Topic:
Country: Republic of Korea
Delegate Name: Olivia Bryan
Committee: WHO (ECOSOC)
Topic: Substance Abuse
Delegate: Olivia Bryan
School: Williamston High school
Country: The Republic of Korea
Substance Abuse is a longstanding issue globally. Since the introduction of substance issues, presumably before written record, people have discussed possible solutions and seen a variety of results. In the 1920s the United States enforced prohibition, effectively prohibiting the distribution and consumption of alcohol with the intention of reducing the abuse of the drink. Certain countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Egypt, and other primarily Muslim countries still have conditional prohibition in effect. Other countries have stricter laws on the abuse of drugs. In countries such as China, Vietnam, and Malaysia drug charges can be punishable by execution. According to the UNODC roughly 64 million people are affected b y drug-related issues each year. Unfortunately, it is estimated that only 1 in 11 people see treatment. Women are statistically less likely to receive help at 1 in 18 women vs 1 in 7 men. The introduction of new synthetic drugs on the market only increases the problems faced by the global population. As the potency and unknown effects of drugs are constantly amped, the possibility of drug epidemics and overdoses only increases.
South Korea is rightfully strict on the importation, use, and distribution of drugs within the country. The country has one of the strictest laws and regulations on substances. All prescription medications are heavily regulated and controlled within the country. This includes medications/ recreational use of any Marijuana, CBD, or Hemp-derived products. South Korea has extremely strict laws on substances brought into the country. All drugs containing narcotics, marijuana, amphetamine, CBD, and hemp will be cause for deportation and/or arrest. Korea also does not allow any food item containing poppy seeds. Despite Korea’s firm laws on substances, the country still sees a fair share of substance abuse cases. An estimated 400,000 people were thought to have accessed and used illegal drugs in 2024. The Republic of Korea designates 416 million dollars to treating drug addictions each year. In recent years the country as well as the globe has seen an upward trend of drug related cases. South Korea, as of now, has 31 hospitals specifically for drugs and substance cases. However 13 of those did not see a single patient in the recent year.
Korea would like to see a sharp decrease in substance related issues, and would assume other countries do as well. The Republic of Korea sees the strict laws already in place within its borders as beneficial and effective overall. Compared to countries with looser regulations Korea sees far less cases of Substance abuse. South Korea believes this matter should be of the utmost importance of the United Nations and this delegation. As well as that, Korea sees benefits in starting at the source of the problem as this is an issue that affects every country around the globe. Korea looks forward to working with countries who feel the same urgency to address this topic. South Korea is ready to welcome all collaboration and invites the idea of further UN suggestions.
