President Gustavo Petro took office in Colombia on Sunday August 7, as the country faces a human rights and humanitarian crises of epic proportions. While deep rooted problems will require well thought out and long-term solutions, the country already has identified some of the urgent steps it needs to take. As I analyzed in a recent paper, the ethic chapter of the 2016 Peace Accords sets out a roadmap to start tackling obstacles faced by Afro-descendant and Indigenous persons, who have been particularly affected by the conflict.

Also this week, a groundbreaking law that promotes alternatives to incarceration for women could go into force in Colombia as early as August 2022 and be implemented before the end of the year. 

Finally, WOLA joined organizations calling on the U.S. government to expedite technical and direct disaster relief assistance to Cuba after recent explosions at the Matanzas Supertanker Base and subsequent uncontrolled fire at the country’s largest oil storage facility. 

Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli 

Director for the Andes

• 🇨🇺 On August 5th, an explosion at the Matanzas Supertanker Base and subsequent uncontrolled fire at Cuba’s largest oil storage facility broke out during a thunderstorm. Read our joint statement as we call on the U.S. for Immediate Disaster Relief, and more. 
• 🇨🇴 As Colombia braces itself for a new era, a timely opportunity for the U.S. and the international community to renew their commitment to ending racial discrimination and facilitating inclusion in Colombia has risen. Read our recent publication on Taking Stock and Building a New Future for Colombia’s Ethnic Minorities.
• 🇨🇴 A groundbreaking law that promotes alternatives to incarceration for women could go into force in Colombia as early as August 2022. Read our commentary, Colombia to Implement Law on Alternatives to Incarceration for Women Heads of Household.

Advance the Promises of the 2016 Peace Accord: Civil Society Perspectives on Peace in the Chocó summarizes the findings of WOLA’s work with partners in the northwest department of Chocó and includes recommended actions voiced by revictimized ethnic communities themselves.

In April of 2022, WOLA launched its one-of-kind Border Oversight Database that has over 200 reports of disturbing instances of human rights violations and abuses against migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. This database has become an essential tool in monitoring, documenting, and publicizing abuses and human rights violations against migrants and asylum seekers.

CHECK OUT OUR BORDER OVERSIGHT DATABASE

Ana María Méndez-Dardón

Director for Central America

Expressed WOLA's concern on how the Central America "region has suffered a widespread backlash from powerful pro-impunity sectors and authoritarian leaders, and how Nicaragua has become, let’s say, a model.”

– The Associated Press

WOLA seeks a Grant Coordinator to join our fast-paced and dynamic development team. This creative team works to increase and expand the philanthropic partnerships that make WOLA’s human rights advocacy possible. Learn more here.

WOLA’s 2022 Human Rights Awards Ceremony and Benefit Gala on September 21 is quickly approaching. Join us for a night to remember as we honor several courageous individuals who have worked tirelessly to promote human rights, democracy, and justice in Latin America.

Interested in taking out an advertisement space in our program this year? For more information click here or, email our Development Associate, Daniela Chaparro, at [email protected]. 

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