Topic: 2024-Substance Abuse
Country: France
Delegate Name: Ryland Ogrodowski
Topic: Substance Abuse
Committee: (WHO) World Health Organization
Country: France
Delegate: Ryland Ogrodowski
School: Riverview Jr/Sr High School
Currently one of the worst crises occurring in our world is the rise of substance abuse. It was accounted that in 2022, 292 million people globally were drug users, creating a rise of 20% in the past 10 years of users (UNODC). Out of the 64 million who suffer from drug disorders only 1 in every 11 people will get the treatment/rehabilitation they need for this issue (UNODC). As well with only 1 in every 18 women get their help when compared to the 1 in every 7 men (UNODC). This crisis has led to further issues within countries such as increases in crimes, overcrowding in prisons, and drug trafficking increases. Leading factors to this increase in drug abuse are how in 2022 a cocaine surge rose by 20% in tons as well with the start of legalizing cannabis in many regions (UNODC). These changes made this issue more significant and a spiraling problem that needs to be solved immediately.
The Delegation of France is a country that is currently battling the increases in substance abuse over the course of the past few years. Even though cannabis is prohibited in France, it remains the most widely used substance with it being reported that 17 million between the ages of 15- to 64-year-olds tried this drug as of 2022 (McVay). Covid-19 extremely affected this issue while 16% of users said they reduced their substance while at home, 27% said their use increased (Drugs). To further prove this issue a survey was run in 2014 by the INPES Health Barometer Survey showing that 21% of 18- to 64-year-olds were at a high risk of health problems due to cannabis use (McVay). Not only does this issue affect the overall health of the citizens of France but it was reported in 2016 that crimes related to drug use and drug trafficking were at their all-time high in the country (Drugs). Deaths as well have increased due to these drug issues. From 2003-2008 an increase in drug induced deaths and the leading death being overdoses in France (McVay). This clearly reveals that this problem is not only affecting the health of the citizens of France, but also the safety and security of the country. With cannabis being the most widely used drug, but it being illegal creates rising issues with how the substance is being brought into the country and abused. Along with this, the focus on how to gain help for the people suffering from these addictions is needed to take steps forward as a country.
To combat this ongoing issue of substance abuse, the Delegation of France proposes to enforce ways that illegal drugs are making their ways into countries, mainly through drug dealers/trafficking. Such as administration on stricter police enforcement. Which can be done by deploying more police at trading ports and border control areas. To ensure that drugs that are illegal would not be brought into the country. With this having a list of known drug dealers made and shared within the border police forces of the UN. This would be done to track down dealers entering and leaving countries. This security will help not only ensure further safety for citizens in the country, but a slow to drug dealing and illegal drugs within countries in all. Additionally, the Delegation of France emphasizes how individuals are already being affected that have drug disorders and proposes the creation of further rehabilitation therapy centers. Many individuals who deal with drug disorders aren’t receiving the help they need. Creating more rehabilitation centers will allow individuals to receive the help they need. These centers can be built and run under the WHO across the globe to ensure the safety of individuals receiving help possibly in unsafe countries. Allowing people everywhere to receive the treatment they deserve towards substance abuse. To follow all of this to make sure that countries are making progress with this issue the Delegation of France proposes that a group is made within the UN called the UNSAP (United Nations Substance Abuse Progress). This group will have a representative of every country come to meet once a year to share statistics about their countries and what they have found to work amongst them in combating this issue. Bringing ideas towards other countries on how they can fight this ongoing issue and communicate with others on substance abuse. Sharing about security tactics, rehabilitation, and safety for their countries all together.
Citations:
“Drugs in France – Statistics & Facts.” Statista, 29 Aug. 2024, www.statista.com/topics/7909/drugs-in-france/#topicOverview. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
McVay, Doug. “France.” Drug Policy Facts, 8 Sept. 2022, www.drugpolicyfacts.org/region/france. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
“UNODC World Drug Report 2024: Harms of World Drug Problem Continue to Mount amid Expansions in Drug Use and Markets.” United Nations, 26 Jun. 2024, www.unodc.org/unodc/en/press/releases/2024/June/unodc-world-drug-report-2024_-harms-of-world-drug-problem-continue-to-mount-amid-expansions-in-drug-use-and-markets.html. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
