UNODC

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism in all their forms and manifestations. Established in 1997 through the merger of the United Nations International Drug Control Programme and the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division, the UNODC works to promote health, justice, and security worldwide. This year at JBCN Oshiwara MUN, UNODC will explore the agenda of “Combating the Trafficking of Illicit Drugs in The Gulf of Mexico.”

Illicit drug trafficking is a major source of crime involving numerous countries and has been an ongoing social issue since the 18th century. However, the Gulf of Mexico specifically has seen itself as the central standpoint and source of drug trafficking, extortion, and assassination. The extensive coastline and developed port structure on the Gulf Coast kindles smuggling opportunities for a majority of global drug cartels. This issue is not solely based on Mexican geopolitics, it is a global epidemic where illicit drug trafficking has an estimated turnover of around $400 billion per annum, and numerous nations are involved in these heinous crimes. The UNODC has been fighting this war since 1997, and delegates it is now your hands to take charge and ensure that this committee works towards exploring comprehensive strategies to combat the trafficking of illicit drugs in the Gulf of Mexico.