Dear John,

There’s a moment when a room packed with human rights activists, government officials and journalists goes completely quiet, all eyes on a screen, tears streaming down many people’s eyes. There are few things that can have that effect. Yet that is exactly what happened at WOLA’s Human Rights Awards and Benefit Gala as Máxima Emiliana García Valey and Demecia Yat shared their stories of bravery and courage. The spoke about how them and other Maya Achi and Maya Q’eqchi women brought to bring the perpetrators of their sexual violence to justice.

This week, we bring you some highlights of what was a very special and emotional night – a very special thanks to all who helped us make it happen.

Also this week, WOLA’s Director of Venezuela, Geoff Ramsey and I analyzed the importance of the work of the UN-backed Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela in this opinion piece for El Pais.

All that, and much more, in this week’s Weekly WOLA.

Warmly,

Carolina Jiménez Sandoval

President, WOLA

• 🎧 In the latest episode of the Latin America Today Podcast, WOLA's Mexico Program Director Stephanie Brewer talks to Director for Defense Oversight Adam Isacson about the historic new lengths to which President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has taken militarization in Mexico, arguing that the road to resolving Mexico’s citizen security challenges runs through its justice system—not its armed forces.
  
  
• 🇻🇪In this Op-Ed for El País WOLA's Director for Venezuela Geoff Ramsey and President Carolina Jiménez Sandoval explain why the renewal of the UN's Fact-Finding Mission is crucial to achieve a meaningful solution to Venezuela’s crisis.
  
  
• ✍️With this statement, WOLA joins the FFM in calling for effective, thorough, independent, impartial and transparent investigations into all those implicated in the human rights violations and crimes against humanity alleged in the report, and supports its renewal.

“It is an honor for me to receive the WOLA Human Rights Award. I receive it as a personal recognition but also as a recognition of the work of everybody at Cristosal, who have supported relatives of victims of the El Mozote massacre in their long search for justice,” David Morales said.

“For years, I’ve worked closely with foreign and domestic leaders to strengthen democracy, promote human rights, and create inclusive economic opportunities across the Americas [...] I look forward to working with my fellow nominees to uplift the voices of marginalized communities and local organizations and push for equality and justice for all.”, said Congressman Joaquín Castro.

WOLA is seeking a Communications Assistant! We are looking for an administrative, entry-level professional to support two directors and their programs with a variety of tasks, including: event planning, clerical duties, database management, webinar and in-person meeting support, and other logistical support. Learn more here.

It’s not too late to make a gift in honor of the work of all of our honorees at this year’s 2022 WOLA Human Rights Awards and Benefit Gala. As you’ve read, each one of them faces tremendous odds and opposition to their fight for justice and equality. We know that you value their work, so what better way to salute their perseverance with a donation to WOLA in their honor? We thank you in advance for your generosity. 

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