While the release of 222 political prisoners who were illegally detained by the Ortega-Murillo government in Nicaragua is cause for celebration, there are several concerns and doubts that need to be addressed. In an alarming act of human rights violations, the prisoners were exiled and revoked of their citizenship by the Nicaraguan National Assembly, which is prohibited by international human rights norms. We urge the international community to continue supporting Nicaraguan civil society to promote human rights, access to independent and impartial justice, and a return to democracy. 

Additionally this week, WOLA shared its concern on Peru’s deteriorating human rights and political crisis and the ongoing repression against protestors at the hands of security forces. We called on the Peruvian government to fundamentally change its approach to the challenging and institutional crisis Peru is facing and offered some insights to promote an urgent and peaceful solution.

This and much more in this week's Newsletter.

Carolina Jiménez Sandoval

WOLA's President

• 🇳🇮 WOLA applauds the release of 222 political prisoners in Nicaragua who were illegally detained by the Ortega-Murillo government due to their critical voices and their work promoting human rights and democracy. Read our statement. 

• 🇵🇪 Responding to protests with excessive force, including lethal force, is not only contrary to human rights standards but also fuels chaos and mistrust in the Peruvian government. It is essential that the government fundamentally change its approach to the challenging political and institutional crisis that the country is facing.

• 🇧🇷 The meeting between presidents Biden and Lula da Silva is an opportunity to place the bilateral relationship back on track in jointly fighting climate change, restarting joint antiracism actions and dialogues, and advancing the common interests of both nations while prioritizing human rights, democratic institutions, and the rule of law. Read our statement.

In April 2022, WOLA launched its one-of-kind Border Oversight Database, which documents hundreds of reports of human rights violations and abuses against migrants and asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border. 

During my visit to Costa Rica this week, I had the privilege of meeting with members of diverse groups and organizations from Nicaragua living in exile, including ex-political prisoners, human rights activists, academics, youth groups, former members of Nicaragua’s National Assembly, and leaders of the Campesino movement displaced to communities on the Costa Rican-Nicaraguan border, where I traveled to see them. We discussed strategies to achieve our common and shared objectives.

WOLA partnered with Art for Human Rights, Frontline Defenders, and UNHCR to support the exhibition of 60 drawings by Matteo Pericoli at Casa Seminario 12 in Mexico City. These drawings depict the stories of 60 refugees from countries all over the world who were forced to flee and seek refuge ‘elsewhere’. For more information, visit Art for Human Rights on  Twitter and  Instagram.

WOLA is searching for an Assistant Director for People and Culture, who uses progressive and equity-based policies to manage all human resources functions. This role will manage a variety of programs and projects, including: evaluations, payroll, timesheets, benefits, hiring, and the general life cycle of an employee. Learn more here.

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