In the month of August, we saw a horrifying and concerning wave of massacres in Colombia, mostly concentrated in rural and ethnic communities. The massacres are a symptom of the Duque administration's efforts to slowly undermine the implementation of the historic 2016 peace accords—and ethnic communities are bearing the brunt of it. This month, we also launched the Central America Monitor, which provides information on trends and areas of concern on rule of law, democratic governance, and other issues in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Finally, we wrapped up our four-part series on the Trump administration's impact on human rights in Latin America, while also preparing for our upcoming virtual Human Rights Award and Benefit Gala on Tuesday, September 22.
Learn more about our latest work by visiting our website and following us on social media.
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The 2020 WOLA Human Rights Awards & Benefit Gala is going virtual and you’re invited! Please join us on September 22, 2020 at 8 p.m. as we welcome a global audience to imagine an alternative approach to border and migration policy that is humane and respects human rights, celebrate our honorees, and have some fun.
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WHERE DOES MEXICO STAND IN ITS FIGHT AGAINST IMPUNITY?
A joint report between WOLA and the Due Process of Law Foundation (DPLF) examines the performance of Mexico’s National Prosecutor’s Office and identifies challenges ahead to address impunity.
Read the full report.
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JUSTICE IN LLANO VERDE
Following the tragic massacre of five young Afro-Colombian boys in Llano Verde, AFRODES Cali organized a sit-in at the local attorney general's office to demand accountability, calling for truth, justice, reparation, and non-repetition.
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The Central America Monitor is publishing data and findings that will help evaluate the levels of progress in efforts to strengthen the rule of law, reduce violence and insecurity, tackle corruption, and protect human rights in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Explore the data here. |
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This month, along with several partners, we discussed the human rights record of Bolivia’s interim government under Jeanine Áñez, and offered recommendations for national authorities and the international community. Watch the event here. |
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During a four-part webinar series, we brought together experts to take stock of the Trump administration's profound impact on human rights in Latin America. Watch videos of the events here.
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In this episode, Kristina Mani, associate professor of politics at Oberlin College and one of the United States’ closest watchers of Latin American civil-military relations, discusses how the COVID-19 crisis has made the armed forces a part of daily civic life to an extent not seen since the years when military dictatorships governed much of the region.
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WOLA in the News
On Colombia:
“Given Duque’s unwillingness to truly advance the implementation of the peace process and refusal to make peace with the ELN it is not surprising that we are seeing a resurgence of massacres in Colombia...Rather than taking advantage of the opportunity to dismantle illegal groups and strengthen justice, Duque is reverting to security policies that don’t work.” - Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli, Director for the Andes, in the Guardian.
“Peace is not possible without listening to the communities most affected by violence. For years, the Colombian government has faltered in its efforts to implement the 2016 peace accords. It continues to fail in establishing state presence in areas dominated by armed actors.” - Mario Moreno, Vice President for Communications, in Vice News.
“These are not merely collective homicides due to organised crime and terror. Rather, they are occurring because Duque's government is not implementing the peace accord and addressing the structural issues that lead to violence...The rural, poor, ethnic groups and youth are paying the highest price.” - Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli, Director for the Andes, in Al Jazeera.
“It is a huge deal for multiple reasons: it's unprecedented. Never has an ex-president been detained in Colombia's history, Colombian persons of tremendous influence are often not held accountable for crimes or even seriously brought into a judicial process...In the case of Uribe, despite serious links and allegations to human rights abuses he's managed to dodge or stop judicial processes that implicate him,” - Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli, Director for the Andes, in Al Jazeera.
On Venezuela:
“U.S. insistence on a return to the negotiating table, with a greater emphasis on flexibility, may yet lead the regime to alter its calculations. If this happens, and if the opposition succeeds once more in forcing Maduro to offer free and fair presidential elections in exchange for the prior lifting of sanctions, there are ways to ensure a favorable outcome. International pressure need not be all or nothing.” - Geoff Ramsey, Director for Venezuela, in a Washington Post Op-Ed.
On Mexico:
“Prosecutors need to collect the evidence to support Lozoya’s allegations or it will bolster critics who say the investigation is really just a way to taint political rivals, Meyer said..."It would be a clear sign that Mexico is working to turn the page on tolerance for corruption in the country."” - Maureen Meyer, Vice President for Programs and Director for Mexico and Migrant Rights, in the Associated Press.
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Beyond the Wall Campaign Update
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Thursday, September 3
Race and Equality Webinar on Llano Verde Case:
Massacres of young Afro-Colombian victims of conflict: Analysis and proposals for Truth, Justice, and Non-repetition
Wednesday, September 22
2020 WOLA Human Rights Awards Ceremony and Benefit Gala
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Contact:
Gabriela Sibori
Communications Assistant
+1 (202) 797-2171
[email protected]
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