A U.S. sponsored coca-eradication program has angered peasant unions representing Bolivia s 50,000 coca farmers. Critics say that Law 1008, The Law to Regulate Coca and Controlled Substances, passed in 1988, is excessively harsh, restricts suspects constitutional rights, and violates international norms and standards of due process. Despite recent government successes in eradicating coca crops, local consumption of drugs is reportedly rising. The constitution guarantees free expression, freedom of religion, and the right to organize political parties, civic groups, and labor unions. However, freedom of speech is subject to some limitations.
Unions have the right to strike.
The languages of the indigenous population are officially recognized, but the 40 percent Spanish-speaking minority still dominates the political process. More than 520 indigenous communities have been granted legal recognition under the 1994 popular participation law, which guarantees respect for the integrity of native peoples. Nevertheless, some Indians are kept as virtual slaves by rural employers through the use of debt peonage, with employers charging them more for room and board than they earn. The press, radio and television are mostly private. Journalists covering corruption stories are occasionally subject to verbal intimidation by government officials, arbitrary detention by police and violent attacks.