Bolivia likely to denounce 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs

Date: 23 June 2011

Bolivia's lower house has agreed to denounce the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs due to longstanding disagreement with the ban on traditional uses of coca in the treaty.

The law, proposed by President Evo Morales, is likely to pass the upper house where his party has a significant majority. The aim is to re-accede to the Convention with a reservation on the disputed provision(s).

Under the Single Convention (articles 49 and 50) reservations are dealt with in some detail. This move in fact raises some interesting legal issues, and will create inevitable diplomatic heat. It is unclear as yet what the reservation will look like.

The Guardian newspaper is carrying the story. It will be a very interesting legal issue to follow, and one we will be watching closely.

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