New publication launched: 'Ending the War on Drugs: How to win the debate in Latin America'

Transform and MUCD were pleased to launch the latest publication from our joint Latin American Programme for Drug Policy Reform in Mexico City yesterday.

‘Ending the War on Drugs: How to win the debate in Latin America'  is the product of a series of workshops and consultations with experts across the region, and builds on Transform's 2007 book 'After the War on Drugs: Tools for the Debate'.

It is a guide to making the case for drug policy and law reform in Latin America from a position of confidence and authority, with a particular focus on the issue of legal regulation of currently illegal drug markets, something that is now core to the debate in the region. It is for every policymaker, media commentator, and campaigner who not only recognises that the ‘war on drugs’ is a counterproductive failure that is creating catastrophic unintended consequences, but who also wants to convince others to back reform.

It will equip you with the constructive arguments, different approaches and nuanced messaging needed to address the concerns and interests of diverse audiences. This will enable you to not just win the argument, but make the new allies needed to turn the current unparalleled momentum for reform into concrete policy change nationally and internationally. Although the book is tailored to Latin America, the arguments it lays out are relevant for drug policy reformers globally.

Print copies are currently only available in Spanish. The English translation is coming soon, but if you can't wait, a pre-publication draft is available from info@tdpf.org.uk 

Here are some images from the launch event in Mexico City:

 Book launch Panel: Armando Santacruz (MUCD), Josefina Ricaño de Nava (president MUCD), Steve Rolles (Transform, co-author), Sergio Sarmiento (Journalist), Lisa Sanchez (MUCD/Transform, co-author) 

 

 Lisa Sanchez presenting the book

 Sergio Sarmiento

“Transform/MUCD's Ending the War on Drugs: Making the Case in Latin America workshop in Mexico about how to argue for drug law reform in general, and legal regulation in particular, was invaluable. It should be rolled out globally to advocates of drug law reform, and all policymakers considering change. This education is vital to bring about a smooth and effective transition in drug policy.” 

Ambassador Edgar Guitérrez Girón, Special Mission on Drug Policy Reform for the Republic of Guatemala, 2013

“The time has come to discuss new approaches to dealing with the problems of drugs in the Americas. A new approach should try and take away the violent profit that comes with drug trafficking… If that means legalising, and the world thinks that's the solution, I will welcome it.” 

President Santos of Colombia, 2012

Photography by Mario Hernández