Latin America

News25 September 2023

Bolivia requests the UN to conduct a critical review of the classification of the coca leaf

Bolivia requests a critical review of the coca leaf, arguing the current classification goes against scientific evidence and infringes rights - particularly of Indigenous peoples.

News16 September 2023

Colombian President proposes Latin Alliance to shift war on drugs towards public health approach

Recognising the destruction of the drug war, Latin America is leading the way in calling for an alternative approach.

Events

In defence of decriminalisation —a baseline upon which to build sustainable drug policy

Online

3 October 2023

This event aims to dispel myths on drug decriminalisation and highlight best practices, with a critical perspective to improve this framework for the benefit of communities.

Events

Beyond prohibition: Unpacking the connection between drug policies and sustainable development priorities

New York / Online

19 September 2023

This side event at the 2023 SDG summit underscores that without a major reframing of the 'world drug problem' and a focus on sustainable development priorities, there is a risk of falling short of achieving the 2030 Agenda.

News12 September 2023

The push to legalise psychedelics has ignored Indigenous communities

While the legalisation of psychedelics is a positive step toward global drug policy reform, it must not be at the expense of Indigenous communities, who have used psychoactive plants for emotional, physical, and spiritual healing for centuries.

Publications30 August 2023

Crisis and opportunity: Unravelling Colombia’s collapsing coca markets

WOLA discusses the coca market crisis in Colombia, exploring its many potential causes and urging authorities to seize the opportunity to provide aid, improved civilian governance and avenues for economic development.

News22 August 2023

Drug policy and pathways to peace in Colombia

As momentum for drug policy reform grows in Colombia, the growers of northern Cauca insist on a clear demand: that profits from legal regulation do not go to armed groups or big business, but to the growers themselves.

Publications16 August 2023

Women deprived of liberty in the Americas

The IACHR highlights the role that drug policies play in soaring women incarceration rates in the region, calling for alternatives to incarceration and gender-specific reintegration policies.

News16 August 2023

The coca business’s collapse has crushed rural Colombia

Falling prices have plunged thousands of coca-growing families into hardship, underscoring the need for sustainable solutions to rural communities' precarious dependence on this unstable illicit market.

News16 August 2023

Three ways to reduce the number of women in prison in the Americas

Drug policy reform, non-custodial measures and tackling the root causes of involvement in criminalised activities are among the many ways states can curb skyrocketing women incarceration rates.

News16 August 2023

Language matters: Is my country a 'narco-state'?

By flattening the complex relationship between state actors, citizens and globalised informal drug economies, the term often serves to fuel stigma, harmful stereotypes and further violence.

News31 July 2023

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!” Positives in Colombia’s cannabis debate

Proposals for cannabis legalisation fell short of the required votes, however the fact the initiative reached the final debate for the first time underscores that the forces for reform in Colombia are stronger than ever.

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