Topics: (1) Opium Trade in Southeast Asia and (2) Use of Drugs in Rehabilitation

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is the branch dedicated to countering global drug problems such as addiction, overdose and drug trafficking, as well as fighting organized crime, corruption and terrorism. UNODC takes action to stop illicit activities, and works with the broader UN to create actionable steps to help counteract the root causes of drug and crime problems globally. In this committee, the focus will be on opiates, a type of drug derived from the opium poppy plant, which is known for being highly addictive. Opioid addiction is a large problem globally, yet global opium supply is sourced from a few concentrated areas, mainly Myanmar and Afghanistan. This committee will center around the Asian Opium trade and potential methods of loosening the grip it has on the economy there. Additionally, opiates can be used medicinally, and are often used in controlled amounts in rehabilitation clinics to fight withdrawal symptoms. This practice is somewhat controversial, so delegates will have to explore the medical uses of opiates and ways to protect people from addiction and overdose.

More information will be released in the coming months!