IHSMUN’24
UNODC
BACKGROUND GUIDE
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
1. LETTER FROM THE DAIS 1
2. INTRODUCTION TO THE COMMITTEE 2
A. COMMITTEE HISTORY 2
B. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 2
3. INTRODUCTION TO THE TOPIC 4
4. HISTORY 5
5. CURRENT SITUATION 6
6. KEY PARTIES 7
7. KEY TERMS 9
8. QARMA 10
9. FOCUS QUESTIONS 11
10. BIBLIOGRAPHY 11
Letter from the Dais
Greetings Esteemed Delegates
We are thrilled and deeply honored to extend a warm welcome to you at the United
Nations Office on Drugs and Crime during the IHSMUN 2024. It is a distinct privilege to
serve as your dais for this conference, facilitating a dynamic simulation of the UNODC.
This conference will be a pivotal moment in international politics, as we will be shaping
the direction of our global community in a time of critical need for intervention. The
UNODC carries a significant mandate - to aid the United Nations in formulating a
coordinated, comprehensive response to the interconnected issues of illicit drug
trafficking, human trafficking, organ trafficking, arms trafficking, crime prevention,
criminal justice, international terrorism, and political corruption. The Office on Drugs
and Crimes relies heavily on the backing and collaboration of its member states, each
with its unique set of interests and concerns, making the task of drafting,
negotiating, and passing resolutions a complex endeavor. Our office advocates for
the resolution of disputes through diplomatic channels and proposes methods of
adjustment or terms of settlement. However, the course of this simulation will be
steered by you, empowering you to shape the outcomes of the discussions taking
place in this committee. Please do remember that this background guide, however
deep and intensive, does not provide all the research that you will require during the
duration of this conference. What it does do is give a meaningful insight into the topic
and guides you on how you shall start your preparations, and henceforth, it is up to
you to research and find more on the agenda at hand and draft innovative solutions.
As the executive board of this committee, we expect an utmost level of professional
behavior and respect amongst the participants at this conference. We strongly
believe that each and every delegate in the committee possesses the potential to
bring excellent ideas and views to the table and therefore we look forward to
witnessing debate of an unprecedented level, with great rebuttals full of intensity
and passion. We would like to remind you that Model United Nations is not about
winning awards, it is about the learning and experience that you gain. Through these
conferences, you grow as a learner, speaker, debater but most importantly of all, you
grow as a human being. The exemplary work of this conference is not without reason
compared to that of a family, striving for a common goal in concert with all members
for a better future!
Warm Regards,
Nehan Naseem and Vibhali Rao
Dais of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
1
Introduction to the Committee COMMITTEE HISTORY
he United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a
global leader in the fight against illicit drugs,
transnational organized crime, terrorism and corruption,
and is the guardian of most of the related conventions,
particularly:
1. The United Nations Convention against Transnational
Organized Crime (UNTOC) and its three protocols
(against trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants
and trafficking in firearms)
2. The United Nations Convention against Corruption
3. The International Drug Control Conventions.
UNODC was established in 1997 as a result of the merging of the United Nations
Center for International Crime Prevention and the United Nations International Drug
Control Programme. It was established by the SecretaryGeneral of the United
Nations to enable the Organization to focus and enhance its capacity to address the
interrelated issues of drug control, crime and international terrorism in all its forms. In
the same year, UNODC Southern Africa was formed and now covers 11 countries in
the region, namely: Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and
Zimbabwe. The funding of UNODC's programmes is fully dependent on the continued
support of the donor community.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
The normative foundation of the United Nations' work on the rule of law is the
Charter of the United Nations and the body of international law, including
international human rights law, international criminal law, international refugee law,
and international humanitarian law. Responses to drugs, crime and terrorism that are
based on the rule of law must therefore also incorporate human rights law and
principles. Of particular relevance to UNODC mandates are human rights related to
the areas of justice, security, and health. The prevention and reduction of all forms of
violence and abuse should be at the heart of any agenda that fully recognizes the
centrality of human security. The Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the Commission
on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, as governing bodies of UNODC, provide
UNODC with specific mandates, which consistently indicate the need to integrate
human rights in States' response to drugs, crime and terrorism, through various
resolutions UNODC is committed to achieving security and justice for all by making
the world safer from drugs, crime and terrorism. To assist countries in this goal,
UNODC Southern Africa's work is structured around six key objectives:
2
Introduction to the Committee
[Link] the legislative and judicial capacity of Southern African
countries to ratify and implement international conventions and instruments
on drug control, organized crime, corruption, terrorism and money-laundering.
[Link] Southern African countries in reducing drug trafficking and in
controlling precursor chemicals
[Link] the capacity of Government institutions and civil society
organizations in the Southern African region to prevent drug use and the
spread of related infections, including HIV, among youth and other vulnerable
populations, particularly in prison settings
[Link] the capacity of Government institutions and civil society
organizations in the Southern African region to counter trafficking in persons
and smuggling of migrants
[Link] awareness about and reducing the incidence of domestic violence in
Southern Africa in cooperation with civil society and Governments
[Link] victim empowerment by improving coordination, building
capacity and strengthening relations between Governments and civil society
in order to improve services to victims, especially women and children
In the 2005 World Summit Outcome, Member States resolved that the
promotion and protection of human rights should be both integrated into
national policies and mainstreamed throughout the United Nations system.
This was captured in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which is
anchored in human rights, pledges that no one will be left behind, and includes
Goal 16, of crucial importance for UNODC's work.
In view of UNODC's extensive work with law enforcement professionals, the
Human Rights Due Diligence Policy on UN Support to Non-UN Security Forces,
endorsed by the Secretary-General in 2011, is a particularly relevant guidance
document.
The UNODC Position Paper on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights,
and the note by the Executive Director on Drug control, crime prevention and
criminal justice: A human rights perspective, indicate a way forward to
mainstreaming human rights in the work of the Office. To provide advice on
how to effectively mainstream human rights into the daily work of UNODC at
both the normative and operational levels, the Executive Director of UNODC
established its Human Rights Advisory Group (HRAG) in 2011, composed of all
senior managers and holding regular meetings.
3
Introduction to the Topic INTRODUCTION TO THE TOPIC
Agenda:
Exploring sustainable development strategies to prevent synthetic
drug cultivation and providing alternative livelihoods to victims of drug
trafficking and combating organized crime.
The twenty-first century's worldwide drug usage landscape is unstable due to
the new synthetic substances' quick and sophisticated development. In
addition to challenging conventional views of addiction, this complicated
problem raises additional concerns that public health and law enforcement
organisations throughout the globe need to be aware of in order to fully
understand it. We need to investigate the many reasons behind the drug's
distribution, including the socioeconomic variables that influence it, the effects
it has on public health, and the difficulties it faces in the legal system.
A report released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime indicates
that a number of socioeconomic problems are strongly linked to the increase in
synthetic drugs. This refers to the part played by criminal organisations in
developing novel chemical compounds that result in the production and sale of
novel synthetic drugs. To design targeted therapies that address the chemical
features of synthetic medications as well as the underlying social causes that
drive their formation, it is imperative to comprehend these socioeconomic
elements.
The World Health Organisation stresses how important it is to have
therapeutic interventions that are successful in addressing the negative
health effects of synthetic substance addiction. This goes beyond only the
chemicals in these drugs; it also covers the bigger picture in terms of health
effects, such addiction, mental health issues, and the strain on medical
institutions. Broad and flexible regulatory systems that can keep up with the
evolving nature of synthetic drugs are advocated by the WHO study.
Legislative frameworks worldwide confront significant challenges in responding
to the fast evolving synthetic drug scenario. The European Monitoring Centre
for substances and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) clarifies the intricacies of this
issue and emphasises the necessity of flexible legislative solutions in order to
effectively tackle the range of problems caused by synthetic substances.
4
HISTORY
For millennia, humans have cultivated plants with psychoactive properties.
Evidence suggests cannabis use in China dates back thousands of years,
while coca leaves were chewed by South American civilizations for centuries.
In ancient times, opium poppies were cultivated in Mesopotamia and Egypt,
likely for their pain-relieving properties. These plants weren't seen as illicit
drugs, but rather as medicinal or religious aids. The rise of trade routes further
intertwined drug cultivation with global history. The Silk Road facilitated the
exchange of cannabis and opium between Asia and Europe. Empires like the
History
Mughals in India became central players, controlling and taxing opium
production. This period saw cultivation not just for local use, but also for trade
and economic gain. Colonial powers further exploited drug cultivation for their
own benefit. The most notorious example is the British Empire's forced
cultivation of opium in India and its subsequent trade with China. This
ultimately led to the devastating Opium Wars in the 19th century.
The 20th century brought international drug control treaties in an attempt to
curb widespread addiction and social problems. However, prohibition often
had unintended consequences. It created a black market for certain drugs,
fueling organized crime and violence. Countries like Afghanistan, struggling
with poverty and political instability, became major producers of opium in
recent decades to meet this illicit demand. The story of drug cultivation is
constantly evolving. New psychoactive substances are continually emerging,
posing fresh challenges for law enforcement and public health. Addressing
this issue requires a complex approach that considers not just law
enforcement, but also social, political, and economic factors that drive
cultivation in the first place.
5
CURRENT SITUATION
The current landscape surrounding synthetic drugs is marked by a persistent surge
in the development and distribution of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS). These
designer drugs, which aim to replicate the effects of traditional illicit substances,
include synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones (commonly known as bath
salts), and novel opioids. The chemical structures of these substances are frequently
CURRENT SITUATION
altered to stay ahead of legal regulations, posing significant challenges for law
enforcement and regulatory agencies.
These substances, designed to mimic the effects of traditional stimulants, pose
severe health risks to users. Reports of severe intoxication, psychosis, and fatalities
underscore the unpredictable nature of these substances and the difficulties in
regulating their production and distribution.
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin play a crucial role in facilitating transactions, providing a
level of anonymity that makes it challenging for law enforcement agencies to trace
and apprehend those involved. The convenience of online platforms exacerbates
the global distribution of synthetic drugs, posing ongoing challenges for authorities in
monitoring and controlling these illicit activities.
A critical concern in the public health domain is the illicit production and distribution
of synthetic opioids, with fentanyl and its analogs at the forefront. These
substances significantly more potent than traditional opioids, contribute to a
concerning increase in opioid-related overdoses and deaths. The adaptability of illicit
manufacturers in modifying the chemical structure of these opioids to create new
analogs presents an ongoing challenge for regulators and healthcare providers.
These substances, designed to mimic the effects of traditional stimulants, pose
severe health risks to users. Reports of severe intoxication, psychosis, and fatalities
underscore the unpredictable nature of these substances and the difficulties in
regulating their production and distribution.
Addressing the global nature of synthetic drug trafficking necessitates enhanced
international collaboration. However, differing regulatory frameworks, legal systems,
and varying levels of commitment among nations pose significant challenges to
coordinated efforts. Complex issues such as information sharing, extradition
processes, and harmonizing legal responses hinder an effective global response to
the synthetic drug crisis. Countries are actively seeking to address the challenges
posed by synthetic drugs through legislative responses. However, the legislative
process struggles to keep pace with the rapid evolution of new substances.
Regulatory gaps persist, allowing traffickers to exploit loopholes and continue their
operations. Policymakers face ongoing ethical and legal dilemmas in balancing the
need for effective regulation with individual freedoms and privacy rights. The public
health impact of synthetic drugs remains severe, with reports of widespread health
crises, outbreaks of severe health complications, and a surge in drug-related deaths.
The unpredictable nature of synthetic drugs makes it challenging for healthcare
providers to provide appropriate treatment, and the lack of comprehensive
rehabilitation and harm reduction programs exacerbates the impact on affected
individuals and communities. In the realm of technology, continuous advancements
provide traffickers with tools to expand their operations. Encrypted communication
channels and evolving online platforms, especially on the dark web, facilitate the
anonymous sale and distribution of synthetic drugs. Law enforcement agencies face
an uphill battle in keeping pace with these technological advancements to
effectively monitor and combat illicit activities
In conclusion, the current situation regarding synthetic drugs is complex and
dynamic, with ongoing challenges in the realms of law enforcement, public health,
legislation, and international collaboration. Tackling this multifaceted issue requires a
comprehensive and coordinated effort on a global scale, involving governments, law
enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, and non-governmental organizations.
6
KEY PARTIES
1. Afghanistan
Afghanistan, the world's largest producer of opium, remains the most important drug
trafficking country. 90% of the world's illicit opium and heroin comes from this country.
The drug trade accounts for a sizable component of the Afghan economy. In addition,
the country is the world's top source of opium, which is used to make heroin.
2. Bolivia
The South American country is the world's top producer of coca leaves and cocaine.
Bolivia is projected to manufacture 10,000 metric tons of cocaine every year. Cocaine is
the world's second most often used illegal substance, trailing only cannabis. This is an
increase in output compared to the 1990s and 2000s, when the country supplied roughly
one-third of the world's supply of coca leaves and cocaine.
Key Parties
3. Brazil
For many years, Brazil was regarded as a minor supply of illicit drugs in the global
market. However, since the 1990s, the country has seen a tremendous increase in drug
trafficking, particularly in the domestic manufacturing of cocaine. Brazil is now the
world's second-largest producer of cocaine, after Bolivia, with an estimated yearly
production of 2,000 metric tons. Bolivia and Brazil are the only countries in the world that
produce illicit chemicals
4. Colombia
The country is the world’s biggest producer of coca leaves, the main ingredient used to
produce cocaine. Colombia is estimated to produce 14,000 metric tons of coca leaves,
which account for 80% of the world’s supply. In addition to being a major producer of coca
leaves, the South American country is also one of the biggest exporters of cocaine
5. Dominican Republic
The Caribbean nation is the world's largest cannabis exporter. The Dominican Republic's
cultivation of marijuana is of particular importance because the country shares a border
with the United States. One of the reasons cannabis is grown and trafficked from the
Dominican Republic is that it is much cheaper and easier to do so. The environment in
the country is favorable for cannabis growing, yet the authorities have failed to regulate
it. The Dominican Republic is also a major transit site for cocaine, which originates in
South America, as well as synthetic substances such as fentanyl.
6. The Republic of Italy
Italy's long struggle with Mafia groups like Sicily's Cosa Nostra and Calabria's
'Ndrangheta (cocaine smuggling giants) intensified with the refugee crisis. This fueled a
human smuggling black market, making Italy a key entry point. Mafia power stems
from territorial control and manipulation. Family, power, respect, and territory are key to
their operations. They infiltrate businesses and politics, laundering money and trafficking
drugs. Italy's economic woes make it vulnerable, with estimates suggesting organized
crime controls 9% of the economy.
7. Pakistan
Pakistan grapples with a complex mix of terror and mafia groups. The Taliban reportedly
uses mafia networks for funding, raising concerns about a terror-crime link. Heroin from
Afghanistan flows through Pakistan, a key export point due to its coastline. Unlike Italy's
state-mafia connections, Pakistan's situation is more volatile. Ethnic mafia groups in
Pakistan engage in violence and a range of illegal activities, with some operating in
Europe, particularly the UK, focusing on drug trafficking and arms dealing.
7
8. Mexico
Mexico is a key gateway for illegal drugs to be smuggled into the United States and this
trade of drugs has sparked multiple bloody wars between organized narco gangs within
the country. . This country is home to some of the most violent and hemisphere’s
largest organized criminal groups. They've drawn from Mexico’s history of smuggling and
its close accessibility to the world’s largest economy to grow into a regional level threat.
Their networks extend from Argentina to Canada and, sometimes, even Europe. These
groups traffic in illegal contraband, arms, humans, and drugs, laundering their proceeds
through the regional banks and local economic projects. The Mexican government has
Key Parties
ramped up their efforts to combat the groups with their increasing training, tactics and
armament.
9. United Kingdom
The government of the UK, in 2013, estimated that the illegal businesses cost the
economy at least $36.8 billion every year, topped with tax and other forms of fraud, drug
smuggling, cybercrimes, human trafficking, and other economic crimes which are mostly
seen in London and the other areas of England. The estimate of the number of
organized crime groups operating within the country is a large number – about 5,300
along with 36,000 members with the vast majority or 87% being British nationals.
Accounting for Cocaine trafficking alone is worth an approximate $3.5 billion and heroin
bringing in about $2.8 billion. The fraud schemes, from tax evasion to other customs
fraud, mortgage, insurance and other frauds might be worth more than $19 billion across
the world and the UK, the damaging consequences of OCGs are felt by societies,
communities, individuals, the public and the private sectors. Wainwright, a former
Europol chief, reckoned that by 2018, 5,000 OCGs were operating across the continent and
the mafia model had been reinstated by a “more nimble” model, with over 175 different
nationalities operating, mixing legal with illicit businesses and working with more than
400 major money-launderers. This is a multinational business with specialists in the
movement, recruitment and forging of documents.
8
1. Synthetic Drugs
Synthetic drugs, or new psychoactive substances (NPS), aim to mimic the effects of
existing illicit drugs (such as cannabis, cocaine, MDMA and LSD). Synthetic drugs have
different chemical structures from the illicit substances they are trying to mimic.
Manufacturers of synthetic drugs constantly change their chemical structures to try and
stay ahead of the law.
2. Rehabilitation Services
Rehabilitation is defined as “a set of interventions designed to optimize functioning and
reduce disability in individuals with health conditions in interaction with their
environment”. Put simply, rehabilitation helps a child, adult or older person to be as
independent as possible in everyday activities and enables participation in education,
work, recreation and meaningful life roles such as taking care of family.
3. Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking refers to the illegal trade and distribution of illicit drugs, such as cocaine,
Key terms
heroin, methamphetamine, and cannabis, across local, national, and international
borders. It involves the production, transportation, and sale of these substances for illicit
purposes.
4. Drug Cultivation
Drug cultivation refers to the process of growing plants that are used to produce illicit
drugs.
Drug cultivation often takes place in specific geographical regions known for suitable
climates and conditions for growing these plants. However, it can also occur indoors using
artificial lighting and climate control systems. The cultivation of these plants is typically
illegal due to the production of drugs from them being prohibited by law in many
countries.
5. Organised Crime
Besides illicit services, organized criminal groups also provide particular products that a
segment of the public desires, but cannot obtain legally. Many people wish to buy illegal
products or legal ones at the lowest price possible, regardless of where the seller
originally obtained them, or unaware that the products may not be safe. Due to this
demand, organized criminal groups emerge who produce, buy and sell stolen, counterfeit
or falsified merchandise, i.e., stolen art and other cultural property, falsified medical
products, illicitly manufactured/ traded firearms, illicit wildlife products and counterfeit
food items. The stolen, counterfeit or falsified property might also consist of
automobiles, jewelry, stereo equipment, mobile phones, software, or any other product
for which there is a high consumer demand.
6. Human Trafficking
Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of
labor or commercial sex act. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are
trafficked worldwide – including right here in the United States. It can happen in any
community and victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality. Traffickers might
use the following methods to lure victims into trafficking situations:
Violence
Manipulation
False promises of well-paying jobs
Romantic relationships
Language barriers, fear of their traffickers, and/or fear of law enforcement frequently
keep victims from seeking help, making human trafficking a hidden crime.
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QARMA (QUESTIONS A RESOLUTION MUST ANSWER)
1. How can countries enhance their regulatory frameworks and legislation to
effectively address the rapid emergence of new synthetic drugs?
➢ Possible Solution: Establish international standards for regulating synthetic
drugs, encourage information sharing among nations, and consider implementing
risk-based scheduling of substances.
2. How can countries improve international cooperation and information sharing
to combat the global trade of synthetic drugs?
➢ Possible Solution: Establish an international task force dedicated to synthetic
drug enforcement, improve communication channels between countries, and
promote the sharing of intelligence on trafficking routes
3. What measures can be taken to enhance harm reduction and public health
strategies in response to the use of synthetic drugs? ➢Possible Solution:
qarma
Implement comprehensive harm reduction programs, provide accessible
treatment and rehabilitation services, and engage in public awareness
campaigns.
4. How can technology be leveraged to counter the online sale and distribution of
synthetic drugs, especially on dark web marketplaces?
➢ Possible Solution: Develop advanced technological tools for tracking
cryptocurrency transactions, enhance online surveillance capabilities, and
collaborate with tech companies to identify and shut down illicit online platforms.
5. How can countries strike a balance between protecting individual rights and
ensuring public safety in the regulation of synthetic drugs?
➢ Possible Solution: Establish clear guidelines for individual rights within the
context of drug regulation, involve legal experts in policy development, and
engage in public consultations.
6. How can Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) be effectively involved, and
how can community engagement be enhanced to address the synthetic drug
crisis?
➢ Possible Solution: Establish partnerships with NGOs for public health
initiatives, provide funding and resources for community-based programs, and
promote grassroots involvement in developing and implementing policies.
10
FOCUS QUESTIONS
[Link] are the vulnerabilities of different countries contributing to the growing
rate of Organized Crime Groups in other countries?
[Link] are the various policies needed to be embedded within the international
community in order to tackle drug trafficking?
[Link] can nonstate actors such as EURIEC and CSI contribute to lowering the
scale of illicit market activities?
[Link] than dealing with the traditional OCGs, how can a country increase its
BIBLIOGRAPHY
cybersecurity so as to decrease illegal trading via the darkweb?
[Link] can a country’s economy recover from the vulnerability of a deeper
infiltrationby these crime groups?
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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[Link]
[Link] Nations. "THE SYNTHETIC DRUG PHENOMENON," UNODC, 5 July 2023,
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[Link]
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[Link], Sukanya, and Sarah Pearlman. "Violence and migration: evidence from
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