Dear John,

After a long and contentious campaign, the American people have elected Donald Trump as their next president. The results of this election represent enormous challenges to human rights worldwide.  For Latin America, the policies and actions of Trump’s previous administration, coupled with his campaign rhetoric, have already left a lasting impact on the lives of so many across our hemisphere, emboldening authoritarian leaders who silenced critics and weakened judicial independence. As we confront the reality of what lies ahead, it’s hard not to feel the weight of what this means for the future of democracy, human rights, and equity—both in the United States and across the region.

But this is not a fight we face alone. For over 50 years, WOLA has partnered with courageous supporters of human rights, democracy, and justice across the Americas. We have weathered many storms, pushing back against democratic backsliding and human rights abuses, and we are well-positioned to continue this work in the years ahead. The challenges we expect to face are significant, but we have the knowledge, experience, and determination to stand up—stronger and more united than ever.

We are committed to innovate, build new partnerships and engage in various ways to support human rights in Latin America to navigate this complex political landscape. We will continue to defend democratic principles and human rights standards in U.S. policies towards Latin America in key issues like migration, drug policy, and gender and racial equity, among others.

Now, more than ever, your support is crucial. Together, we will hold the line for human rights, both in the United States and in Latin America. This commitment is not just for today—it’s for the future we believe is possible: one where every voice is heard, every right is protected, and every community thrives.

With deep gratitude,

Carolina Jiménez Sandoval

President

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.

“They are leaders who attempt to emulate Trump. ‘Mileism’, ‘Bukeleism’, ‘Bolsonarism’ and ‘Trumpism’ are aligned political movements. We will have to see if this translates into concrete political initiatives, but it’s likely that ‘Trumpism’ won’t want to miss the opportunity.” This article is in Spanish.

Carolina Jiménez Sandoval

President

– Deutsche Welle, Trump y Latinoamérica: “Buena noticia para los autócratas"

“We can expect an increase in migration over the next few months as people seek to get to U.S. soil before the new administration starts closing down existing pathways,”

Adam Isacson

Director for Defense Oversight

– Los Angeles Times, Mexico is bracing for a new Trump presidency after threats of tariffs, deportations, attacks

“[In Venezuela] a Trump administration (...) will most likely just do business ... without much regard for what’s going on in terms of democracy and human rights.” This article is in Spanish.

Laura Dib

Director for Venezuela

– CNN Español, ¿Cómo podría afectar a Venezuela el resultado de las elecciones en Estados Unidos? 

Please consider making a gift to support the creation of our Weekly Newsletter, and all areas of our human rights advocacy work, by clicking the button above.

Thank You!

Copyright © 2023 Washington Office on Latin America, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you are signed up to the WOLA mailing list.

WOLA
1666 Connecticut Ave NW
Suite 400, DC 20009
United States

If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe.