** Latin America in Review: Trump's Impact on Human Rights | Humanitarian Assistance in Venezuela | Protecting the Rights of those Held in House Arrest
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Trump administration policies have had severe consequences for human rights and democracy in Latin America—in order to take stock of the profound impact of these policies, last month we started bringing together experts from across the region in a four-part series of virtual panel discussions. Additionally, through the relaunched Venezuela Politics and Human Rights blog, we're aiming to further amplify the voices of Venezuelans working to respond to the crisis on the ground, while continuing to analyze and respond to developments in the country's political and humanitarian situation. And as COVID-19 draws attention to the urgent need to address prison overcrowding in Latin America, we published a new report with partners looking at how house arrest has impacted women across the region.

Learn more about our latest work by visiting our website ([link removed]) and following us on social media.


** Our Partners in Action
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COLOMBIA COMMUNITY LEADERS: "FOR MORE EFFECTIVE DRUG POLICY, SUPPORT THE PEACE ACCORDS"
In a letter to the U.S. Congress, community leaders urged policymakers to support the voluntary coca eradication programs that form part of Colombia's historic 2016 peace agreement.
Read the letter. ([link removed])

COVID-19'S IMPACT ON TRANS WOMEN DEPRIVED OF LIBERTY
During a workshop, participants from eight countries across the Americas shared experiences and resistance strategies among trans women who have been behind bars, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read a recap of the workshop. ([link removed])


** WOLA in Action
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Image of the final webinar invite

During an ongoing, four-part webinar series, we're bringing together experts to take stock of the Trump administration's profound impact on human rights in Latin America. RSVP here for the final event ([link removed]) ; watch videos of the previous events here ([link removed]) .


Recent reports by the Kroc Institute and the Ethnic Commission for Peace examine Colombia's progress in implementing the 2016 peace accords. Watch a webinar discussing the findings here ([link removed]) .

A new video for the relaunched Venezuela Politics and Human Rights blog highlights the urgent need to ramp up humanitarian assistance to Venezuela, so that Venezuelans can better access the food, medical supplies, and other equipment needed to face a dire humanitarian emergency made worse by COVID-19. Watch the video here. ([link removed])

A new study in collaboration with several organizations focused on the impact of house arrest on women across the Americas, given that, over the past two decades, the population of women deprived of liberty in this region has grown exponentially and the vast majority of these women come from situations of poverty and social exclusion. Read the full report here ([link removed]) .


** From Our Experts
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Congress Should be Alarmed by Colombia’s Crumbling Peace
Read the Commentary ([link removed])

DEFENSE OVERSIGHT: In Latin America, COVID-19 Risks Permanently Disturbing Civil-Military Relations ([link removed])

THE COLOMBIAN PEACE PROCESS: McGovern and Pocan Lead 94 Members of Congress Urging Trump Administration to Push for Peace in Colombia ([link removed])

FIGHTING CORRUPTION AND EXPOSING IMPUNITY: Behind the Fight to Hijack Guatemala’s Justice System ([link removed])

COCA AND DEVELOPMENT: In Colombia, As Many as Six Civilians Have Been Killed During Coca Eradication Operations Amid the Pandemic ([link removed])

A PEACEFUL, NEGOTIATED SOLUTION IN VENEZUELA: WOLA Op-Eds Examine Opposition Strategy in Venezuela ([link removed])

LGBT+ RIGHTS IN COLOMBIA: LGBT+ Rights and Peace in Colombia: The Paradox Between Law and Practice ([link removed])


** WOLA in the News

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“All of the initial good intentions were put to an end by the Mexican government's calculation that it was better to appease the Trump administration to avoid economic sanctions than stand up to what it had committed to do which is treat migrants in a humane manner.” - Maureen Meyer, Vice President for Programs and Director for Mexico and Migrant Rights, in Al Jazeera ([link removed]) .

“There needs to be education and consciousness raising within the armed forces on how to treat and how to engage with ethnic minorities. Not just with Indigenous but also Afro-Colombians." - Gimena Sanchez-Garzoli, Director for the Andes, in the Associated Press. ([link removed])

"The international community, the United Nations and other organizations, and civil society groups have all been very vocal about the need to abide by the Constitutional Court’s ruling that Congress cannot move forward with the impeachment. And as we’ve stated, you may disagree with a ruling, but you have to abide by it. Otherwise, you have a constitutional crisis on your hands." - Adriana Beltrán, Director of Citizen Security, in ([link removed]) World Politics Review ([link removed]) .


** Beyond the Wall Campaign Update
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Join the BEYOND THE WALL campaign to learn more. ([link removed])
Latest Commentary
7 Humane, Effective Border and Migration Measures in the House’s 2021 Homeland Security Appropriation ([link removed])

Video
Beyond the Wall: Borders Should Not Be Barriers to Human Rights ([link removed])



** Upcoming Events
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Wednesday, August 12
Stranded between borders: Draconian Responses to a Regional Migration Crisis ([link removed])

Wednesday, September 22
2020 WOLA Human Rights Awards Ceremony and Benefit Gala ([link removed])

All Events ([link removed])
Contact:
Gabriela Sibori
Communications Assistant
+1 (202) 797-2171
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

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