MOCK MUN - II

BACKGROUND GUIDE

AGENDA: Combating Drug Trafficking and Transnational

Organized Crime with Special Emphasis on Latin America
 Background
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was established in the
year 1997 with it focusing on the prevention of the trafficking of illicit drugs,
combating drug related crimes and terrorism. It is currently headquartered in the
city of Vienna, Austria, with liaison offices in Brussels and New York City.
UNODC strives to contribute to global peace and security, human rights and
development by making the world safer from drugs, crime, corruption and
terrorism.

The thematic areas which the committee deals with include the World drug
problem, Organized crime, Corruption and Economic offenses, Crime Prevention
and Criminal Justice and Terrorism. The office aims to maximize awareness
amongst member states and governmental organizations globally on these
issues. Voluntary contributions from the Member nations, multilateral
organizations, private sector, and other sources comprise about 95% of
UNODC's funding in support of the agency’s work associated with drug control
and crime prevention.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated to support
Member States in addressing the threats and impacts of drugs and crime. In
fulfilling this mandate, the work of UNODC is guided by a number of conventions,
treaties, and international instruments. These include the United Nations
Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), the United Nations
Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), and the Convention on Narcotic Drugs
(1961). These instruments provide a framework for international cooperation and
action to combat various forms of criminal activity, including organized crime,
corruption, and drug trafficking. Through these agreements, UNODC works
alongside Member States to strengthen legal frameworks, promote effective law
enforcement measures, and enhance international cooperation to address the
challenges posed by drugs and crime on a global scale.
 Credible Sources for the Committee

1. United Nations Reports:

● All UN reports are considered credible evidence for the EB. This includes reports
from:
○ UN Bodies such as the UNSC (United Nations Security Council),
○ UNGA (United Nations General Assembly),
○ UN Affiliated Bodies like the International Atomic Energy Agency, World
Bank, International Monetary Fund, International Committee of the Red
Cross, etc.
○ Treaty Based Bodies like the Antarctic Treaty System and the International
Criminal Court.

2. Government-operated News Outlets:

● Reports from state-operated news agencies may be used by delegates to

support or challenge claims that they make in the committee. However, these
reports can be denied by other countries in the committee. Examples include:
○ BBC (UK)
○ Al Jazeera (Qatar)
○ Xinhua News Agency (PR China)
○ Russia Today (Russian Fed)

3. Government Reports:

● Similar to news agency reports, government reports can be used and denied by
other countries. Examples include:
○ Government websites like the State Department of the United States of
America
○ Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation
○ Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports from various nations like India
● Reports from Permanent Representatives to the UN and multilateral
organizations like NATO, ASEAN, OPEC, etc.

Note:

● Sources like Wikipedia, Human Rights Watch, or newspapers like the New York
Times, Times of India, etc are typically not accepted as proof.
● While many of these sources may be used for general research, as stated above,
they might just not be considered as proof.
 Agenda

Combating Drug Trafficking and Transnational Organized Crime with

Special Emphasis on Latin America

Objective

This committee comprises 35 delegations, each representing a country.

Every delegate must submit a position paper at least 12 hours before the
conference's commencement. Position papers serve as the representation of
your country's stance on the specified agenda. These papers are crucial as they
reflect each country's stance on the agenda. There are no constraints on content;
countries can advocate for measures they deem necessary for enforcement or
inclusion in resolutions.

While position papers have no specific word limit, they should be approximately 2
pages in length to facilitate review by the Executive Board (EB). The papers
should be formally formatted as PDFs and emailed to the EB.

Delegates are required to begin their position papers by stating their nation's
official name, the committee's name, and the agenda.

For assistance on how to craft a position paper and to view sample papers, refer
to the following resources, or feel free to contact the EB:

- How to Write a MUN Position Paper:

(https://www.wisemee.com/how-to-write-a-mun-position-paper/)

- Sample Position Papers:

(https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5ada446c70e80229f1aec2d9/t/6285b834
118ece72a420d4c3/1652930612936/Sample-Position-Papers.pdf)
Each delegate is expected to prepare a General Speaker's List (GSL) speech
and participate in 3-4 Moderated Caucus (whose topics are voted upon in
committee) speeches regarding the agenda.

The GSL speech should articulate the delegation's stance, elaborate on how the
country is affected by the agenda, and propose general solutions. Legal
arguments are also well appreciated by the EB.

Moderated Caucus speeches offer a platform for deeper exploration of specific

issues or proposed solutions. Delegations can address particular aspects of the
agenda or discuss implementation strategies for proposed solutions.

Following the proposal of solutions via these speeches, blocs are formed within
the committee. Each bloc collaborates to draft a resolution, which is then
discussed and voted upon by the committee.
 Agenda

“Latin America” is the region in the Western Hemisphere comprising countries

and territories primarily located in the Americas,
south of the United States. It is characterized by
a rich blend of cultures, languages, and histories
influenced by indigenous peoples, European
colonization, and African and Asian immigration.
While there is no universally agreed-upon
definition, Latin America typically includes
countries in Central America, South America,
Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean. The term
"Latin" derives from the predominant languages
spoken in the region, which are derived from
Latin, primarily Spanish and Portuguese, due to
the influence of Spanish and Portuguese
colonization.

Of all the tasks that nations face today, perhaps there is none more challenging
than fighting drug trafficking and transnational organized crime. The problem is
multifaceted. This means it not only threatens public health and safety but also
undermines the rule of law, fosters corruption, and fuels violence and instability in
affected regions.

Transnational criminal organizations are major stumbling blocks to both law

enforcement efforts as well as international security because they operate across
borders with sophisticated networks. Drug trafficking still remains a global issue
bearing in mind that illicit drug trade has brought massive income for criminal
groups as it destabilizes communities and economies. Because the smuggling of
drugs like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine alongside synthetic opioids does
not respect territorial boundaries, coordinated international engagements will be
necessary to disrupt supply chains. Such arrangements would ensure
dismantling such networks as well as stop flow of narcotics.

Transnational organized crime goes far beyond substance trafficking to include

human smuggling, arms dealing, money laundering, cybercrime etc. Corruption is
at the heart of these criminal enterprises which take advantage of weak points on
the legal framework of financial systems to escape detection or prosecution.
Also, there is a link between these forms of crime and other types such as
terrorism.

The Latin American countries have experienced a tumultuous historical

background with significant disparities in wealth. Since the 1930s, power has
been concentrated among a few rich families while the majority of their citizens
struggle to survive. The result of this economic inequality is poverty for most and
limited chances for advancement.

During the 1960s when cocaine emerged as an illegal yet appealing option used
by those grappling with acute hardship. By the time it was in the 1970s 80s,
cocaine had gone global, gaining ground especially from Latin America. This
surge led to the growth of gangs such as Sinaloa Cartel (Joaquín "El Chapo"
Guzmán) or Medellin Cartel (Pablo Escobar). These crime syndicates amassed
huge fortunes through smuggling cocaine into richer nations.

In countries like Peru, however, a large share of coca plantations was diverted to
illicit traders because it offered farmers more money than traditional usages did.
However, drug trafficking also caused significant instability and violence across
Latin America. Drug trafficking generated enormous profits that encouraged
organized crime and corruption that undermined institutions and created social
unrest.

Current Situation:

Drug smuggling and illicit trade are among the major issues affecting Latin
America resulting in significant challenges that have implications for security,
stability, and socio-economic development in the region. There is evidence of
drug trafficking networks operating throughout the continent by taking advantage
of corrupt officials, porous borders or lack of law enforcement in order to facilitate
the movement of drugs like cocaine, marijuana, and synthetic drugs.

Cocaine production still remains an important issue in countries such as

Colombia, Peru and Bolivia. These nations comprise main growing regions for
coca leaves supplying global cocaine business. Despite all attempts to destroy
coca crop plants or break up the chain of people involved in this illegal industry, it
still remains a cause of violence and instability within these territories. Countries
like Mexico lie at a junction between routes used by drug traffickers, hence high
levels of violence and organized criminal activity related to drug smuggling into
America. Powerful cartels like Sinaloa Cartel of Jalisco New Generation Cartel
control much part if not all their territories through violent clashes between them
as well as corruption of key state institutions.

Latin America’s drug problem has been worsened by the American Fentanyl
crisis which sees a powerful man-made opioid being brought there from
clandestine laboratories situated both in Mexico and China. Hence its
proliferation has resulted in an increase in cases relating to overdose deaths.
Countries in Europe, like The Netherlands, known for its strategic location and
efficient transportation infrastructure, serves as a major hub for drug smuggling
into Europe. Criminal organizations from Latin America exploit the country's
extensive seaports, airports, and highways to traffic drugs such as cocaine,
heroin, and synthetic drugs to destinations across the continent.

Overall, drug smuggling and illicit trade pose complex challenges for Latin
America and the global community. Addressing these issues requires
comprehensive strategies, including enhanced international cooperation,
targeted law enforcement efforts, and investment in alternative development
programs to address the root causes of drug production and trafficking.
 Suggested Moderated Caucus Topics

★ Strategies to bolster border protocols to prevent the illicit transportation of

drugs and contraband across borders.

★ Actions to disrupt the laundering of funds derived from drug trafficking

through international financial channels.

★ Initiatives to assist communities engaged in drug production in transitioning

to alternative livelihoods.

★ Discussing policies to improve drug rehabilitation programs and promote

prevention measures to address substance abuse.

★ Addressing Measures to Combat Illicit Drug Trafficking via Trade Ships and
Air Cargos.
 Country Matrix

Argentine Republic, Commonwealth of Australia, Belize, Plurinational

State of Bolivia, Federative Republic of Brazil, Canada, Republic of
Chile, People's Republic of China, Republic of Colombia, Republic of
Costa Rica, Republic of Cuba, Dominican Republic, Republic of
Ecuador, Republic of El Salvador, French Republic, Federal Republic
of Germany, Republic of Guatemala, Republic of Haiti, Republic of
Honduras, Republic of India, Italian Republic, Japan, United Mexican
States, New Zealand, Republic of Panama, Republic of Peru,
Portuguese Republic, Russian Federation, Republic of Korea (South
Korea), Kingdom of Spain, Swiss Confederation, Republic of Trinidad
and Tobago, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,
United States of America, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela