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Letter from the Investigation Center on Drugs and Human Rights’ Team on drug policy reform in the Americas

18 June 2013

For the past few years, civil society in the American region has attached great importance to ensuring a fruitful and efficient collaboration in order to impact our governments, the International Drug System, and … the OAS. And we did win a very serious battle! After obtaining such as a burning issue as the War on Drugs to figure on the General Assembly’s agenda, we went even further.

We obtained a special mention of our position in the OAS report and in the Declaration, we were there at the Event (this participation actually happens to be the biggest participation of civil society in the OAS in the history, with more than 300 representatives). And, last but not least, our collective letter was mentioned by President Perez Molina himself.

We can really say we have reached a significant step ahead and can be proud of ourselves. However, it is needless to say that, as big as this battle is, it is still just a battle, and that war is not yet to be over, particularly in México, Colombia and Central America. We need to put in practice, soon any particular experience of change and reform. Ecuadorian and Bolivian high officials have recently declared to be in favor of discussing alternative approaches.

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