David McNew/Getty Images

Dear John,

Happy Pride Month.

At WOLA, we join in honoring the strength and resilience of LGBTQIA+ communities across the Americas. Pride is not just a celebration—it’s a reminder of ongoing struggles for equality, dignity, and safety. In many countries, hard-fought gains are under threat. In Argentina, protections are being dismantled. In the United States, discrimination is being codified into law. And in many parts of the region, simply living openly remains a risk.

That’s why WOLA has made gender justice—including LGBTQIA+ rights—a strategic priority. These rights are not separate from our broader mission; they are central to it. LGBTQIA+ people are part of every issue we work on: from migration and democracy to citizen security and human rights defense. We’re also excited to announce that WOLA has joined the Council for Global Equality, a coalition committed to advancing LGBTIQ+ rights worldwide. We look forward to collaborating with partner organizations to promote equality, dignity, and human rights for all.

Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing stories, podcasts, and other multimedia content that highlight the work of our partners across the region—people who are leading with courage, building communities, and pushing for change even in the face of adversity.

We hope you’ll follow along.

Sincerely,

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.

"This is a setback for democracy in Mexico. When you have concentration of power over all three branches of government, you start to erode democratic rule."

Stephanie Brewer

Director for Mexico

– Los Angeles Times, Mexican Supreme Court remake: Ruling-party loyalists dominate the new bench

"Plainclothes people using rough tactics and covering their faces to take people off the streets and sort of muscle them into vehicles. This is going to be common. And it's going to become much more common to see that all around the country military bases may have detention facilities."

Adam Isacson

Director for Defense Oversight

– NPR, In recorded calls, reports of overcrowding and lack of food at ICE detention centers

“The international community has also raised its voice against this abuse. Organizations such as the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) have condemned the “criminalization” of Ruth López and demanded her immediate release. In a statement, WOLA expressed its deep concern over the “irregularities” in the case, including the denial of a public trial, which constitutes a flagrant violation of due process and fundamental rights in a country where judicial independence is increasingly questioned.” This article is in Spanish.

WOLA

– teleSUR, Movimientos sociales salvadoreños denuncian lawfare contra defensora de DD.HH. Ruth López

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.