(Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Dear John,

July 11 marked two years since the protests in Cuba that led to 1,558 people being arrested. WOLA commemorated this event and continues to advocate for the release of the  681  Cubans who unjustly  remain in jail on charges related to the protests.

Earlier this year, the crackdown on peaceful protests in the fishing town of Caimanera served as yet another stark reminder that the fundamental human right to freedom of expression remains severely limited on the island.

All this is sadly taking place against the backdrop of a grave humanitarian crisis, which the US embargo only exacerbates. WOLA will continue to speak out as both the Cuban and US governments have a role to play in improving the lives of Cuban citizens.

Also this week, WOLA co-signed a  letter urging leaders attending the European Union-CELAC Summit in Brussels next week to discuss the ongoing repression in Nicaragua, as well as human rights violations taking place in other countries around the globe. 

In other news, we have continued to  denounce the Guatemalan authorities’ attempt to interfere in the electoral process ahead of the presidential runoff set for August 20. The situation is fast evolving. We will keep you informed as best we can. 

And finally please Save The Date to celebrate WOLA's 50th Anniversary with us very soon!

All this and more in this week's WOLA Weekly.

Best,

Mariakarla Nodarse

Assistant Director for Cuba

📽️ On July 12, WOLA sponsored an event focused on the "Differentiated Impact of Prison on the Lives of Relatives of Women Deprived of Liberty in the Americas". Watch the full event here. 

In April 2022, WOLA launched its one-of-a-kind Border Oversight Database, which documents hundreds of reports of human rights violations and abuses against migrants and asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border. 

 Ana María Méndez Dardón

Director for Central America

“With the decision in the electoral tribunal’s hands, said Ana María Méndez, the Central America director at the Washington Office on Latin America, 'they have the opportunity to get on the right side of history, vindicate themselves and defend the will of the people.'”

– New York Times, Guatemala’s Election Thrown Into Turmoil After Top Party Is Suspended

"The region as a whole should find a way to adopt measures that make the most of these qualified migrants and the talent that they bring to the table.” This quote is in Spanish.

– BBC News, TikTok and Title 42 rumours fuel human smuggling at the US border

Adam Isacson

Director for Defense Oversight

Maureen Meyers

Vice President for Programs

"She said her team had observed Mexican immigration officials busing Guatemalans and other migrants back to Guatemala, while transporting others elsewhere in Mexico. 'There is lots of movement of people, and no one has a clear sense of what is going on.'"

– New York Times, Number of Migrants at the Border Plunges as Mexico Helps U.S. to Stem Flow

📌 WOLA is looking for its next Finance and Operations Coordinator, to make WOLA run smoothly and efficiently for all employees. We are passionate about our work and strive to make our organization a healthy and safe space for all to work and feel appreciated. Learn more here.

📌 WOLA’s Sally Yudelman Internship Program is looking for its next cohort of interns! Learn how you can join our internship program here. 

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