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Dear John,

In my latest commentary, I examine the troubling implications of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's proposed judicial reforms in Mexico. These reforms, which include the election of judges and magistrates by popular vote, represent a profound shift in how Mexico's judiciary operates. While the idea of democratizing the judiciary might seem appealing at first glance, this proposal could actually lead to greater political influence over the courts, jeopardizing the independence that is essential for the protection of human rights.

As Mexico's incoming federal Congress prepares to vote on these reforms, and with a new MORENA government set to take office in October, it’s crucial to consider the potential impact of the reforms on the rule of law and access to justice. The proposed changes risk deepening patterns of impunity and penal populism, further weakening judicial control over law enforcement actions and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. The stakes are high, and the consequences of this reform could be far-reaching, leaving Mexico's judiciary less equipped to safeguard the rights and security of the population.

This and more in WOLA Weekly.

Stephanie Brewer

Director for Mexico

For human rights activists across Latin America right now, the stakes are high. Violence around elections is on the rise, as are threats against those who speak in favor of justice and accountability.

Your support of WOLA creates space to amplify the voices of those who put their life on the line to champion human rights; from Caracas, to San Salvador, and everywhere in between.

As we wrap up the summer semester, WOLA is deeply thankful for the incredible dedication and hard work of our interns over the past few months. Here's a video from Natalie Rosa, our Central America Intern for Summer 2024, sharing her reflections on the experience.

"The magnitude of the repression and the use of technology are new and concerning. The application “Ven App” is being promoted and used to denounce neighbors. Apps such as Teams, Signal and Twitter have been blocked. All use of technology to persecute is deeply alarming." This article is in Spanish. 

Laura Dib

Director for Venezuela

– Rolling Stone, ‘La crisis de derechos humanos en Venezuela se profundiza

“Venezuelan migration in Latin America has had a tremendous impact on the region due to the magnitude and speed of the population's departure." This article is in Spanish.

Carolina Jiménez Sandoval

President

– BBC News Mundo, Qué países de América Latina acogen más migrantes venezolanos (y el temor a que la actual crisis desate una nueva ola)

"If the approval of State Powers or electoral campaigns are needed to occupy judicial positions, this generates important filters in the process of appointing judges and magistrates, which do not necessarily have to do with abilities, with applying the law, with protecting human rights, but with political or populist considerations." This article is in Spanish. 

Stephanie Brewer

Director for Mexico

– Deutsche Welle, México: grito desesperado del Poder Judicial ante la reforma

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