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 follow through in its first year on these key priorities.
Learn more about our latest work by visiting our website and following us on social media.
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Renowned Afro-Colombian activist pens letter to VP Kamala Harris
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.
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Addressing conditions for women in detention in Latin America
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.
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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 explains. For a brief explainer, click here.
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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.
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WOLA in the News
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.
“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.
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.
“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.
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.
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. ” - Maureen Meyer, Vice President for Programs for Bloomberg.
“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 Washington Post.
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Visit the CAM website for updated data and new reports. |
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Sign up to the Beyond the Wall campaign to receive weekly border updates.
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Upcoming Events
Evaluating the Impact of Ending Diesel Swaps in Venezuela
9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. EST Friday, February 12, 2020
Event details
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Contact:
Gabriela Sibori
Communications Associate
+1 (202) 797-2171
[email protected]
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