Letter from the Executive Board

Welcome to the United Nations Development Programme at PremiaMUN 2023! It gives us great
pleasure to serve you as the executive board for UNODC.
The UNODC Regional Programme for South Eastern Europe provides a framework for
the Office's work in the region in 2016-2019, with the objective of meeting specific
national needs while ensuring a coordinated and harmonized regional approach. UNODC
partners are building on past years of experience to better implement strategies that work
in addressing illegal drug use and crime (including national policies, national strategies,
legislation, effective law enforcement operations and seizures, strong anti-corruption
campaigns and inclusive approaches to drug use), and they are increasingly in a position
to both share best practices with regional neighbors, as well as to learn from the
experiences of others. We hope to see heated but also fruitful debate, multiple views presented,
a few right to replies, but most of all some actual solutions for the agenda. We hope this
committee stimulates you irrespective of if you are a beginner or an expert. Consider debate as a
battle of words, therefore research would be your sword, and the ability to procure this research
into your speeches and points would be the sharpness of your sword. We expect everyone in the
committee to be well researched for the agenda. By no means should you be confined to this
background guide for your research, rather think of it more as an inspiration or a mind-map to
branch your research from. Research all aspects of the agenda with first priority towards your
country, and second being the whole international scope of the agenda, because we promise you
this agenda is one that each and every country in this committee has something to say about.
Whatever happens, always try to stay calm, composed, confident and do not get overwhelmed,
but if you do, there is no shame in taking a moment for yourself to gather your thoughts. Try to
socialize and gain something from this conference in the form of knowledge, diplomacy, respect,
friends and last but not the least, memories.
Added in this background guide are the committee policies which are a must read, as well as
some important relevant links that are a requisite for your research, which we hope will aid you
well.
Feel free to contact your Executive Board if you happen to have any queries regarding the
conference. Looking forward to seeing you put your abilities on display at AWSMUN 2023!
Regards,
Siddharth Sagar
Chairperson for UNODC
AWSMUN 2023
 Rules of Procedure (ROP)
Rules of Procedure refers to the process and the basic set of rules followed in a MUN
committee to ensure structured flow of debate and to maintain order. For purposes of a
United Nations committee the “UNA-USA” Rules of Procedure will be followed.

The Executive Board will have to adhere to the Rules of Procedure so that the debate can
move in an organized manner, however slight modifications might be made to facilitate
better debate.

Roll Call

Each and every committee session commences with the Executive Board taking a roll
call. The Roll Call is similar to attendance. When a particular delegate’s country is called
out they can either respond with “Present” or with “Present and voting”. The difference
between these two voting stances will be further explained at the end of the ROP.

Types of Debate

In a MUN there are two classifications of debate: Formal Debate and Informal Debate.
Under Formal Debate comes “GSL” and under Informal debate comes “Moderated
Caucus” and “Unmoderated caucus”.
Formal Debate

General Speakers List (GSL)

Once done with the roll call the committee immediately proceeds to establish the General
Speakers List. Once a motion to establish the General Speakers List is passed, the
Executive Board will be looking for speakers to deliver speeches in the GSL. All the
delegates wishing to speak can then raise their placards and get recognized by the
Executive Board. The General Speakers List is inexhaustible and continues to go on
throughout the conference.

Speeches delivered as part of the GSL are very generic and basic in nature. They are
basically the opening statements of a country on the topic and hence generally provide a
small insight as to the thoughts of the said country on the topic.

The GSL speeches are typically 90 seconds long, if a delegate finishes speaking before
this time elapses, then they will have to “yield” their time.

Yields

When a delegate has extra time left after finishing their GSL speech, they will have to
yield their time. There are 4 types of Yields:

1. Yield to Executive Board :- The extra time is given to EB (Executive Board) and it
is up to the discretion of the EB how this extra time is used.
 2. Yield to Points of Information :- The extra time is directed to questions. Other
delegates can question the speaker about their speech.
3. Yield to Another Delegate :- The extra time is yielded to another delegate, who
can use the time to speak.
4. Yield to Comments :- The extra time is yielded to other delegates so that they can
provide comments on the speaker’s speech.

Informal Debate

Moderated Caucus

Delegates may raise a motion to temporarily suspend formal debate (move away from the
GSL), and enter into a moderated caucus so they can discuss (in the form of speeches) a
specific sub-topic under the agenda. A motion to enter a moderated caucus must include a
topic, total duration, and individual speaker time. A delegate may not yield their
remaining time when in a moderated caucus.

Moderated Caucus speeches are generally very specific as they talk about a subtopic,
most of the problem identification and solution discussions comes from the moderated
caucus.

Unmoderated Caucus

Delegates may raise a motion to temporarily suspend formal debate (move away from the
GSL), and enter into an unmoderated caucus.
In an Unmoderated Caucus, delegates are not moderated by the Executive Board and may
move freely around the committee hall to discuss the flow or direction of committee and
work together to draft resolutions.

Motions

Motions are the tool for delegates to change the happenings of the committee and
generally require a vote. Motions can be raised to move into different formats of debate.
Generally a motion requires more than half majority to pass. Motions have a specific
verbatim in which they should be raised, which will be discussed in committee.
Points

Points are the tools for delegates to ask about any doubts or questions regarding the
committee and its proceedings. There are 4 types of points:
1. Point of Personal Privilege: This point can be used when a delegate is
experiencing any personal discomfort. If a delegate needs to step out of
committee, feels the temperature to be too cold or cannot hear the speaker, then
they can raise a point of personal privilege.
2. Point of Order: This point can be used to point out any procedural error the
Executive Board may have committed.
3. Point of Parliamentary Inquiry: Point of Parliamentary Inquiry can be raised by a
delegate when they have doubt regarding the proceedings of committee
4. Point of Information: Point of Information can be raised by a delegate when they
are wishing to question the speaker. Points of Information can only be raised if the
EB recognizes and asks for delegates to ask questions.

Right to Reply

If a delegate believes that they have been gravely insulted on a personal basis they may
raise a right to reply. First a written right to reply must be submitted to the EB mentioning
the statement which caused the offense. If the Executive Board will inform the secretariat
of the happenings, which will be followed by each delegate being given 60 seconds to
explain their argument, and a final vote will be taken to judge the matter.
 Draft Resolution

Towards the end of the conference the culmination of debate and deliberation is brought
into an official document called the Draft Resolution. As part of the Draft Resolution,
delegates identify the problems regarding the particular agenda in the form of
“Preambulatory Clauses”. They discuss solutions and steps towards these problems in the
form of “Operative clauses”.

After the submission of the Draft to the EB, the EB will then table the Draft to
discussion. A thorough discussion and scrutinization of the Draft will take place.
Following this the committee will vote on the different drafts submitted by various
“blocs”. If the Draft passes the vote then (for the purposes of a MUN), it is said that the
Draft Resolution is a legally binding document and the committee is declared to be a
successful one.

Remember a Draft only passes if it gets more than half the majority (in most cases),
hence it is also very important to lobby support for your resolution (and bloc).

The Draft Resolution is the official document which will sum up the entire efforts of the
committee.

Blocs

In general, countries with similar stances and similar ideologies about the particular
agenda work together to move the committee in their desired direction. They also end up
writing a Draft Resolution together.

Role of Voting Stance

While voting on the final document (Draft Resolution):

● If a delegate gives their voting stance as “Present”, then they have 3 options:
Abstain, Yes, No.
 ● If a delegate gives their voting stance as “Present and Voting” then they have only
2 options: Yes or No.

Preambulatory clauses

Preambulatory clauses can be considered as an introduction to the DR (Draft Resolution)

where it recognizes all the problems to the given agenda and also recognizes already
existing measures to combat the problem. It basically gives context to set up for the
actual solutions

Operative Clauses

Operative Clauses are clauses that call for specific action or propose solutions to the
agenda at hand. They are the main substance of a resolution.

Sponsors to the Draft Resolution

Sponsors are the delegates who have contributed to the Draft Resolution significantly.
They are the principal authors of the resolution and agree with the whole contents of the
Resolution.

Signatories to the Draft Resolution

Signatories are delegates who may or may not agree with the substance present in a
document, but still wish to see it debated and discussed in committee.

Further Specifics of making and formatting a Draft Resolution will be discussed in

committee.
 Introduction to UNODC

Introduction to the Committee

The UNODC Regional Programme for South Eastern Europe provides a framework for
the Office's work in the region in 2016-2019, with the objective of meeting specific
national needs while ensuring a coordinated and harmonized regional approach. UNODC
partners are building on past years of experience to better implement strategies that work
in addressing illegal drug use and crime (including national policies, national strategies,
legislation, effective law enforcement operations and seizures, strong anti-corruption
campaigns and inclusive approaches to drug use), and they are increasingly in a position
to both share best practices with regional neighbors, as well as to learn from the
experiences of others. In addition, while individual government ownership of domestic
strategies and approaches is critical, alignment of these objectives with broader European
Union (EU) accession priorities provides an opportunity to reinforce and support these
reform goals.

UNODC is a global leader in addressing the problem of illicit drug use and transnational
crime, and is mandated to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs,
crime and terrorism. UNODC has an important role in assisting States Parties to the
international conventions in the implementation of their obligations under the
international drug control treaties (the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 (as
amended in 1972), the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971, and the United
Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances
of 1988), the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocols
and the UN Convention Against Corruption, as well as international anti-terrorism
instruments. Acting as the custodian of United Nations standards and norms in crime
prevention and criminal justice, UNODC has the mandate to assist Member States in
reforming their criminal justice systems to ensure the practical application of these
standards. Under the Regional Programme for South Eastern Europe (2016-2019),
UNODC will continue to provide support to the region in the implementation of these
treaties and instruments, inter alia, by means of supporting the development of national
drug and crime policies and strategies and their implementation plans, in line with EU
requirements under chapters 23, 24 and 28 of the EU acquis communautaires . This will
support the countries in meeting the EU accession requirements, as well as fulfilling their
obligations within the United Nations.

The UNODC Regional Programme supports the governments of the participating

countries/territories, bringing global expertise and scope to South Eastern Europe to
strengthen both national and regional approaches. Continued UNODC engagement in the
region will strengthen country capacity in key sectors, promote the reform agenda needed
by the countries to meet EU accession requirements and ultimately reinforce the ability of
the governments in the region to more effectively cooperate with the full range of
international partners in the global fight against illicit drug trafficking and organized
crime.

Mandate of the committee

The 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:
● The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its
three protocols (against trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants and
trafficking in firearms)
● The United Nations Convention against Corruption
● The international drug control conventions
UNODC was established in 1997 as a result of the merging of the United Nations Centre
for International Crime Prevention and the United Nations International Drug Control
Programme. It was established by the Secretary-General 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.
History of the Committee

The United Nations International Drug Control Program (UNDCP) and the Crime
Prevention and Criminal Justice Division in the United Nations Office in Vienna were
merged to form the Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention. United Nations Office
on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was renamed in 2002. UNODC is a global leader in the
fight against illicit drugs and international crime. Established in 1997 through a merger
between the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International
Crime Prevention, UNODC operates in all world regions through an extensive network of
field offices.

Introduction to the Agenda

Examining the Impact of Illicit Drug Trafficking on Global Security and Public Health,
with a focus on the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961)

In an increasingly interconnected world, the far-reaching consequences of illicit drug

trafficking have emerged as a pressing concern that transcends national borders. The
intertwined effects on both global security and public health underscore the urgency of
addressing this complex challenge. This Model United Nations (MUN) committee will
delve into the intricate web of issues surrounding the impact of illicit drug trafficking,
with a dedicated focus on the landmark United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic
Drugs of 1961.
Illicit drug trafficking, characterized by the unlawful production, distribution, and
consumption of narcotics, has evolved into a multifaceted threat that extends beyond its
immediate criminal nature. This illicit trade fuels transnational organized crime networks,
perpetuates conflict, and undermines the stability of nations. Moreover, its detrimental
effects reverberate through societies, contributing to public health crises marked by
addiction, the spread of infectious diseases, and the strain on healthcare systems.
At the heart of our discussions lies the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961,
a pivotal international treaty designed to combat drug trafficking and its associated
consequences. This convention laid the groundwork for a coordinated global response,
emphasizing the importance of international cooperation, law enforcement collaboration,
and balanced drug control policies.
As delegates of this MUN committee, you hold the responsibility to analyze, deliberate,
and recommend strategies that strike a delicate balance between upholding global
security and safeguarding public health. By examining the historical context, the
provisions of the UN Single Convention, the regional disparities, and the challenges that
impede effective implementation, you will work collectively to propose innovative
solutions that transcend borders and transcend disciplines.
The decisions made within this committee have the potential to shape the trajectory of
international efforts against illicit drug trafficking, influencing policies that seek to
mitigate the threats it poses to both security and health. As you engage in spirited debates
and negotiations, remember that your contributions hold the power to drive progress in
this critical domain. The pursuit of comprehensive and sustainable solutions is not only
an intellectual exercise but a commitment to the well-being of societies around the globe.

Root Causes and Consequences:

Illicit drug trafficking is fueled by a combination of socioeconomic factors, weak

governance, geographical vulnerabilities, lack of education, cultural acceptance, and
political instability. These root causes collectively contribute to the widespread
cultivation, production, and distribution of illegal drugs. The consequences of this illicit
trade are far-reaching. It poses significant global security threats by funding transnational
criminal organizations engaged in organized crime, human trafficking, and even
terrorism. This fuels violence and crime, undermines economic stability, and leads to a
public health crisis marked by addiction, overdoses, and the spread of infectious diseases.
Moreover, drug trafficking disrupts social cohesion, contributes to environmental
degradation, and destabilizes governance in affected regions. Recognizing these
interconnected challenges, delegates in this MUN committee will collaboratively explore
strategies that encompass law enforcement, international cooperation, public health
initiatives, and sustainable development to address the multifaceted nature of illicit drug
trafficking's impact on both global security and public health.

Significance of the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) :

The UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) holds immense significance as a
comprehensive international framework designed to combat the intricate challenge of
illicit drug trafficking. This landmark treaty fosters global cooperation by harmonizing
policies and regulations, addressing both the health and security aspects of the issue. It
strikes a balance between preventing drug abuse and ensuring access to narcotic drugs for
medical purposes, reflecting a holistic approach that emphasizes prevention, treatment,
and rehabilitation. By controlling precursor chemicals and establishing a strong legal
foundation for international collaboration, the Convention serves as a cornerstone for
multilateral commitment against drug trafficking. Its enduring influence continues to
guide global efforts in mitigating the complex consequences of narcotics on both public
health and global security.

UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961)

The UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) stands as a foundational

cornerstone in the global fight against the perils of illicit drug trafficking. As societies
grapple with the multifaceted challenges presented by narcotics, this international treaty
emerges as a comprehensive framework designed to curtail the far-reaching consequences
of drug-related activities. By standardizing regulations and control measures, the
Convention seeks to harmonize efforts across nations, effectively closing regulatory gaps
that traffickers might exploit. This concerted approach acknowledges the intricate
relationship between security and public health, two vital facets deeply impacted by the
global drug trade.
A distinctive feature of the Convention lies in its dual mandate of addressing both the
menace of drug trafficking and the legitimate medical and scientific uses of narcotic
substances. This balanced approach recognizes the necessity of curbing abuse while
ensuring access to these substances when necessary for medical treatments. This very
balance allows nations to strike a delicate equilibrium between safeguarding public health
and protecting societies from the criminal underworld that thrives on narcotics.
The Convention's relevance is amplified by its provisions targeting precursor chemicals,
essential components in the production of illicit drugs. By tackling the entire spectrum of
drug production, from precursors to end products, the Convention directly disrupts the
intricate supply chains that sustain the illicit trade. Moreover, its establishment of a robust
legal framework for international collaboration empowers countries to collectively
combat drug trafficking across borders, transcending the limitations of individual
jurisdiction.
However, the Convention's true power emerges from its embodiment of international
commitment. Signatory states pledge to unite their efforts, transcending geographical and
political boundaries, to confront the challenges posed by the global drug trade. This unity
reinforces the credibility of collective action against narcotics, signaling a shared resolve
to mitigate the far-reaching consequences of illicit drug trafficking.
In a world marred by transnational crime, instability, and public health crises, the UN
Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) resonates as a beacon of hope. Its
provisions serve as a testament to the potential of international cooperation in curbing the
negative impacts of drug trafficking on both global security and public health. The
Convention encapsulates a commitment to a safer and healthier world, where nations
stand united against a common threat, guided by principles that transcend borders and
ideology.

QARMA (Questions a Resolution Must Answer)

1. How does illicit drug trafficking affect global security and public health on a macro
level?

2. What are the specific provisions of the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961)
that are relevant to this agenda?

3. How do factors such as weak governance, socioeconomic disparities, and cultural

acceptance contribute to the perpetuation of drug trafficking?

4. How has the evolution of drug trafficking networks and methods in recent years impacted
global security and public health concerns?

5. How can the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) be effectively integrated
with other international agreements, such as those related to human rights and sustainable
development goals, to create a holistic approach to addressing drug trafficking?
 6. In what ways do the historical, socio-economic, and geopolitical factors intersect to shape
the proliferation of illicit drug trafficking, and how do these intersections magnify the
intricate impacts on both global security and public health, while also challenging the
provisions and efficacy of the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961)? Further,
how can the international community navigate these complexities to formulate
comprehensive strategies that address the root causes, mitigate the consequences, and
uphold the principles of the Convention?

Relevant Web Resources

https://www.un.org/en/about-us/un-charter

https://scholarship.law.georgetown.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1005&=&cont
ext=ois_papers&=&sei-redir=1&referer=https%253A%252F%252Fscholar.google.
com%252Fscholar%253Fhl%253Den%2526as_sdt%253D0%25252C5%2526q%2
53Dincreased%252Bdrug%252Btrafficking%252Band%252Bun%252Bsingle%25
2Bconvention%2526btnG%253D#search=%22increased%20drug%20trafficking%
20un%20single%20convention%22

https://www.incb.org/documents/Narcotic-Drugs/1961-Convention/convention_19
61_en.pdf

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Cristina-Petcu/publication/322602714_Globaliz
ation_and_Drug_Traffiking/links/5c34eec8458515a4c71648d8/Globalization-and-Dru
g-Traffiking.pdf

https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=1dcca6
8fc9c0bf6eebc86518a032c0d4bb2928d3