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Dear John,

As we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Ayotzinapa case, WOLA reflects on the enduring impact this case has had on the families of the 43 disappeared students and on all of Mexico. To mark this moment, we’ve published a commentary offering three key recommendations to Mexico’s incoming president, Claudia Sheinbaum, who will be inaugurated on October 1. These recommendations urge her to place all state-held information at the service of uncovering the truth, foster respectful dialogue with the families, and strengthen the search mechanisms for Mexico’s disappeared. This is not just about policy—it’s about healing wounds and restoring hope to those who have been searching for answers for years or decades.

As the incoming government prepares to take office, it faces significant challenges that could reshape the country’s future. Among these are constitutional reforms, including judicial and military reforms, that represent setbacks for human rights.

As the crisis of 116,000 disappeared persons deepens, we stand in unwavering solidarity with the victims and their families. To gain insight into their struggle, we invite you to watch our video honoring the families of the disappeared in Guanajuato state, this year’s WOLA Human Rights Award honorees. Their courage serves as a reminder that justice must remain at the heart of Mexico’s future.

This and more in WOLA Weekly.

Warm regards,

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.

“Ultimately, [tougher border policies] are not sustainable . . . migrants and smugglers figure out who the policies most apply to and who they don’t."

Adam Isacson

Director for Defense Oversight

– Financial Times, How Biden’s border crackdown led to a ‘dramatic shift’ in US migration debate

“I believe that nobody was under the illusion that the July 28 elections were going to be held under fair and free conditions, nor under the illusion that Nicolás Maduro was going to be willing to simply hand over power. The presidential elections were an additional element in a longer struggle of Venezuelan civil society for democracy in the country, and I believe that what is important is that the international community accompanies Venezuelan civil society in that struggle and prevents fatigue.” This interview is in Spanish.

Laura Dib

Director for Venezuela

– CNN en Español

"The majority of the deficiencies that make it virtually impossible for regular people to access the legal system (...) are found in the instances before a case goes to court." This article is in German.

Stephanie Brewer

Senior Fellow

– Zdf heute, Warum Mexikos Justizreform umstritten ist

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