Photo by Jan Sochor/Getty Images

Dear John,

As Colombia's security situation becomes increasingly complex, WOLA remains committed to the full implementation of the 2016 peace agreement, with a particular focus on the Ethnic Chapter. Recently, WOLA and 200 organizations called on the Petro government to resume negotiations with the ELN and ensure the Ethnic Chapter's commitments are upheld.

We are particularly concerned about the deteriorating conditions in Buenaventura, where promises from the 2017 strike still need to be met. During her recent visit to Washington, D.C., I met with Buenaventura's mayor, the first Afro-Colombian woman in this role, who emphasized the importance of restoring dignity and peace for vulnerable Bonaverenses. In response, WOLA co-signed a statement urging immediate action.

To address these issues, we continue to release monthly urgent updates from Colombia, now updated to provide more timely information. You can read the latest alert here.

In the coming weeks, we will host a series of public events, including a hybrid discussion with Notre Dame’s Kroc Institute focused on accelerating the implementation of the Colombian final accord’s ethnic approach.

Stay informed on these and other updates in this edition of the WOLA Weekly!

Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli

Director for the Andes

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.

“The reduced Darien numbers are certainly a factor preventing the Republican party from taking full advantage of the border as a line of attack against Kamala Harris. Even if it’s just a temporary situation, that dog isn’t barking as much right now.”

Adam Isacson

Director for Defense Oversight

– BNN Bloomberg, Fewer Migrants Risk Jungle Crossing Into Panama After Clampdown

“In the case of the Venezuelan diaspora, we’re seeing a much stronger political voice. It’s not only because of their size, but because of their visibility and their political goals.”

Carolina Jiménez Sandoval

President

– Al Jazeera, Venezuela's diaspora flexes its might

"The U.S. Congress certainly secured their release [of the 135 political prisoners] through threats of economic retaliation, given that the United States continues to invest significantly in Nicaragua and that the regime is increasingly isolated." This article is in French.

Ana María Méndez Dardón

Director for Central America

– Le Monde, Le Nicaragua libère 135 prisonniers politiques sous la pression des Etats-Unis

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