(Illustration by  Anđela Janković)

Dear John,

We are excited to share the third issue of our Coca Chronicles series, in collaboration with our colleagues at the Transnational Institute (TNI). In this edition, renowned cultural anthropologist and ethnobotanist Wade Davis discusses the history and significance of the coca leaf in the Andean Amazon region.

Davis's powerful insights on the cultural importance of the coca leaf are especially relevant as the World Health Organization (WHO) begins an unprecedented “critical review” of the coca leaf, a process initiated by Bolivia and supported by Colombia. This review could help end the unjust ban on traditional uses of coca imposed by the UN drug treaties more than 60 years ago. For more information, please read Issue #1 and Issue #2 of our Coca Chronicles.

Speaking of Colombia, I participated in a public TV show discussing the perception of Colombia’s drug policy in the U.S. (interview in Spanish). Similarly, my colleague Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli recorded a new episode of "Colombia Acuerdo de Paz" with a former FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) member, where they talked about his perspective on the implementation of the peace agreement (interview in Spanish).

We hope you enjoy and engage with this important conversation.

Best regards, 

John Walsh

Director for Drug Policy and the Andes

Register today to privately stream the critically-acclaimed documentary, Borderland: The Line Within, and join us on July 23 for an in-depth discussion with the films director, Pamela Yates, producer, Paco de Onís, and Executive Director of BNHR, Fernando Garcia! 

For human rights activists across Latin America right now, the stakes are high. Violence around elections is on the rise, as are threats against those who speak in favor of justice and accountability.

Your support of WOLA creates space to amplify the voices of those who put their life on the line to champion human rights; from Caracas, to San Salvador, and everywhere in between.

"Personally, I find it hard to believe that Maduro will simply relinquish power. However, you know, if there is a massive turnout with international observation and, of course, with pressure from within the government itself and international pressure... that could create some avenues." This article is in Spanish.

Laura Dib

Director for Venezuela

– CNN en Español, ¿Por qué unas elecciones justas en Venezuela podrían cambiar el destino de millones de inmigrantes... y el del propio Joe Biden en EE.UU.?

“The Biden administration has been around for 41 full months; June 2024 will have been the month with the fewest migrant apprehensions. By far — no other month comes close. And of those 41 months, the first six months of 2024 are all within the top quarter of months with the fewest migrants."

Adam Isacson

Director for Defense Oversight

– The New York Times, Biden Finally Got Border Numbers Down. Will He See the Political Benefits?

"Even in Venezuela’s terrible repression, there are cracks." 

Carolina Jiménez Sandoval

President

– The Washington Post, Biden made a bold deal with Venezuela’s strongman. Will it pay off?

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