All Content: Bolivia

On February 10, Bolivia officially rejoined the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs with a reservation allowing for the traditional use of the coca leaf. This long overdue move is a significant step toward correcting a historic wrong.

Bolivia has rejoined the leading international drug convention with an explicit exception allowing for the traditional use of the coca leaf. This marks a major step in bringing the UN drug conventions in line with cultural and political realities.

Drawing from on-the-ground research and years of experience, WOLA Senior Fellow Coletta Youngers and Kathryn Ledebur of the Andean Information Network analyze Bolivian efforts to combat drug trafficking while still respecting and protecting traditional uses of the coca leaf.

In blatant contradiction to the facts on the ground, the White House has given Bolivia a failing grade for its drug control efforts. Washington's projection that Bolivian cocaine production has increased while its coca cultivation has decreased is deeply flawed and evidence of its hyper-politicized drug policy.

The people in the videos are featured because they represent the rarely revealed human side of the war on drugs.

When the hemisphere’s leaders emerge from their Summit conversations about drug policy, no one should expect them to announce a consensus position. But Cartagena can be the springboard to a sustained, structured, and increasingly specific consideration of a range of promising options.

Bolivia is criticized in a recent State Department counter-drug report, while the country seeks an exemption from an international ban on coca leaves. Adam talks with Kathryn Ledebur of the Andean Information Network in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

As the year winds to a close, we hope you will enjoy this video about how WOLA works with partners in the region to advance human rights in Latin America. If you have not done so, we hope you will consider making a donation to WOLA to support our continued efforts. Your support makes a difference.

Bolivia has denounced the International Convention on Narcotic Drugs, which bans the traditional practice of chewing coca leaf. Adam talks with Martin Jelsma, who coordinates the Drugs and Democracy Program at the Amsterdam-based Transnational Institute.