Academic Event Brings Together Human Rights Experts, Community Leaders, and Policy Researchers to Discuss Global Drug Policy
Panel speakers and moderator Andres Lopez, Rebeca Rocha, Anyi Ballesteros and Simon Walker
Vienna, December 3, 2025 – The Shattuck Center for Human Rights at Central European University hosted a public panel discussion titled "Rethinking Coca: Indigenous Knowledge, Science, and International Drug Policy" following the World Health Organization's decision to retain the coca leaf in Schedule I of the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
The event was opened by Prof. Martin Kahanec, Shattuck Center’s Director, and featured a panel discussion moderated by Rebeca Rocha, PhD candidate in public policy and Junior Visiting Researcher at the Shattuck Center. The conversation brought together distinguished speakers including Dr. Simon Walker, Chief of the Rule of Law and Democracy Section at the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights; Anyi Ballesteros, community leader and commercial director of Agroarte, a community-based organization in Cauca, Colombia; and Andrés López Velasco, chemist and former General Director of Colombia's National Narcotics Fund.
Prof. Martin Kahanec welcomes the audience.
Speakers emphasized the tension between scientific evidence and policy outcomes. While the WHO's Expert Committee acknowledged that traditional coca leaf use does not pose serious public health risks and recognized the plant's cultural and therapeutic significance for Indigenous Peoples, the committee concluded that concerns about convertibility to cocaine warranted retaining current controls.
Andres Lopez presents the results of community-based research in Colombia.
Mr. Walker highlighted the human rights dimensions of the debate, noting that international law calls for respect for Indigenous peoples' right to cultural heritage, traditional medicines, and participation in decision-making. "The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights stands ready to support states, Indigenous peoples, and other stakeholders in developing comprehensive, inclusive drug policies in line with international human rights law," he stated.
Ms. Ballesteros presented Agroarte's work transforming coca leaf into natural dyes for textiles and sustainable agricultural inputs. Speaking to the frustration of communities, she emphasized that despite the WHO outcome, local initiatives will continue building alternative narratives and demonstrating the plant's potential beyond criminalization.
Anyi Ballesteros shows piece by Agroarte using coca leaf-dyed textiles.
Mr. López outlined the legal and regulatory frameworks that already permit alternative uses of coca—including food, textiles, and cosmetic applications—under current international law. He presented preliminary findings from community-based research in Colombia assessing the safety of traditional coca use, concluding there is no evidence of acute or chronic adverse effects, and no dependence or treatment-seeking related to coca chewing.
The panelists and audience engaged in substantive discussion about structural reforms to international drug policy mechanisms, the importance of community-led research and evidence, and pathways for innovation at national and regional levels. Speakers noted that Bolivia's experience with coca leaf de-scheduling provides a model for countries seeking alternative approaches.
Piece painted by artist Alex Payan from El Tambo, Cauca and woven by Agroarte artisans. The artwork pays tribute to the farmer Herney Ruiz, inhabitant of the Colombian Massif, producer of Hayuguas. The piece was exhibited in the 6th Salerno’s Contemporary Art Biennale between October and November 2025.
The event included an exhibition of Agroarte's coca leaf-dyed textiles and a reception facilitating informal dialogue among academics, diplomats, policy experts, civil society, and community representatives.
For more information:
Rebeca Marques Rocha
Junior Visiting Researcher, Shattuck Center for Human Rights
Marques-RochaR@ceu.edu
