Human Rights Council Chair Report

Transcription

1 Human Rights Council Chair Report Issue: Costa Rican War on Drugs Chairs: Kriti Dwivedi, Kanika Mathew

2 Welcome Delegates to the Human Rights Council (HRC): Costa Rican War on Drugs Chairs: Kriti Dwivedi ( dwivek1@dc.edu.hk ), Kanika Mathew ( 17mathewka1@dc.edu.hk ) It is our pleasure to welcome you to DCMUN! We hope that you are encouraged to step outside of your comfort zones, explore new ideas and learn about global politics and current world affairs. The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is a primary body of the UN that works to promote and maintain human rights around the world. The UNHRC addresses a whole range of issues, from violent action to policies that hinder basic human rights. It will be the duty of this council to balance sovereignty and the rights of all humans when addressing controversial issues. We look forward to seeing you there! For any questions or problems concerning the chair report, please contact either of the chairs Introduction: Costa Rica has long since been a peaceful democratic country, choosing to abolish its military in 1948 and instead focus on education, security and public health. However with an influx of drug cartels, their exceptionalism is now being challenged by the same criminal forces troubling the rest of Central America. For decades, smugglers have been moving drugs through Costa Rican

3 waters and the Pan-American Highway but recently drug cartels are establishing organised operations within Costa Rica. The country has become an increasingly prominent depot for drug traffickers as numerous shipments populate safe houses and line the coasts. Drug trafficking is one of the most difficult issues to address in the world today. Issues of state sovereignty limit the ability of the international community to address the growing problem of illegal drug trafficking. While the drugs themselves originate, for the most part, in only a few countries, they are then processed and distributed across the globe at an alarming rate. Drug trafficking is constantly expanding as a global epidemic plaguing all countries as smugglers constantly change their tactics more recently drugs were found transported in semi-submersible vessels far out at sea, beyond the range of newly enforced U.S. boats, or in fishing trawlers hidden beneath thousands of pounds of fish and ice. Locating and seizing these shipments is becoming progressively difficult and the international community is restricted in its ability to prevent the cultivation of these plants and their processing into the dangerous drugs that they become, though it may be possible to create incentives for UN member states to offer their efforts within their own borders. The presence of drug cartels on social media worldwide is becoming more and more prevalent, as drug lords spread ideas of rich luxurious lifestyles through Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and Twitter thus influencing the younger generations. The presence of such powerful figures on social media evoke fear, serve as a way to manipulate the population with materialistic things gained through drug money and recruit new members using scare tactics (e.g. posting videos of live decapitations, homicides etc.). The General Health Law of Costa Rica prohibits the personal use of narcotics and other drugs but does not penalize those who violate this prohibition. Law number 8204 on Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances, Unauthorized Drugs, Related Activities, Money laundering and the Financing of Terrorism penalizes all activities related to the production, commerce and trafficking of such narcotics and substances, but does not punish their personal consumption. The law set in 1988 (Law number 7093) also did not prohibit or penalize the personal use of illegal drugs. A comprehensive amendment promoted by Law 7233 of 1991 imposed fines for the consumption of unauthorized drugs in public places. United Nations has implemented the creation of a branch, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), to combat similar issues concerning drugs and the rise of crime rates in countries. The organization works globally with its vast network to raise awareness of drugs, combat them and help countries make peace-treaties and cooperate with anti-drug efforts.

4 A document released by UNHRC UNODC Report - Transnational Organized Crime in Central America and the Caribbean in 2016 mentions that the amount of drugs caught by the government around borders has decreased over the years and shows a positive trend: Definition of Key Terms: A drug cartel refers to any criminal organisations intending to supply and establish drug trafficking operations. Drug trafficking is defined by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as the illicit trade involving the cultivation, manufacture, distribution and sale of substances which are subject to drug prohibition laws. Narco-terrorism is terrorism financed by profits from illegal drug trafficking while narco-guerrilla refers to a guerrilla benefiting from narco-trafficking operations by being part of it. Important Bodies Involved: Costa Rica: Narcotic crime rates have significantly increased and the rate of associated violent crimes has skyrocketed in Costa Rica. Gangs and crime organisations involved in drug trafficking trade contribute to the rising murder rate in Costa Rica (Homicide rates had increased by 9.7% from 2010 to 2016). The government is developing counter-narcotics program and also enlarging supports on law enforcement agencies. Mexico: Due to its geographical location in Latin America and its proximity to the United States of America, Mexico is the most prominent country involved in the narco terrorist action within the

5 international community. Large numbers of drug cartels in Mexico armed with military weapons overwhelm Mexican authorities. Many have a strong influence on politics thus Mexican drug cartels and international crime organizations escape consequences for drug trafficking (particularly to Columbia and USA). Drug-related violence is also spreading to neighboring countries thus Mexico is in urgent need for political and social reform to reduce the drug and crime rate. USA: The United States of America remains as the largest and the most reliable market for illicit drug trade (Americans spend over $109 billion on illegal drugs in 2010 alone). Due to its close proximity to Central American nations, illegal drug trafficking and narco-terrorism rates in US is increasing every year. Despite attempts of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to control drug usage and supply, it was impossible to eliminate all sources and related problems. US continues its war against drugs, narco-terrorism, and other forms of crimes. The U.S. has spent enormous efforts to dismantle criminal organizations. Brazil: With an alarming number of threats from narco-terrorist groups, the Brazilian government is seeking for an effective solution to minimize illegal drug consumption and the narco-terrorism growth rate. According to the UNODC 2005 Report, Brazil is labeled as a Typical Transit Zone Country (placing seventh in consumption of ecstasy and tenth in consumption of cocaine and amphetamines worldwide). Honduras: Honduras is ranked as the most dangerous nation in the world (highest homicide rates) and is a large contributor to drug-trafficking and violence. Drug cartel-connected gangs have been increasing in size and violence thus it is crucial for Honduras to remove the root of this problem to ensure safe and healthy lives for their citizens. Chile: Chile is deeply ingrained in narco-terrorism and issues related to illicit drugs, suffering from drug smuggling over its shared border with Peru and Bolivia. As a result, the Chilean government introduced the Northern Border Plan, an initiative using advanced technology (e.g. mobile x-ray systems and thermal imaging cameras) to inspect vehicles and detect drugs hidden in tight spaces. Chile s counter-narcotic fights are successful so far and are seeking for additional ways to bolster narcotics and terrorism. Germany:

6 Germany is a consumer states of illicit drugs, prompting the German government to seek solutions towards drug trafficking and narco-terrorism. Since drug consumption health care, detoxification centers and treatment programs are well developed and decrease effect of negative side effects (e.g. drug addiction), it serves as prevention for the spread of drug use. Additionally, narco-terrorism is closely related to politics thus implementing strict law enforcement and counter-narcotics policy is a fundamental aspect of Germany s solution. Cuba: Cuba was once a popular global drug market due to its location, central to drug traffickers route from South America to U.S., but domestic production and consumption of narcotics in Cuba have diminished greatly due to strict policies, harsh penalty and educational programs. Cuba has developed strong relationships with U.S for drug trafficking, sharing information and joint regulation. Colombia: Colombia suffered from an influx of attacks by narcotic traffickers. The government reinforced military with support from U.S., resulting in an ongoing battle against narcotics. Three of the four U.S. designated foreign terrorist organizations associated with drug-trafficking and other drug-related terrorist actions are from Colombia (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia FARC, National Liberation Army ELN, United Self-Defence Forces of Colombia AUC). Ecuador: Despite Ecuador s strict policies, the rate of drug trafficking and homicide rate has been significantly increasing. The government of Ecuador proclaimed martial law in 2017 as drug cartels held locals and had armed conflicts, creating a permanent fear that narco-guerrillas in Colombia may come across the border and join forces with local dissidents Nicaragua: Nicaragua is a primary transit route for drug trafficking causing crime statistics and unemployment to drop below national averages. The Government of Nicaragua updated Citizen Security plan for 2015 to prevent narcotics trafficker to enter the country (Retaining Wall). El Salvador: El Salvador is a popular narco guerillas drug transport and storage location; the country is known for high murder rates. However, they didn t support initiatives proposed to discuss the possible regulation of the drug market from the President of Guatemala. Jamaica:

7 Jamaica is known as the mecca of cannabis, even though the cultivation, selling and consumption of cannabis as well as all other drugs have been illegal since However, in 2014, the Jamaican government announced allowance of marijuana possession for personal consumption, religious and medical. Dominican Republic: Dominican Republic is an important transit country for illicit drugs for USA and Europe, maritime routes being the main route of drug trafficking. The rate of narcotics related violence has increased leading to cooperation with U.S. in 2014 to reduce such crimes. The country focuses on increasing awareness to warn youth about the danger of drugs. France: Cannabis is the most consumed illegal drug in France (in 2010, about 13.4 million people between age of 11 and 75 had tried the drug at least once). France has adopted strict anti-drug policies among other European countries meaning people who used drug will have at least a one-year prison sentence or fine up to 3,750 euros along with compulsory participation in awareness courses for the dangers of narcotics. Issues to Consider: Economic, social and political issues surrounding drug use in Costa Rica Lack of presence of Drug Courts or dealings in country Lack of reinforcement on narcotic laws even for hard drugs No current funding for army to do border-control and checks in Costa Rica The cultivation, manufacture, storage, transport, distribution and trafficking of drugs are criminal acts but still daily occurrences Possible Solutions: Consider Logistical Data on Countries that Implemented Drug Control: Countries such as Canada have been able to successfully legalize recreational drugs such as cannabis as of On the other hand, many South American countries struggle with control of illicit drugs that go in and out of their borders. Hence, it is important to consider all logistical data gathered by organizations such as UNHRC and UNODC before implementing laws surrounding narcotic use amongst citizens. Reinforcing Border Security: Most drugs are traded from organizations outside Costa Rica so enhanced border security can prevent drug trafficking. There is no military in Costa Rica to provide the security but other

8 measures can be taken to ensure security. If successful, the inflow of drugs and eventually narco-terrorism will decrease. Holding Peace Talks With Terrorist Organisations: Some of terrorist organizations are approachable (e.g. Columbian organisation, FARC, seeks political reform thus possibility to talk and be recognised by government and people provides incentives). It would be possible to negotiate with terrorist groups and accept their needs. Official Government Investigation: Corruption within the government is a possible instigators of narco-terrorist success thus is important to investigate local governments pertinent to narco-terrorism to remove any connection with drug cartels, terrorist organization and legislature. Questions for Debate: What is the best way to educate the global population on the dangers of cartels and drugs and remove the culture of fear created by scare tactics, while also ensuring a safe future? How can we help solve the corruption issues made by cartel bribing in the world? What can we do to amend or recreate previously failed initiatives? How can we disarm cartels and lower the homicidal rate without risking any lives while also combatting the transnational connections that the drug cartels have for revenue? How do we differentiate between educational entertainment and the glorifying of narcocultura in today s popular media? What can we do to help stabilize, fund, connect, and bring to national supervision NGOs helping those affected by cartel violence in Costa Rica? How can we safely track drugs? What are innovative solutions that we can implement to alleviate this crisis? How can the financing of terrorism organization be controlled and regulated by government? How can the organization or people who help terrorism be punished? How can the UNODC prevent the creation of new terrorism organizations? How can the government solve financial problems caused by implementing new policies to solve narco-terrorism?

9 Resources: /12/20/gIQARoW8NP_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term= f045 on.pdf