Latin America

Events

Understanding the coca leaf review process: A conversation with experts about the cultural and scientific value of the coca plant and the WHO review process

New York, United States / Online

31 January 2025

The event will explore the cultural, scientific, and policy dimensions of the coca WHO review process.

News19 December 2024

Bolivia: Despite progress, tackling overcrowding in prisons remains pressing

The delegation of the UN Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture noted how private drug treatment facilities are not subject to adequate control and supervision, fueling violence and injustice against people who use drugs.

News13 November 2024

Coca leaf review: a reckoning for global drug control — IDPC statement at the 2024 CND thematic discussions

IDPC calls on the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) to right a historical wrong by supporting the critical review of the coca leaf and ultimately approve its descheduling.

Events

76th regular session of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD)

Washington D.C., United States

19 November 2024 - 22 November 2024

The session's agenda includes discussions on related issues, including synthetic drug use, intersections with human rights, and a gender-focused approach.

News13 October 2024

Indigenous rights, knowledge and expertise should be centred in coca leaf review - IDPC statement to the 47th WHO ECDD

IDPC calls on WHO's Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD) to rectify the historical error of the coca leaf scheduling, affirming Indigenous rights, and ensuring their involvement throughout the review process.

Events

Addressing the fentanyl overdose crisis effectively: evidence from the border and beyond

Online

10 October 2024 - 10 October 2024

Join experts in a webinar hosted by WOLA as they explore adverse effects of militarised drug policies and the need for effective, rights-based solutions to the overdose crisis.

Publications2 October 2024

Visit to Mexico - Report of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention

The expert group recommended the government abandons the punitive approach to drug use and dealing, and seek alternatives to detention.

Publications1 October 2024

Intended and unintended effects of cannabis regulation in Uruguay

Queirolo et al. qualitatively explore the unintended emergence of a cannabis 'grey market' under Uruguay's decade-old legalisation model, highlighting key challenges in policy implementation.

Publications26 September 2024

Righting a historical wrong: The UN review of the international status of the coca leaf

IDPC provides background information on the scheduling of the coca leaf in the international drug control treaties, outlines the ECDD coca review process, and makes the human rights case for the removal of the plant from the treaty schedules.

News26 September 2024

Reimagining the drug war amid rising coca cultivation in Central America

Responding to expanding coca cultivation in Central America with policies like forced eradication could create potential devasting harm for communities and ecological systems.

Events

NHRC trainings and webinars: 'Las Americas Harm Reduction Spotlight Series'

Online

NHRC announces several bilingual, virtual events and training opportunities to promote education, engagement, and empowerment alongside communities affected by drug use and racialized drug policies.

News23 September 2024

Descheduling the coca leaf is a step toward decolonising drug policy - Statement at HRC57 panel discussion on the rights of Indigenous Peoples

The decision to include the coca leaf in the 1961 Single Convention was mired in colonialist and racist bias.

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