Weekly Report - 13 June 2013 (WR-13-23)

President Evo Morales has claimed recent victories vis-à-vis his coca sí, cocaína no drugs policy (which distinguishes between cocaine and the raw coca leaf – an important symbol of indigenous culture). These include the January 2013 announcement by the UN that Bolivia could rejoin the 1961 Vienna Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, with a special dispensation recognising coca chewing (acullicu) as legal in Bolivia [WR-13-02]. However, these victories have since been overshadowed by reminders of continued challenges for Morales in securing legitimacy for his policy.