The contribution of international institutions in the prevention and control of drug abuse and illicit trafficking

Abstract

The history of the human race has also been a history of drug use. Since earliest times, herbs, roots, bark, leaves and plants have been used to relieve pain and help control disease. In and of itself, the use of drugs does not constitute an evil. Drugs properly administered, have a medical use. Unfortunately, certain drugs also initially produce enticing side effects, such as feelings of euphoria, a sense of “feeling good”, elation, serenity and power. What began as something of a recreational activity evolved in time into a problem of dependence and abuse. Over the past two decades, the use of illicit drugs has spread at an unprecedented rate and has reached every part of the globe. No nation has remained immune to the devastating problems caused by illicit drug abuse. At the same time, a broad spectrum of the community has demonstrated intense concern over the problem because of the insidious long-term effects of chronic drug use and the impact on the user, the family, the community and on society. Reasons for this concern include related increases in crime, drug - related automobile accidents resulting in deaths or leaving disabilities and other mental health problems, family disruption and many other consequences. Drug abuse is no longer considered a "victimless" crime. It is a crime that imposes a staggering burden ·on the people and the nations of the world. It is a burden that no society can afford to carry. Every person has become a potential victim. Moreover, the illicit production, distribution and consumption of drugs have intimidated and corrupted Public Servants, and have even destabilized Governments. Today with the seriousness of the problem deepening, the multifaceted approach of International Institutions to drug control reflects the desire of every country to be drug free. By placing comparable emphasis on education and prevention, rehabilitation, supply control and law enforcement efforts aimed at stopping the flow of illegal drugs across national borders, relevant strategies adopted by International Institutions have been expanded and strengthened. It is in the best interest of every nation to take a firm stand in combating all aspects of the drug problem. The international community recognizes that the problems of demand and supply of drugs are inter-related. Although supplies of drugs enter the country initially to meet the existing demand, the high profits achieved encourage traffickers to supply more and to seek new markets. At the same time, the greater availability of drugs may encourage experimentation by new users, creating further demand. The problem of drug abuse and trafficking cannot be solved overnight, but only through continuous cooperation among countries. International drug control began in the early part of this century by the League of Nations and was subsequently continued by the United Nations. The United Nations involvement in this field dates back to 1946, when the organisation assumed responsibility for the international drug control efforts began by The League of Nations. This project dissertation presents an overview of those efforts, evidence of the determination of the governments of the world, working through international organisations, both ·at the global level and regional level.