilities. Cooperation on a broader international scale should be coordinated and implemented by the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Cuba would like to remind all member states of Article 36 of the Convention of 1961, in which Penal Provisions are established, but more importantly of Article 39 of the same document, in which nations are given allowance to form stricter codes than those provided. Cuba encourages nations to use the allowance of Article 39 to punish transporters, producers and possessors of drugs. Strong penalties and efficient prosecution not only stem directly related violence and drug trade, but serves as a deterrent to other criminals. As Cuba has relentlessly perused the prosecution, imprisonment, and punishment of drug criminals, our drug use and related violence has decreased dramatically. The Republic of Cuba’s implementation of much stricter punishments, very different from the previous government’s unsuccessful and corrupt policies, has been a key factor in our successful measures.

Cuba also raises the possibility of maintaining and updating a matrix of international traffickers and drug criminals, based within the International Criminal Police Organization. This matrix could contain valuable information as to the names, locations, crimes and patterns of known traffickers, valuable information that would be available to sovereign nations as well as to the United Nations. Such a matrix would ensure more efficient prosecution and penalizing of drug criminals

Finally, The Republic of Cuba would like to remind member states that this problem is not limited to nations that produce drugs. Without the demand of the inhabitants of first world nations, the drug trade would simply not exist. It is, perhaps, due to some nation’s startlingly unsuccessful attempts at controlling drugs that has led us to this point of increased violence. Borders between nations, such as the Mexico-U.S. border, have seen violence escalate because of nation’s inability to control this bulging issue. Cuba warns of this discussion becoming too one sided, when truly blame lies in both producers and consumers, and solutions depend on cooperation between them.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Denmark
Delegate Name: Shelby Pendowski
School: Mattawan High School

At the beginning of the millennia, the country of Denmark began to experience an increase in drug trade which resulted in the updating of Danish drug policy. With the development of higher drug trade the issue of violence amongst the trade increased. According to the Danish drug action plan instated in 2003, the government enforced a zero tolerance policy. Denmark’s policy dissolved the distinction between drug users and drug dealers, also the difference between hard and soft drugs. Denmark citizens according to a section added to the Penal code states that the possession, importing, or passing of certain substances is illegal. Over the years the Penal code has been improved in order to protect the citizens of Denmark. Denmark follows by the law of the possession, for personal use, of substances including, but not limited to heroin, cocaine, or other kinds of hard drugs including amphetamines will be fined. For the first offense the offender will be charged 3,000DKK, the second offense will be fined with 4,500DKK, and a third offense will be fined 6,000DK. Denmark from the point of third offense will enforce imprisonment on the dealer and/or user.

Denmark’s firm belief in a zero tolerance with in our nation’s boundaries, hopes to enforce a zero tolerance policy in not only the countries to which Denmark finds alliance but also those to which Denmark disagrees. The reason that Denmark in recent years has decided to enhance the policy towards the use and trade of illegal drugs is because of the problems with the border, Pusher Street, to neighboring Sweden. Hence, the restoration of many outdated policies and laws to deal with the violence in a peaceful way, including fines, jail sentencing, and rehabilitation opportunities.

The belief that drug trade and violence could be dealt with in a peaceful manner is a belief of Denmark. With our policy the begins with fines and develops into jail and rehabilitation time, Denmark specifically enforces that the possession of any amount of illegal drugs is prohibited. Also, the selling of drugs in small quantities to those under the age of eighteen will be sentenced to an increased fine and prison term. Imprisonment at maximum can only last ten years, unless one is convicted of serious drug trafficking which then increases imprisonment in Denmark to last ten to sixteen years.

Denmark finds similar beliefs to the countries of The United States of America, the Netherlands, Great Britain, and France. The belief that the law should not condemn a human life to death due to the trade of illegal substances, however, the problem must be dealt. Denmark here by will accomplish an end to drug trade and violence through a policy that enforces fines, jail time, and/or rehabilitation for not only illegal drug users but also the illegal substance dealers.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Egypt
Delegate Name: Aaron Bernard
School: Roeper School

The Arab Republic of Egypt firmly believes that Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade is a very pressing issue. We would like to stress that crimes of drug trafficking are often directly linked with crimes of terrorism, money laundering, human trafficking, bribery, corruption, and arms smuggling. Corollaries to drug trade have been the growth of HIV/AIDs, a growth corruption that weakens public institutions, and increased violence that leads to the abuse of human rights.

The Arab Republic of Egypt would like to put itself forth as an example of how to fight this malediction. The United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention has repeatedly praised Egypt’s effort through its of modern techniques in fighting the drug trade. Most specifically through it’s use of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood to stop children and young adults from using drugs. This, along with the Egyptian government’s comprehensive approach with both government and non-governmental organizations, has greatly diminished the drug trade within Egypt.

In order to stop escalating violence in the drug trade Egypt suggest that we stop the drug trade. Our suggestion is to use Egypt as the world’s model and use comprehensive grassroots programs to stop drug abuse among children and young adults to curb the drug trade and therefore the overall amount of violence.

We, the Arab Republic of Egypt, believe that with the help of the magnificent and exulted Creator we will be able to rid the world of the terrible affliction of the drug trade. Egypt is ready to work with all nations to reach consensus in addressing Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: France
Delegate Name: Katelyn Coghlan
School: Saline High School

Drugs, and illegal drug trade have been a problem around the world throughout history. Many countries have recently seen both an increase in drug consumption, and violent activity relating to drug trade. Many countries including France, have problems controlling and seizing illegal drugs within the country. France considers these problems to be very serious, and would like to see large amounts of progression made in this committee.

It is difficult to say how prevalent and widespread drugs are in this region, because most of the measurements are not accurate and very flawed. According to Drogues et toxicomanies, indications et tendances (Carpentier and Costes, 1995), the current number of heroin addicts in France is around 160,000. Another study by Interpool states that only 10% of these illegal drugs are being intercepted by the police. France sees more of an issue with drugs in their own country than internationally, but agrees that the illegal drug trade between countries is a serious problem.

France has many strict drug policies within it’s borders. The smoking of tobacco products is prohibited in all public places including public transportation, museums and shopping centers. They have strict rules about driving while intoxicated, and prohibit all sales and consumptions of any illegal drugs, including “soft drugs”. France recognizes that drugs and the selling and trading of illegal drugs across borders is a very serious problem and has very harsh consequences. This is a problem that France would like to see fixed, and the country is very committed to doing their part in a drug free world.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: John Bihn
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

Drug trafficking is one of the most widespread issues in today’s world. Not a single nation, Germany included, can say that they are truly free of this despicable problem. However, this matter has only now come to the forefront of international policy as a result of the escalating violence associated with drug trafficking. Due to the multi-national nature of this problem, it is imperative that the fight against the trafficking of drugs must be unified, because nothing other than the unconditional cooperation of every nation will result in the ultimate solution to this problem.

This is not the first time that the United Nations has tried to combat drug trafficking. In fact, there have been many summits dedicated to the sole purpose of dealing with this issue, most notably the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and the Convention against the Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. These three conventions, and the resolutions that came to fruition at these conventions, were perhaps the strongest actions taken against drug trafficking. However, there is still much work to be done to fully eradicate the problem.

Unfortunately, Germany’s assertive stance against drug trafficking has not eliminated all criminal importation of illicit substances into our country. Germany deeply regrets that the majority of these substances are smuggled illegally from the Andes states, a region where violence due to drug trafficking has been higher than average. With the Federal Republic of Germany recommitting itself to work with the European Union to protect our borders, it is the hope of many that the United Nations will stand united to combat the escalating violence in the drug trade.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Ghana
Delegate Name: Kevin Finley
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Narcotics trafficking is nothing new, and especially not to Africa. Since 2005, there has been an increase in the violence that accompanies these drug traders. The decreasing demand for cocaine in the United States coupled with the increasing demand for it in Europe causes Africa to be a prime transfer point. 1.2 tons of cocaine was seized in Africa in 2005, but in the first seven months of 2007 over 4.3 tons had been seized. This recent increase in trafficking has been accomplished largely by bribes, strategic homicides, and much government corruption. The continent of Africa is now systematically tied to these drug trafficking organizations and the funds they generate. The violence and corruption that accompanies these activities is threatening peace, development, stability, and democracy in Africa. Afghan famers produce 90% of the world’s illegal Opium which is used to make heroin. UN efforts thus far have focused mainly on the stifling of production, and have been unsuccessful. While the Opium production dropped nearly a third between 2007and 2009, it has not changed since. The profit made from selling this illegal substance serves largely to support the terrorist activities of groups within the Middle East. Furthermore, the trade routes for moving Opium out of Middle Eastern Countries such as are so rugged it is almost impossible to track, let alone differentiate purely economic Opium trade from illegal terrorist-based trade. The presence of these terrorist groups and a heightened demand inflates the already violent trafficking regimes that have developed. The countries of Africa have made great progress in the last half century towards becoming stable, equal democracies, but the corruption of this escalating drug trafficking could halt this progress.

In order to curb the violence and ultimately the trade of narcotics altogether, Ghana urges the United Nations to establish a continental organization dedicated to offering resources to African governments and their efforts to stem the flow of illegal narcotics. Many nations, Ghana included, have attempted to limit the trafficking of drugs in their respective countries. The problem that most of these countries face is the lack of resources to effectively trace the corruption in the countries, Ghana included, and as a result the violence that erupts from corrupting government employees. The United Nations and affected narcotics receiving nations should not only offer resources and services to these governments and antinarcotics organizations, but also monitor the uses and procedures employed by the receiving parties to ensure that the supplies are being used in the most effective way possible, and also to help prevent further corruption. Any corrupt official found will be investigated to try and stem the resources of the organizations. While efforts such as this have already been made and Ghana has incarcerated a few Al Qaeda members, the more concentrated and powerful of an effort that is made, the better the results. A larger effort should also be made to track the flow of drugs into European countries so as to stifle to flow from the suppliers, making this “venture” a much less profitable regime.

Many of the more proactive antinarcotics nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, etc will support this resolution because the violence and corruption that is resulting from this drug trafficking affects every country, especially the major recipients of these drugs. The importance of stable and equal governments in Africa is another benefit to any country that associates themselves, directly or indirectly, with these African nations.

Afghanistan is one of the world’s leading Opium producers and is in a precarious position along with other similar countries. While some of their product is being used illegally and is damaging, much of it is perfectly legal and is a great economic contributor to their government. As a result, these countries and sympathetic countries may oppose the investigation of their product for fear of it being stifled.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Haiti
Delegate Name: Charles Coon
School: Williamston High School

In the world today there is obviously a problem with international drug trade violence. It Is obvious that this is not good and something must be done to end it. Many people in the world believe that it is the Unites Nation’s responsibility to end the problem. Haiti does not agree with this. Haiti believes that each country has the ability to handle the issue on their own with their own police enforcement and that it is not the United Nations responsibility to solve the problem.

In Haiti we are able to handle the issue on our own which shows that it is possible to be done without the help of the United Nations. Haiti also realizes that some countries may not be able to handle the issue on their own. In this situation they should have the ability to ask for help, but help should never be forced upon a country by the United Nations. Each country has the right to national sovereignty, meaning that the United Nations has no right to enter in to a country and force their opinions upon the country and its people. Haiti recognizes the problem but Haiti also recognizes that most nations are able to handle the issue themselves and that national sovereignty protects them from the United Nations forcing them to do anything.

Haiti is able to handle the situation on our own and we believe that other countries have the ability to do the same, but if we let the United Nations enter into our countries and attempt to solve the problem we will begin to fall down a slippery slope which will lead to the United Nations to do whatever they want to. We must not allow this to happen!

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: India
Delegate Name: Jennifer Larson
School: Royal Oak High School

The increase in wealth in India also means there is more money to spend on illicit substances. Although the percentage of people in India who use drugs is still fairly low, it is increasing at an alarming rate. There are many legal prescription drugs and mild “Desi” drugs of which many Hindu Sadhus have been using for ages as part of their meditation; however, drugs have started to enter the elite tier of society, which has become increasingly prosperous due to the improving economy in India. This is particularly devastating because the wealthy are key to the continued economic growth of India. The increased use of drugs also leads to an increased crime rate, road accidents, and deaths.

India has defined addiction to drugs as a psychosocial medical problem, which is best dealt with community based interventions. Towards this objective, India has implemented the Scheme for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substances Abuse. It funds non-governmental organizations to generate awareness, motivate addicts for treatment and ensure their socioeconomic rehabilitation through long-term community-based programs.

India is located between the Golden Crescent (Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan) and the Golden Triangle (Burma, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam), the main areas of opium production in Asia. India recognizes this and has taken action against illicit trafficking and use of such substances. India is a party of the Single Convention of Narcotic Drugs, the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, the Protocol Amending the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, and the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. An Indo-Pakistani committee was established in 1986 to prevent trafficking in narcotic drugs. India signed a convention with the United Arab Emirates in 1994 to control drug trafficking. India also signed an agreement with Egypt in 1995 for investigation of drug cases and exchange of information and a Memorandum of Understanding of the Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Drugs with Iran.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Indonesia
Delegate Name: Elizabeth Caldwell
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

The Republic of Indonesia believes that the increased violence is an increasing detrimental problem to other countries but that the increasing violence has yet to occur within our own borders. Many other countries have had their own issues with the increased violence that has led to massacres, shoot outs, threats and large numbers of police officers and government agents dead.

Indonesia has a distinct, increasingly important, problem with drug usage. Approximately one in every fifty people is currently using illicit drugs in Indonesia. In the capital city of Jakarta, there is an alarming increase from the overall average, meaning that approximately one person in every thirty-two people uses illicit drugs.

The most common abused substance is street-grade heroin, followed by methamphetamines and then followed by medicinal pills combined with alcohol.

We are disturbed by the increased violence towards law enforcement, tourists and even native citizens that are being directly threatened by these huge drug cartels. These ways that these organizations keep control over their various territories is highly appall able and is against the basic human rights as stated within the UN charter. Even if Indonesia has a large drug usage problem, the cartels within Indonesia do not threaten the average person or police officer.

We can only recommend the immediate shut down of the drug trade worldwide. We have committed to having an illicit drug free influence by 2015. We can only hope that other sovereign nations wills support our plan and do the same to help us end drug violence around the world.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Iran
Delegate Name: Joseph LoCascio
School: Roeper School

The Islamic Republic of Iran has done all it can to combat the issue at hand. Indeed, we hope to act as a model for the world, beset by violence it often cannot counter. Iran has made enormous progress in this area, winning praise even from the godless Americans and heretical British. We hope in this session to use our knowledge to aid other nations in similar situations.

The Secretary-General of the Drug Control Headquarters of Iran, Eng Mostafa Mohammad Najjar, has recently convened a conference of the Triangular Initiative in Tehran. The heads of anti-narcotics operations in Pakistan and Afghanistan have attended, and the three together have striven to hammer out more effective procedures aimed at decreasing drug trade and decreasing drug-related violence. This cooperation is inspiring to Iranians, and should also be inspiring to the international community. It would be arrogant of us to exclude mention of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the UN body that has aided our three nations in facilitating both this Initiative and the implementation of the our agreed-upon measures.

Though the world’s drug traffickers’ violent means (outside of North America) have retrenched in recent years, and though trafficking itself remains unsettlingly vibrant, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s executed actions have proven successful. These actions have been so successful that admiring nations such as the UK, France, and Italy have contributed funds to the development of our anti-drug trafficking efforts, believing them to be first-rate, and hoping, one day, after our example, to effect similar agencies and actions within their own borders. To provide an instance of these measures, the Joint Planning Cell (JPC) is an organization based in Tehran that coordinates international expeditions against traffickers, often responding at amazing speeds to violence related to drugs. This cell also acts as an archive for information that often is vital to both Iran and its neighbors in eradicating traffickers.

Our agreements with other nations show themselves daily to be the most sophisticated and comprehensive plans in the world, organizing security on many different levels to combat drugs. To name but one protocol, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Belarus, Kuwait and Yemen signed a security agreement with Iran, moving forward the world’s goal in deterring violence related to drugs by forging new bonds specifically tailored to do so. Finally, Iran must remind all present nations of the UN Convention against Trans-national Organized Crime, a Convention that aids nations in eliminating trafficking violence inside and outside their own borders, and a convention which Iran was instrumental in organizing.

In short, Iran urges this body to compose a resolution that adapts on the international level some, if not all, of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s ascendant and progressive strategies. First, an agency comparable to the JPC needs to be created, perhaps within the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Second, nations must work together in securing their borders as Pakistan and Iran and Afghanistan have done. To do this we will need to allocate UNODC aid more effectively and in a more specifically-tailored manner. Third, the United Nations must follow through on its greatest promise: facilitating relations among nations, thusly helping to form international alliances aimed at directly curtailing drug trade and violence. Finally, the UNODC must be reformed to include an office coordinating international efforts, which have already been agreed upon.

Iran is massively enthusiastic to discuss this issue. We in Iran do not say “Peace through Allah” simply to show our devout religiosity; we say it because it is true. Through Allah, our unification will foil evil’s efforts to propagate violence.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Collin Mathias
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Drugs of all forms have been used throughout the history of the world. These substances have always traveled through all societies. Recently though, the trafficking of these substances have become a major underground business. These drugs have destroyed lives. The United Nations has already pushed for some ways to stop this pandemic. Through three resolutions since 1961, the international community has begun to combat this plague. By using the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971 and the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988, the world issued a statement that this underground business must be uprooted. Established in 1997, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has served to help coordinate the world to end this plague.

The European Union has enacted a plan of actions that must occur to defeat the international drug trade. Europe, according to the World Drug Report of 2010, is one of the highest consumers of drugs. We, as the Union, hope to begin to shake our people free of the bonds of drugs with the EU Drugs Strategy 2005-2010. The European Union issued that to defeat this plague, international cooperation must occur. The Italian Republic also works very close with the United States. The Italian-American Working Group was an agreement between our two countries to combat the international drug trade.

Some countries have issued the death penalty for drug trafficking. To be caught a smuggler in these countries is to forfeit your life. Other countries, such as the United States, use light terms in prison. The European Union and the many countries of the world now subscribe to the international organizations of Europol and Interpol to combine the mights of countries to combat the international drug trade. Despite these efforts though, the trade continues to penetrate into our families and schools.

The Italian Republic still works closely with the United States. As a country, we regret the fact that many of the European drugs are smuggled through the southern portion of Italy. However, through combined cooperation with the United States, our streets have become cleaner. Italy knows that by working with other countries, we can end this plague. As the European goals state, not only must we stop drugs from entering our countries, we have to strike where they are being grown. Both the supply and demand have to end. The Italian Republic stands ready to end this costly war on our people.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Jordan
Delegate Name: Rodger MacArthur
School: Roeper School

Jordan sits at the crossroads of the drug trade in the Middle East; this is a huge risk to national security. Not only does money laundering occur but violence erupts all throughout the country posing a severe risk to citizens. Jordan serves as a transit route for all illicit substances coming from Turkey and Afghanistan.

As a member of the Arab league of states the drug trades not only compromises Jordan’s national security, but the national security of all the other countries in the Middle East. A major threat is trafficking of heroin. In the past 5 years heroin usage has increased 9.3% with alarmingly high increase in the number of women using heroin. The country of Jordan only has a handful of treatment centers each with an average of 20 beds. As bad as this is all the treatment centers are men only, which forces women to seek private treatment which most cannot afford.

Jordan is attempting to fix the drug problem. The control structure in Jordan involves four entities: 1) The Anti-Narcotics Department (AND), which is responsible for the coordinating all of Jordan's enforcement efforts against drug trafficking. 2) The Desert and Border police who patrol the areas between Syria and Saudi Arabia and the desert areas. 3) The General Customs Department which is responsible for general customs and anti-smuggling patrol work. 4) The Jordanian Military, which controls borders.

Jordan needs more financial assistance and support from fellow countries of the Arab League of Nations as well as the UN. In 2005 the UN gave 4.5 million dollars to combat the drug problem in Jordan while this is a start, Jordan needs more funding to fully combat the problem.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Lebanon
Delegate Name: Arric McLauchlan
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The international drug trade has been an ongoing problem in many countries around the world, including Lebanon. Some think the war on drugs and the war on terror have become one single entity. The term “narcoterrorism” was coined which bridges the gap between the two. Violence has escalated as of late in the drug trade making it a greater threat now than ever before. Many sources link this problem back to the frontal assault on the drug cartels. If you look at data collect before, during, and after the alcohol prohibition in the United States, you will notice that a drastic increase of violence occurred during the prohibition but afterwards the violence levels decreased back to levels similar to levels before the prohibition. Prohibition causes violence because it drives the cartels underground. Once there, there is no one to settle disputes in lawsuit form so they take matters into their own hands. That usually ends violently.

These past events could show the world to solution to the problem. Escalation will only make the situation worse. The legalization or reduction of enforcement on drug distribution should decrease the amount of associated violence. If the governments of the world were to loosen up on drug enforcement, then the cartels would not have as high of tensions and therefore would not be as violent. Nations must decide whether it is more important to enforce drug laws or reduce violence.

This proposal is a fairly controversial one, but it is in the opinion of the government of the Republic of Lebanon that it is the right choice to make. Countries that wish to end drug violence should see that this is the best way to do that.

As mentioned earlier, this is a controversial proposal, so Lebanon fully expects more reserved and conservative nations to be opposed to this answer. They will want more enforcement on the drug trade, but that will not bring anything but more violence. Escalation is not the answer.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Mexico
Delegate Name: Jared Krueger
School: West Ottawa High School

The International Drug Trade has been in Mexico for very many decades but in the last few years the violence in the trafficking has become more prevalent. This spike in the activity was due to our presidents pledged crack down on corruption and the cartels. With 28,228 people killed up to January 2007 due to the declaration of war upon the drug trade by the Mexican president Felipe Calderon we are determined to destroy the system that has ruined so many lives.

Mexico would like to see California legalize marijuana and would like to call upon other nations to send generals to help train a corruption free Mexican army that will fight for the people and the government. The legalization of marijuana in California would greatly decrease the influx of illegal drugs through Mexico and other Central American states and open up new businesses on the shipping of the drugs and the marketing of the drug. Mexico calls upon other nations to send some of their generals because the Mexican army and its generals are very corrupt and the unified help of other nations to send their uncorrupt generals to train our army and help make it loyal by discipline would cause a spike in how many battles we would win against the cartels that we locate.

As proof that we do not want to further the drug trade we look upon our calls to call the UNGASS (the United Nations General Assembly Special Session) in both ’93 and ’98. The calls were on the increasing demand for certain drugs being drove through South America to make their way through Mexico on their way to America.

Although drugs are very prevalent in Mexico we would like no foreign infringement meaning we do not want the Americans or the UN to come in and take our sovereignty away from us and treat us like a third world country. The Netherlands have legalized drugs and have not been invaded even though drugs are constantly leaking through the borders into France, Germany, and once of a while the United Kingdom’s. With it being that way in the Netherlands we feel no need that we need assistance in the form of a military takeover but would like good generals to be sent from different nations to assist.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Morocco
Delegate Name: Mitchell Reddan
School: Mattawan High School

Drug trafficking, and violence as a result of drug trafficking is one of the major political issues in the world scene today. One of the foremost regions to be effected by this is Morocco. Located in the northeastern region of Morocco is the Rif Mountains. This region is known for its massive production of cannabis, more specifically hashish. Hashish is a paste like substance formed from the dried and compressed stalks of resin glands. This drug has many similar effects of other cannabis products, but due to the means of production it has higher concentrations of THC and therefore is much more dangerous and more addictive. Of all the Hashish produced in Morocco, 70%, around 2,000 metric tons, of it makes its way to Europe via Spain. The high volume of drugs produced creates a very profitable market for criminals willing to risk punishment for illicit drugs. With so many parties vying for power and control of the hashish market conflict often ensues. And even with the Moroccan government’s attempted crackdowns the drug market still flourishes.

The most likely reason for the continued activity in the drug market is the lack of other areas for profit to be made. Agriculture is the primary industry of citizens of Morocco and the Moroccan government offers many benefits to those involved in farming. Many tax breaks and tax refunds are given to farmers because they control most of the voting force of the counties constitutional monarchy. Alongside the benefits to farmers, another major issue is a lack of other profitable crops for farmers to grow. If other more profitable crops could be introduced to dissuade farmers from growing marijuana the overall amount of hashish produced would be dropped immensely.

Another option in reducing drug trade, and drug violence would be a joint action with Spain. Spain is the bridge nation between Morocco and the rest of Europe and if Morocco and Spain can find common ground and work together the overall safety of both of these nations would improve. Working together to bust traffickers moving across the Strait of Gibraltar and other routes would be a effective and very active way of addressing the drug violence and drug trafficking issues in Morocco and the rest of Europe.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: New Zealand
Delegate Name: Jake Vroon
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

The drug trade between international countries has been a problem for many years, but it has been dangerously escalating in the last decade due to an alarming amount of in and out drug trafficking in New Zealand. New Zealand officials have tried monitoring the in and out of drug warfare in New Zealand but have not gotten a full grasp on the drug cartels. In New Zealand sentencing for importing and exporting drugs depends on the type of drugs concerned. Getting caught importing or exporting Class A controlled drugs (Methamphetamine, Magic Mushrooms, Cocaine, Heroin, LSD) can result in life imprisonment, For Class B controlled drugs (Cannabis Oil, Hashish, Morphine, Opium, Ecstasy and other Amphetamines) you can face up to 14 years imprisonment, and for any other controlled drug (Cannabis plant or seed, BZP) it can be up to 8 years. Transferring drugs into another country and getting caught will lead you to get prosecuted under that country’s terms and penalties.

A recent report examined the focus of national crime manager Detective Superintendent Win Van der Velde. A series of operations in the last two months of 2009 targeted methamphetamine manufacturers and distributors. Twelve of these operations included more than 380 staff and resulted in almost 400 arrests for drug-related offenses. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of methamphetamine, cannabis, stolen property and property obtained as the result of criminal activity.

There is a crisis in international drug policy. After three UN treaties spanning four decades and many billions spent on co-ordinated international drug control and enforcement, the market for illegal drugs continues to expand. The negative impacts of these illegal markets expand equally. This crisis has been precipitated by the collision of rising illegal drug use with policies formulated in an era when patterns of use were unrecognizable from today. The huge demand for prohibited drugs has created the illegal drug market now worth an estimated $100 -200 billion a year. The inflated prices of illegal drugs provide an extraordinary profit opportunity for trans-national criminal organizations, whether traditional organized crime networks, or newer terrorist groups. As an adjunct to illegal drug supply activities, such groups are invariably also involved in murder, assault, fraud, tax evasion, money laundering, intimidation and corruption.

In the wake of rising global drug use and production during the 90's, calls grew for a review of the efficacy and viability of the UN drug control system's enforcement oriented strategy. These calls were led by Mexico, which in 1993 called for the 1998 UNGASS (UN General Assembly Special Session) to be convened. The idea was for a global review of anti-drug strategies, with a view to improving and adapting them for the next century. New Zealand believes in cracking down on the international drug trade and warfare, so that independent countries can use national, local, political, and authoritative groups to target cartel and consumer groups of drugs. These drugs have to be coming from somewhere, so New Zealand needs to target where they are coming from.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: North Korea
Delegate Name: Gilad Eisbruch
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has been unfairly accused for illegal actions. In April of 2003, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was accused of smuggling $50 million worth of Heroin by ship to Australia. These allegations are false. The United States of America has been conducting a smear campaign against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, claiming that they have been involved in illegal heroin and other drug trafficking. The United States of America is trying to increase international pressure on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to shut down their nuclear program. In committee, it must be discussed how the United States of America is bending the truth trying to make the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea look bad. This is not peaceful and must not be tolerated. A resolution should be passed to punish countries that lie to make other countries look bad. A country that may share this concern and may help the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea pass a resolution of this sort is the Islamic Republic of Iran. Iran has been the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s trading partner for some time, and would have special interests in helping them. Also, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been receiving negative media coverage in many countries which it may feel is not fair. That would be motivation for Iran to want to pass this resolution with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Nicole Iraola
School: Saline High School

Violence in the international drug trade has always been an issue, but due to recent changes implemented by nations with heavy drug trafficking, the issue has escalated and is continuing to do so. As a result of Mexico’s president, Felipe Calderon attempting to regulate a crackdown on drug cartels, thousands of citizens and troops have subsequently died in the process. Although efforts have been taken to decrease the trafficking of drugs in Mexico, such as the deployment of troops, an explosion of drug violence has occurred, leaving many people dead.

Pakistan realizes the urgency of the situation regarding increasing drug violence, and urges this committee to suggest solutions for the problem at hand. Ways to aid the countries affected by increasing drug violence are to suggest solutions which will protect their national sovereignty while providing assistance that has not previously been offered by the countries' governments.

In Pakistan, we have divided the decreasing of drug trafficking and its violent consequences into three sub-programs. They are illicit trafficking and border management, criminal justice, and drug-demand reduction and HIV.

The nation of Pakistan has taken some necessary steps towards managing the crisis presented by drug trafficking in its own country as well as Iran and Afghanistan. The countries have signed the UNODC, and it has effectively decreased the trade of drugs in these countries. Consequentially, violence stemming from drug trafficking has declined. If other nations are willing to sign treaties and documents similar to the UNODC, positive results would surely occur as they have for Pakistan.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Philippines
Delegate Name: Jiayue Liu
School: Northville High School

Distribution and the sale of illegal substances are strictly prohibited in the Philippines. In order to maintain good relationships with other countries, we wish to put fully effective drug prohibition laws that each country will comprise on. Drug smuggling into the Philippines will carry a severe penalty and consequences, including death penalty. To increase peace and reduce crime, Philippine believe the only effective way is first by preventing drug trafficking. Philippines support China for the sentence to death of two people in Malaysia for trafficking 1 kilogram of cannabis into their country. We believe UN needs to compromise on a national violation of drug trafficking. Despite the large amount of money spent on the preventions of drug trade, over $7 billion spent annually across the United States in arresting and prosecuting marijuana offenses, Philippines believe each country here can work together and form a universal prosecution on the each offenses of drug trade. Drug cartels between the Mexican and United States is also affecting the Philippines, drugs are unknowingly passing through borders. Philippines strongly feel that action needs to be taken, that includes a greater involvement of between the countries. Increasing trend of violence is appearing across the globe as drug trades become more frequent and beginning to impacting a larger area. For the good of the people and the country, to improve people’s health and the reduce violence in our backyards, Philippines will work with each country to prevent drug trafficking.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Russia
Delegate Name: Michael Jennings
School: Flint Southwestern Classical Academy

The International drug trade has been a burden on countries ever since the 19th century. With advent of globalization it would be difficult not to find some sort of foreign illicit substance within a nations borders. The nation of Afghanistan is becoming a problem for several states around the world because of the large amount of Opium and Poppy plants that are produced within its borders. These plants are extremely profitable and have lead to widespread and recognizable corruption within the Afghan border. Also the neo-Taliban uses the funding from their corner of the drug trade to plan attacks against coalition soldiers and to take back several provinces within Afghanistan. The nation of Mexico is also struggling with a total war on drugs that threatens the safety and stability of the Mexican people and the states that border the country. Though not as prevalent an issue as it was 20 or 30 years ago, the drug trade in South America has been significantly hindered by the efforts of governments in the region, most notably Venezuela’s.

The Russian Federation has 2.5 million drug addicts. Most of these drug addicts range from 18 years f age to 30. Russia has a negative population growth as well. The future does look bright for Russia, if its future leaders are getting high instead of changing the world. Due to the immense length of Russia’s borders, Russia struggles to keep drugs out. Russia borders all three of the nations that are considered a part of the Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan). 93% of all Opium that is traded comes from the Golden crescent. On top of that, 90% of all illicit drug users within Russia’s borders use Afghan-grown opiates. The Russian Federation has taken steps in recent years to inhibit the growth of Opium production with Afghanistan’s borders by sending troops to fight along side US-led coalition forces in the area. Efforts by NATO and Russian forces hindered 2% of the drug trade in 2009, a majority of which that funded the Taliban insurgency effort. However, during the week of October 31st, 2010, Russia announced it would no longer contribute soldiers to directly combat the drug trade in Afghanistan. The nation of Afghanistan has seen widespread corruption during the reign of “president “ Hamid Karzai. For example, Karzai’s own brother, Mahmoud is under investigation by the United States for connections to the drug trade. The nations of Mexico and Venezuela have enjoyed warm ties with the Russian federation for many years. We are looking to continue to support their governments in the long battle against drugs.

The Russian Federation acknowledges that several of the farmers who grow opium grow it so that they can survive. The government very loosely controls the region where opium is grown; it is more the control of regional warlords. The Solution the Russian Federation proposes is to make the growing of alternatives, like lettuce, or wheat, or barely, more profitable than opium or poppy. This could come in the form of economic incentives for growing non-illicit drugs. Also perhaps an international effort to the seal the borders of Afghanistan might be beneficial. Support from the states of Iran and Pakistan would be necessary however. Finding a way to combat the corruption that blights the government would be beneficial as well, it is a well-known fact that the elections were not very well monitored and voter turnout was low during the last Afghan election. An effort to monitor elections more closely would put people into power who the Afghan people have decided upon. In Mexico, the government is fighting a multi-front war against a variety of cartels throughout the nation. One of the few the things the international community can do is provide training and funding for Mexico’s war on drugs, like Surveillance, updated drug detecting technology, or monetary aid that would increase the wage of the police officers who are on the frontlines of the conflict. The drug cartels of Mexico do not grow drugs, they specifically in the business of transporting the drugs throughout the world. The effective means to combat that would be the monitor of not only what is coming out of Mexico, but also what is coming into Mexico. Though, Venezuelan and Colombian efforts to curb the drug trade are heroic, another influx of aid to those states would curb the source of monetary support for the cartels.

The Russian Federation is looking to cooperate with the South and Central American states concerning Mexico’s war on drugs. The People’s Republic of China’s strong stance on drugs will make them a valuable ally on this topic. The United States has a lot invested in both the Golden crescent issue and the Mexican drug war, so we will find a strong ally with them. A border dispute between Japan and the Russian Federation has torn a temporary rift in the foreign relations between the two nations. They are not considered an ally.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Saudi Arabia
Delegate Name: Jimmy Tian
School: Northville High School

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recognizes that the international drug trade, which is mostly in the control of several prominent cartels, is responsible for and directly implicated in the escalation of violence connected to illicit substances.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia vehemently opposes the immoral and un-Islamic use of drugs: severe punishments are instigated for all peoples charged with possession of drugs and other controlled substances, while drug trafficking carries a zero-exception death penalty. Citizens addicted to illegal substances are sent to one of three treatment and rehabilitation centers in the Kingdom while non-citizens are usually deported.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is party to all three international drug conventions, and does not have a major problem with drugs and drug violence. Most crimes in Saudi Arabia are petty street crimes, and even these are less common than in Western countries such as France and the United States. The use of illegal drugs in Saudi Arabia is rare and no significant drug production occurs. Most drugs used in Saudi Arabia are variants of the amphetamine 'fenethylline', marketed as Captagon. These drugs are usually produced in Central and Eastern Europe in connection with the Russian mafia.

As a result, Saudi Arabia is committed to limiting drug violence by denying the cartels a source of revenue in Saudi citizens by strictly preventing the abuse of drugs in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom also supports anti-drug measures internationally through the operation of five international anti-drug liaison offices, and by the annual contribution of $50,000 to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Sierra Leone
Delegate Name: Courtney Weyhing
School: Williamston High School

Sierra Leone just recently went through a civil war and there has been many outbreaks in drug trafficking. The drug trade between international countries has been a major issue all around the world for many years. Recently the drug trade has been escalating very fast and it needs to be stopped. Sierra Leone is a broken country and its officials have been trying to monitor the in and out of drugs but have been unsuccessful. Sierra Leone urges this committee to help the countries that don’t have the funds for such monitoring. In Sierra Leone Getting caught with Class A and Class B drugs you will be prosecuted by the amount and the type of drug being smuggled. It is important for the United Nations to find a solution to stop the international drug trade.

There is a major flaw in the International Drug Policy. With all of the UN treaties spanning over 4 decades and the billions of dollars put forth for this the International drug trade continues to expand at a high rate. This flaw had been ridden with the dangerously rising amount of people using illegal drugs and smuggling them into other countries. To add onto this dangerous situation these groups are also involved in murder, assault, fraud, and tax evasion. These groups need to be stopped and we need to recognize the need for people to monitor the borders and make sure that drug smugglers and illegal gangs will be prosecuted. The international drug trade is a major issue that needs to be resolved.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Austin Syrek
School: Williamston High School

South Africa firmly believes that international drug trade is clearly a problem that needs to be stopped. A rapid increase of violence due to drug trade can be seen in many countries today. Drug trafficking is one of the most widespread issues in today’s world. Not a single nation South Africa, can say that they are truly free of this despicable problem.

In South Africa methamphetamine is called tik or tik-tik. Children as young as eight are abusing the substance, smoking it in crude glass vials made from light bulbs. Since methamphetamine is easy to produce, the substance is manufactured locally in staggering quantities. After the new South African government came into power, the South African Narcotics Bureau was disbanded, allowing dealers unprecedented freedom of operation and causing a simultaneous drop in prices and rise in availability. In Cape Town the tik epidemic has long reached the suburbs. Half of the residents of Paradise Park, Juan holds, are addicts of some sort, no matter what skin color. And many of them run the risk of ending up in Falkenberg, one of Cape Town’s psychiatric clinics.

Many people are addicted to drugs in South Africa which is a big ordeal. This is also bad because most people don’t realize the effects it has on them. The way to reduce the drug influence would to be either set a law on the drug or ban it throughout all of South Africa. South Africa also deals with many financial issues due to the drug trafficking throughout South Africa.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Spain
Delegate Name: Allison Hastings
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The international drug trade is one of the biggest and oldest plagues on Spain and the world. Spain’s vast coastline is one of the leading entry point for drugs, mostly cocaine, Middle Eastern heroin, and Moroccan marijuana, into Europe. From the Spanish coast, where these drugs are received by numerous gangs from countries including Russia, France, and The United Kingdom, these drugs are distributed throughout Europe. The Spanish navy attempts to seize the drugs entering the country, but there are too many for our control alone. This issue is not limited to Europe, across the globe cartels fight for turf so they can sell the most drugs and make the most money.

To mollify the violence caused by the international drug trade Spain will discuss ways of reducing the drugs entering Europe from the Spanish coast and preventing the production of these illicit drugs. Many resolutions have attempted and failed to reduce the traffic of illegal drugs, but Spain hopes that in this committee all nations present will work together to write a meaningful resolution that will reduce the violence that surrounds the drug trade and benefit those living in fear of drug cartels.

Spain hopes that in this committee we, the members of the United Nations, can work together to end the drug trade. Spain would like to work with the countries that have groups creating and exporting drugs to end the trade and violence.

The drug trade accounts for large percentages of many countries economies. These countries will slow the efforts against the drug trade and the violence it causes. Countries hesitant toward internal United Nations involvement will also

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Syria
Delegate Name: Lauren Wallace
School: Mattawan High School

Violence resulting from certain aspects of the international drug trade is a problem that has increased in size and needs to be stopped. The Syrian Arab Republic has a policy based on Law No. 2 of 1993, which authorizes harsh punishment, which would also include capital punishment for those found guilty of narcotics manufacturing, sales, or even trafficking. This law also requires treatment at rehabilitation centers for those that surrender to the police. Also, the Syrian Arab Republic exempts from punishment the prisoners that show good behavior during treatment. We believe that this policy should be used everywhere, especially with the lower crime rate than some countries. The Syrian Arab Republic is a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention, the 1961 UN Single Convention as revised by the 1972 Protocol, and the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances. We have also signed the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the UN Convention against Corruption. While the Syrian Arab Republic does not have a counternarcotics agreement with the United States, we were discussing the signature of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate with not only fighting drug trafficking, but fighting illegal immigration and terrorism as well. Our counternarcotics strategy uses methods such as educating the public on the dangers of drug use and drug awareness through media, and it is also part of the national curriculum for children in school. We are willing to work with other countries in order to solve our own drug transit problem, and are trying to fight drug trafficking, which will help with the violence that comes with it.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Turkey
Delegate Name: Andrew Romano
School: Roeper School

The Republic of Turkey sits on one of the main drug routes used to traffic drugs from Asia to Europe and vice-versa. Turkey is doing everything in its power to try and stop these drugs from moving across Turkey and into other nations. Although Turkey has large drug trafficking problems, we do not have immense drug abuse issues. However with drug trade has come increasing drug violence as traffickers use more lethal weapons and force to achieve their goals.

With the hope of joining the European Union, Turkey has drafted more effective legislation concerning drugs and improving our police force to better handle the situation within our own borders. Turkey will also need the help of the international community. Turkey is but one of the many countries that the drugs are trafficked through between Asia and Europe. Turkey has already worked with EU, US, and Afghan officials to train our police forces to better combat the drug trade. The ameliorating effects can already be seen. Arrests of drug traffickers are steadily increasing in Turkey.

Turkey believes that drug producing nations of the world need to crack down on border security. If fewer drugs make it out of drug producing countries and more are seized at the borders, few drugs will get out into circulation. Turkey understands that this is no easy task. It takes time, money, and manpower to accomplish this difficult task. We encourage nations from all around the world to come together to train their police forces on combating the drug trade.

Turkey believes that all nations should uphold the three conventions on illicit drug trade. The third convention really focuses on working together, an opinion that Turkey shares. In order to combat the drug trade we will need to work together. Turkey is willing to work with all nations to implement resolutions that will help the international community more effectively deal with drug trade and the accompanying violence.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Uganda
Delegate Name: Alexandra King
School: Mattawan High School

Drug trafficking is a global issue that is greatly impacting the life and well-being of citizens and communities throughout the world. However, this problem of drug trade, which has been occurring for years, has just recently come up in the headlines due to the escalating violence. Uganda is one of many countries that is being affected by the increase in both drug trade itself and the violence that occurs due to it. This rapid increase and violence is proving detrimental to the already struggling democracies in Africa. As the US/Mexico border has become tightened many of the drug-runners that ferry drugs there have made there way to East Africa causing Uganda to be a hot spot for drug trade.

The primary reason for this continued illegal activity is the fact that the drug laws have a lack of or light penalties against it. Drug-runners and drug-lords risk working in Uganda rather than other countries because the penalties are not as heavy if caught. An option to help the situation is to revamp their National Drug Authority Act; however, it has hit a stalemate for the past five years in their government and this is unlikely to change soon. The ideal solution is to eliminate such trade completely; however, Uganda is not in a position to be able to due this alone due to the scope and seriousness of the problem. Uganda at this point in time is not capable of handling the sheer amount of illegal drug trade that occurs there daily. However, Uganda believes that if East Africa creates a joint anti-drug trafficking task force it would help with the capture of illegal drug-runners, and removal of international drug cartels in this area creating a safer environment.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: Ukraine
Delegate Name: Esperanza Cirilo
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

The Ukraine is deeply concerned with the production, usage, and violence caused by narcotics. We feel that the best way to prevent issues surrounding narcotics, especially violence, can be avoided through prevention. According to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), many drug related problems are due to controlled medicines, lack of drug abuse prevention, and policy inconsistency. In 2009 the Ukraine met with neighboring countries Belarus and Moldova in a joint EU-United Nations Development Program for the Prevention of the Drug Abuse and the Fight against Drug Trafficking for Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova (BUMAD). The BUMAD Program has been in place since 2003 when the assistance budget was at a USD 11 million for all three countries. Between these joint ventures and close work with the European Commission and the United Nations Development Program, among other program, much has been accomplished. Jose Manuel Pinto Teixeira, the Head of the Delegation of the European Commission to Ukraine, commented that “the results of BUMAD activities made a significant contribution into the improvement of national measures regarding illicit drug trafficking issues”. For instance, thanks to BUMAD efforts, the Ukrainian government has seized over one ton of Afghan made heroin in a three year period. That exceeds all former confiscated amounts. By cracking down on it’s own drug laws the Ukraine feels it can henceforth decrease future violence by discouraging possible traffickers and feels other countries can do the same.

The Ukraine recognizes the dangers of narcotics and there is much room for improvement in our current policy regarding them. A concern of narcotics entering our country must be expressed as the situations in countries like Afghanistan and Mexico are exactly what we are trying to avoid. Drug cartels in Afghanistan are creating a threat to it’s national security while the country also suffers from extremist groups. Lack of stability, policy, and corruption seem to be allowing countries like Afghanistan to thrive. Afghanistan can account for about 90% of all illegal opium production in recent years. The fact that the largest national market for Afghanistan heroin is the Russian Federation deeply bothers the Ukraine who shares such close borders with said country. We hope the situation does not spread to us. Hopefully our progressive prevention laws will help guide other countries.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: United Arab Emirates
Delegate Name: Allison Brazeau
School: Mattawan High School

The United Arab Emirates firmly believes that international drug trade is clearly a problem that needs to be stopped. A rapid increase of violence due to drug trade can be seen in many countries today.

In order to stop the violence due to drug trade, we would like for other countries to consider the methods that the United Arab Emirates has taken. The UAE Navy and Coast Guards make it their job to be on high alert to stop drug trafficking on the seas; we encourage other coastal countries to consider doing the same. Also, we have signed an agreement with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in order to ensure that we have the United Nations support and help to stop drug trafficking and drug abuse in our immediate region. We consider this of the utmost importance. Through this agreement, the UNODC has upgraded our police system in Dubai in order to better equip them to deal with international drug problems, and drug abuse in our own country. The UNODC has also helped to encourage and implement national drug abuse prevention to our citizens. In order to stop violence due to the international drug trade, we encourage other countries to work with the United Nations in such a way that the United Arab Emirates has. This would help to ensure that all countries are moving towards peace, instead of not dealing with the problem of violence.

At this committee, we look forward to working with other countries who share similar views on how to stop the violence.

Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Celia Kaechele
School: Forest Hills Central High School

The International Drug Trade is hardly a new blight on the face of the world, it has been in existence for decades, and as long as it has been in existence there have been conventions, programs, commissions and missions all working to bring it down once and for all. But perhaps we are missing the root of the problem. As stated by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), there is a direct link between corruption and the illicit drug trade and, according to the President of the Board, Professor Hamid Ghodse: “Corruption undermines global efforts in the fight against the illicit drug problem.” This is not to say that the conventions, and etc. (for example, the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971, and the Convention against the Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988) are not helping, because that is absolutely not true. Everything currently in place to combat the International Drug Trade should remain in place, governments worldwide, however, are going to have to find new ways to combat this resilient evil. All nations are going to have to work in accordance with the INCB as well as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC) in accordance with the three previous drug conventions to tighten down once and for all on the high power trafficking groups that have, so far, been able to escape the law.

No nation is safe from illegally trafficked drugs, making this one of the most internationally prevalent topics. No nation can say that they are free from illicit trafficking and the use of illegal drugs, and until we can, we must labor to achieve that goal. Foreign cooperative investigations will have to take place as trafficking rarely takes place solely within the borders of a single country, but between multiple countries. The tightening of boarder security is an issue that should be brought up in this convention, as well as the addressing of particular trafficking “hot spots,” for instance, the cartels that have flared up in Mexico.

The United States highly recommends that, though a great number of nations are members of the IDEC, that the rest of the nations work toward becoming observers at the very least. The IDEC deals with practical strategies to combat the illicit drug trade, skills that could very well come in handy to a number of countries without the means or the knowledge to develop these ideas on their own. This Conference also allows for the discussion and determination of areas harboring the greatest amount of unrest in this topic. It is the fervent hope of the United States that, though these groups have proved elusive, we will be able to apprehend them in the end.