Dear John,

This week, I joined WOLA staff on the Hill to discuss the devastating impact of frozen foreign aid on Latin America. We met with Congressional staffers to share the real consequences of cutting critical assistance and the urgent need to restore aid and support civil society organizations, including Afro-Colombian and Indigenous groups, that are advancing human rights, democracy and the rule of law in the region.

We’ve also been closely analyzing the fallout from the diplomatic clash between President Trump and President Petro on X. This public row, coupled with the suspension of U.S. foreign assistance, has only deepened tensions in the bilateral relationship. As Colombia looks to diversify its alliances, we’ve taken a close look at its relationship with China and what this shift could mean for the future of U.S.-Colombia relations. You can read our latest analysis on this evolving dynamic here. 

Meanwhile, we’re continuing to monitor threats to human rights defenders in Colombia. This week marks five months since the disappearance of Indigenous leader René Alfonso Garavito - his whereabouts remain unknown. Alongside other partner organizations, we have supported a vigil and signed a statement expressing our deep concern over the lack of progress in his case and calling for urgent action. 

Thank you for your continued support as we work to promote human rights and justice in the Andes and beyond. Your solidarity is critical in moments like these.

Sincerely,

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 US already takes a lot of actions against these [criminal and drug trafficking] groups. They surveil them, sanction them, and prosecute their members in court. So this decision will not change much in terms of the tools they have at their disposal.”

Stephanie Brewer

Director for Mexico

– Al Jazeera, US declares drug cartels, criminal gangs global terrorist organisations

“People are recalculating and rethinking their plans. If anyone is crossing and turning themselves in, they are severely misinformed or beyond desperate.”

Adam Isacson

Director for Defense Oversight

– The Washington Post, Soldiers are arriving at the border — but hardly any migrants are crossing

"The Venezuelan government must urgently provide the necessary safe conduct for the asylum seekers to leave the embassy. The deterioration of living conditions in the embassy is unacceptable and puts the physical and mental health of those who have been granted asylum there at risk. " This article is in Spanish.

Carolina Jiménez Sandoval

President

– NTN24, "Es impostergable la emisión de los salvoconductos": Carolina Jiménez Sandoval, presidenta de Wola, sobre asilados en embajada de Argentina en Caracas

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