Dear John,

This Wednesday marked one year since President Claudia Sheinbaum took office in Mexico. It's a moment that calls for reflection—on progress made and challenges that remain.

Sheinbaum’s government points to achievements, including reduced poverty levels and a continuing decline in homicide rates, reflecting two key priority areas for Mexico’s population. Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, also rapidly secured constitutional reforms to codify women’s right to substantive equality.

At the same time, we cannot ignore the troubling trajectory of certain policies inherited from the previous government and continued over the past year. The judicial reform, in particular, raises serious questions about the independence of Mexico's judiciary and the long-term health of its democratic institutions. These concerns are not abstract—they have real implications for the rule of law and the protection of human rights.

At WOLA, our role is to analyze policies and administrations through a human rights lens, without losing sight of the bigger picture. That's exactly what we've done in our latest analysis, published this week, which examines five key areas related to human rights and democracy during Sheinbaum's first year in office. I encourage you to read it, along with the accompanying graphics that help illustrate these critical issues.

Our work continues. We will keep monitoring, analyzing, and advocating—always pushing for policies that center human rights and democratic values. Because in times of both progress and setbacks, that commitment matters more than ever.

In solidarity,

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.

"All the presidents of Colombia in recent decades have taken great care of the relationship with the United States. Petro from day one has not been like that, the relationship has ceased to be a priority." This article is in Spanish.

Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli

Director for the Andes

– The Associated Press, Las claves de las tensiones entre los gobiernos de Colombia y EEUU y qué puede suceder

"It’s the drug that is impacting Americans the most, so you can see why Trump would invoke it to try to justify building walls, imposing punishing tariffs, or unlawfully using lethal force in the Caribbean... But there’s just no evidence to back up using fentanyl as a pretext.”

Adam Isacson

Director for Defense Oversight

– The Atlantic, Fentanyl Doesn’t Come Through the Caribbean

“Venezuela comes in handy in that case, if the case can be made that these drugs are flooding in, they’re coming from Venezuela, and the Venezuelan government at the behest of President Maduro is orchestrating it. I don’t think any of that adds up, but I think that is why Venezuela.”

John Walsh

Director for Drug Policy and the Andes

– The Intercept, Venezuela Boat Crews Targeted by Trump Are Low-Level Pawns in the Drug Game

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