Dear John,

Last week, I had the privilege of joining Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA) and a distinguished congressional delegation including Afrodescendant activists on a pivotal visit to Colombia, spanning Cali, Buenaventura, and Bogotá. The trip, organized by WOLA, aimed to strengthen U.S. political and financial support for Colombia’s 2016 Peace Accord and its Ethnic Chapter, while tackling pressing issues such as police reform, racial equity, the humanitarian crises, and the recruitment of minors affecting Afro-Colombian and Indigenous communities. At a time of uncertainty in U.S.-Colombia relations under the incoming Trump administration, this visit reaffirmed bipartisan commitments to human rights, peace, and justice.

In Buenaventura, the delegation witnessed the resilience of the Puente Nayero Humanitarian Zone, a beacon of nonviolent resistance against armed groups. In Cali, we met internally displaced Afro-Colombian, veterans, and ex-FARC combatants working to rebuild their lives and communities. Strategic meetings in Bogotá with leaders like Vice President Francia Márquez and Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo further cemented the importance of U.S.-Colombia collaboration on the Peace Accord’s implementation and transitional justice.

This visit was also a moment of recognition. Congressman Johnson and I received honors from local and national institutions, including Buenaventura’s Mayor, Colombia’s Land Unit, and the Afro-Colombian Peace Council (CONPA). The delegation’s work garnered widespread attention, including coverage on Colombia’s public channels and in Semana magazine. As we move forward, this visit serves as a powerful reminder of the shared commitment to advancing peace, justice, and equity for Colombia’s most vulnerable communities. Read our article on the main takeaways.

Warm regards,

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.

"Sheinbaum Pardo 'is probably going to have to give a bit [by making concessions to avoid severe economic damage to Mexico] because tariffs would crater Mexico’s economy'."

Adam Isacson

Director for Defense Oversight

– USA Today, Mexico's president warns Trump's tariffs will worsen US inflation, kill jobs

"It must be taken into account that the consequences of this regime of exception have weakened the rule of law and led to serious human rights violations committed by state security forces in El Salvador." This interview is in Spanish.

Ana María Méndez Dardón

Director for Central America

– NTN24, ¿Cómo logró El Salvador convertirse en el país más seguro del mundo bajo el gobierno de Bukele?

"Between 2002 and 2007, 6,402 civilians were killed in what has been called the false positives scandal, and in this scandal, unfortunately, General Montoya is one of the main characters." This interview is in Spanish.

Adam Isacson 

Director for Defense Oversight

– CNN en Español, Estados Unidos prohíbe la entrada del General retirado colombiano Mario Montoya

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