** Latin America in Review:
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The violent events of January 6 at the U.S. Capitol—the culmination of the Trump administration’s four-year push to erode basic democratic norms—underscored how global democratic ideals cannot be taken for granted. As the Biden administration confronts Trump's deep damage both at home and abroad, the U.S. government now has a critical opportunity in Latin America to work in partnership with civil society and committed political leaders and government officials to defend and expand human rights. That means supporting the work of reformers who are fighting for humane treatment of migrants and asylum seekers, the rule of law, and equity in its many forms (including racial, economic, gender, and climate justice). Our work starts now with pressing the Biden administration to spend its first year on these key priorities.
Learn more about our latest work by visiting our website ([link removed]) and following us on social media.
** Our Latest Campaign:
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** Our Partners in Action
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** Renowned Afro-Colombian activist pens letter to VP Kamala Harris
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Goldman Environmental Prize recipient and renowned activist Francia Márquez published an open letter to newly sworn-in Vice President Harris, underscoring how peace has yet to reach Black and Indigenous territories in Colombia and asking for stronger U.S. commitment to an inclusive peace in Colombia. Read the letter here ([link removed]) .
** Addressing conditions for women in detention in Latin America
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Collectives and organizations from five Latin American countries came together to launch La Red Feminista Anticarcelaria (Feminist Anti-Prison Network). #AméricaLatinaLiberarlasEsJusticia is a campaign denounces the dangers that women in detention, particularly women of color and those living in poverty, face in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch videos from each participating country here ([link removed]) .
** WOLA in Action
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U.S. authorities accused a top defense official in Mexico of ties with organized crime. Mexico's handling of the case points to broader concerns around impunity, the power of the military, and the independence of Mexico's justice institutions. WOLA’s new Director for Mexico and Migrant Rights Stephanie Brewer ([link removed]) explains. For a brief explainer,click here ([link removed]) .
In an op-ed for World Politics Review, WOLA's Director for Citizen Security Adriana Beltránexplains the impact of corruption in Honduras and measures that the Biden administration can take to support those at the forefront of the battle for democracy and the rule of law. Read the op-ed ([link removed]) .
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** From Our Experts
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ATTACK ON THE CAPITOL: WOLA Statement on January 6, 2021 and the Protection of Democratic Ideas at Home and Abroad ([link removed])
REVERSING TRUMP'S INHUMANE MIGRATION POLICIES: Mexico Has a Major Role to Play in Undoing Trump’s Disastrous Migration Policies ([link removed]) (part 1);
How Biden Can Overcome Obstacles to Reversing Trump’s Disastrous Migration Policies ([link removed]) (part 2)
U.S.-CUBA RELATIONS: Putting Cuba on the terrorism list is unjustified and unwise ([link removed])
PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS IN CENTRAL AMERICA: What’s Behind Bukele’s Attacks on El Salvador’s Peace Accords ([link removed]) .
DRUG POLICY: Can Biden-Harris ‘just say no’ to the endless war on drugs? ([link removed])
** WOLA in the News
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Venezuela:
“The Trump administration hit Venezuela with crippling oil sanctions. But they have failed to oust Mr. Maduro and have cost Venezuela up to $31 billion, worsening economic problems that stem from years of mismanagement and corruption, according to the Washington Office on Latin America, a policy group.” - Wall Street Journal ([link removed]) .
“It’s very clear that these elections are neither free nor fair, and the outcome is all but guaranteed. Maduro is moving ahead with this vote not because he expects the international community to recognize the results, but because he wants to turn the page on the Guaidó chapter.” - Geoff Ramsey, Director for Venezuela, in the Washington Post ([link removed]) .
Colombia:
“Sadly, this is what happens when the economic and political elite doesn't defend the lives of social leaders and value environmental sustainability. Things degrade to the point that a child is receiving death threats.” - Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli, Director for the Andes, in Vice news ([link removed]) .
“Leaders and communities all around Colombia are writing to Biden urging his administration to knock sense into Duque that those affected by violence and conflict want peace, dismantlement of illegal armed groups, engagement with the ELN, effective protection, respect for ethnic rights and a stop to the anti-peace efforts his administration has taken.” - Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli, Director for the Andes, in Al Jazeera ([link removed]) .
Honduras:
“You're not just talking about corrupt police that have allowed drug shipments to go by, or a few bad apples here or there. You're talking about corruption at the highest levels.” - Adriana Beltrán, WOLA Director for Citizen Security, in Reuters ([link removed]) .
Mexico:
“A level of trust has been broken that will need to be repaired if both governments are to continue to cooperate on transnational criminal cases.” - ([link removed]) Maureen Meyer, Vice President for Programs for ([link removed]) [link removed] ([link removed]) .
“The López Obrador administration is unlikely to agree to the construction or refurbishment of migrant shelters... The Mexican government is reluctant to set up huge infrastructure at the border because that leads to a sense of permanency.” - Maureen Meyer, Vice President for Programs, in the ([link removed]) Washington Post ([link removed]) .
** WOLA Campaign Updates
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Visit the CAM website ([link removed]) for updated data and new reports.
Sign up ([link removed]) to the Beyond the Wall campaign to receive weekly border updates.
** Upcoming Events
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Evaluating the Impact of Ending Diesel Swaps in Venezuela
9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. EST Friday, February 12, 2020
Event details ([link removed])
All Events ([link removed])
Ways to give ([link removed])
Contact:
Gabriela Sibori
Communications Associate
+1 (202) 797-2171
[email protected] (mailto:
[email protected])
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