WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

February 28, 2025 at 4:25 PM

🇺🇸 Impacts of Trump's migration policies, new podcast episode & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, February 28, 2024 John Moore/Getty Images Dear John,  For the past five weeks, I’ve been closely tracking the historic harm being done by the new administration’s border and immigration policies—a series of outrages that includes an illegal shutdow…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

February 21, 2025 at 4:50 PM

🇨🇴 U.S.-Colombia relations, WOLA on Capitol Hill & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, February 21, 2024 Kevin Carter/Getty Images Dear John,  This week, I joined WOLA staff on the Hill to discuss the devastating impact of frozen foreign aid on Latin America. We met with Congressional staffers to share the real consequences of cuttin…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

February 7, 2025 at 5:40 PM

🚨 The impact of Trump's USAID cuts on the region, Bukele to accept U.S. inmates & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, February 7, 2024 John Moore/Getty Images Dear John,  It’s been a difficult week for human rights and civil society organizations in Central America. Two weeks after U.S. foreign aid was frozen, the Trump administration is attempting to massively re…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

January 31, 2025 at 4:20 PM

🖥️ The brand new wola.org, Trump, Venezuela and more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, January 31, 2024  Dear John,  I’m thrilled to share with you the launch of our newly redesigned website, WOLA.org, marking a pivotal moment in the Washington Office on Latin America’s journey. Our previous site, which had been in operation since 20…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

January 24, 2025 at 3:43 PM

🇨🇴 The Situation in Catatumbo, Colombia, Trump’s First Executive Orders and More...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, January 24, 2024  Dear John,  Over the weekend, Colombia's Catatumbo region witnessed a devastating outbreak of violence. Clashes between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

January 17, 2025 at 5:57 PM

🇺🇸 What Trump's return could mean for Latin America, WOLA testifies in the Senate & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, January 17, 2024  Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images          Dear John,  As Donald Trump prepares to return to the U.S. presidency in just three days, we are entering a time of significant change in U.S.-Latin America relations. While challenges lie ahe…

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  WOLA Team · [email protected]

January 16, 2025 at 6:46 PM

🇺🇸 WOLA Testifies in Senate Hearing "Remain in Mexico"

Dear John,  Earlier today, WOLA’s Director for Defense Oversight, Adam Isacson, testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, in the hearing “Remain in Mexico”.  In his testimony, Adam highlighted how the Remain in Mexico policy - officially known as the M…

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January 10, 2025 at 3:04 PM

🇻🇪 Inauguration Day in Venezuela, Exciting WOLA Announcement & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, January 10, 2024  Jesus Vargas/Getty Images          Dear John,  This week marks a pivotal moment for Venezuela as the January 10 presidential inauguration approaches amidst escalating political and social tension. The week started with a visit fro…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

December 20, 2024 at 2:40 PM

🌟 Best of WOLA 2024 🌟🏆

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.  Friday, December 20, 2024   Dear John,  As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on a year of dedication, meaningful victories, and challenging losses. Through it all, WOLA has remained steadfast in its commitment to advancing human rights across the Ameri…

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December 13, 2024 at 4:07 PM

🇸🇻 WOLA Testifies in Congress on El Salvador, New Podcast Episode & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, December 13, 2024  Alex Peña/Getty Images          Dear John,  This week, I testified before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the United States House of Representatives during the hearing “The State of Exception in El Salvador: Taking Stoc…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

December 6, 2024 at 3:34 PM

🇨🇴 U.S. Congressional Delegation to Colombia, New Commentary on El Salvador & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, December 6, 2024  Credit: Alex Bare          Dear John,  Last week, I had the privilege of joining Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA) and a distinguished congressional delegation including Afrodescendant activists on a pivotal visit to Colombia, spann…

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  Carolina Jiménez Sandoval, WOLA · [email protected]

November 29, 2024 at 3:02 PM

☕ Cafecito con Carolina

  Cafecito con CarolinaNovember 29, 2024 (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images) Dear John,   Just over three weeks ago, Donald Trump was elected President of the United States for a second term. During his campaign, Trump promised even more extreme and discriminatory policies. Beyond the concerning impact of hi…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

November 22, 2024 at 3:42 PM

🇸🇻 WOLA in El Salvador, Supporting PROVEA in Venezuela, and Award-Winning Documentary

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, November 22, 2024  Credit: Ana María Méndez Dardón          Dear John,  Last week, former WOLA’s director Geoff Thale and I, joined a congressional delegation, led by Representative Jim McGovern, to commemorate 35 years since the brutal massacre of…

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November 15, 2024 at 4:17 PM

🌎 WOLA at the IACHR, New Commentary on Migration & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, November 15, 2024 Dear John,  This week holds significant importance for WOLA and our partners across the region, as the 191st period of sessions of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) takes place in Washington, DC. The hearings b…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

November 8, 2024 at 3:28 PM

🇺🇸 The next Trump administration, ......

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, November 8, 2024 Dear John,  After a long and contentious campaign, the American people have elected Donald Trump as their next president. The results of this election represent enormous challenges to human rights worldwide.  For Latin America, the…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

November 1, 2024 at 2:57 PM

✊ Gender and racial justice, WOLA at the COP16, Border updates, & more!

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America. Friday, November 1, 2024 Dear John,  As we approach a pivotal moment in the U.S. elections, I’m pleased to introduce two new features in our series, A Human Rights Agenda for the Next U.S. Administration. Our latest articles, Gender Equity: A Necessity to…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

October 25, 2024 at 2:13 PM

🗳️ Democracy in the Americas, New Podcast on Mexico's Constitutional Reforms and More! 🎙️🇲🇽✨

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, October 25, 2024Scott Olson /Getty Images Dear John,  I’m excited to share the third installment of our series, A Human Rights Agenda for the Next U.S. Administration, where we outline WOLA’s vision for promoting democracy across the Americas. This…

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  WOLA team · [email protected]

October 18, 2024 at 2:12 PM

🇺🇸 Priorities for Next U.S Administration

Dear John,  Following the launch of our series A Human Rights Agenda for the Next U.S. Administration, we are excited to share the first two articles, focusing on key areas shaping U.S. policies in the Americas: Migration: We explore five key policies that the U.S. should adopt to ensure a humane, r…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

October 11, 2024 at 2:40 PM

⚛️ Drug Policy, Venezuela Fact-Finding Mission & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, October 11, 2024Eduardo Mu/Getty Images John  This week, we’re pleased to share the second installment of our series, A Human Rights Agenda for the Next U.S. Administration, focusing on drug policy. In this article, we recommend that the U.S. adopt…

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  The WOLA Team · [email protected]

October 8, 2024 at 3:43 PM

🚨 EVENT: Responding Effectively to the Fentanyl Overdose Crisis: Evidence from the Border and Beyond

Join us!Dear John,  We invite you to join us for an important virtual discussion hosted by WOLA on the fentanyl overdose crisis and strategies for effective, evidence-based responses.Responding Effectively to the Fentanyl Overdose Crisis: Evidence from the Border and Beyond Thursday, October 10, 202…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

October 4, 2024 at 5:28 PM

🇻🇪 WOLA at the OAS, New WOLA Series & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America. Friday, October 4, 2024Jose Decavele/Getty ImagesJohn  This week marked a significant milestone in WOLA’s advocacy for human rights in Venezuela. On October 2, I had the privilege of addressing the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States …

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  The WOLA Team · [email protected]

October 3, 2024 at 7:35 PM

🌟 New Series Alert: A Human Rights Agenda for the Next U.S. Administration

Read Part 1: Migration now!Dear John,  As the U.S. presidential election quickly approaches, WOLA is leading the conversation on human rights by launching our new series, "A Human Rights Agenda for the Next U.S. Administration." In this series, we outline our recommendations for the incoming adminis…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

September 27, 2024 at 2:01 PM

🕊️ 10th Anniversary of Ayotzinapa: Calling for Justice and Accountability for the Victims

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, September 27, 2024Jose Decavele/Getty Images Dear John,  As we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Ayotzinapa case, WOLA reflects on the enduring impact this case has had on the families of the 43 disappeared students and on all of Mexico. To …

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

September 20, 2024 at 2:01 PM

🌱 Coca cultivation expands in Central America, latest migration numbers, & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, September 20, 2024Photo by Fritz Pinnow Dear John,  Illicit coca cultivation, long concentrated in South America’s Andean region, is now taking root in Central America as well. The emerging evidence of coca growing and illicit cocaine production i…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

September 13, 2024 at 2:30 PM

🚨 Operation Lone Star, U.S. Presidential Debate, & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, September 13, 2024Photo by Texas Military Department Dear John,  The recent U.S. presidential debate highlighted the urgent need for migration policies grounded in human rights, not fear. At WOLA, we are committed to advocating for a humane approa…

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  Adam Isacson, WOLA · [email protected]

September 11, 2024 at 7:21 PM

Reflections on last night's presidential debate

We can do more to uphold human rights in our immigration system! Dear John, When it comes to one of WOLA’s core areas of work, migration and human rights at the border, I went into last night’s presidential debate unsure of what to expect.   There is an obvious and stark difference between the two c…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

September 6, 2024 at 2:00 PM

🇨🇴 Security situation in Colombia, urgent actions, upcoming events & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, September 6, 2024Photo by Jan Sochor/Getty Images Dear John,  As Colombia's security situation becomes increasingly complex, WOLA remains committed to the full implementation of the 2016 peace agreement, with a particular focus on the Ethnic Chapt…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

August 30, 2024 at 2:31 PM

International Day of the Disappeared, Trends at the U.S.-Mexico Border & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America. Friday, August 30, 2024Photo by Sergio Ortíz Borbolla Dear John,  As we observe the International Day of the Disappeared, we are reminded of the enduring crisis of enforced disappearances in Latin America. This tragic phenomenon has scarred many countrie…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

August 23, 2024 at 2:00 PM

🇲🇽 Judicial Reform in Mexico: A Crossroad for Human Rights? & More...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, August 23, 2024Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images Dear John,  In my latest commentary, I examine the troubling implications of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's proposed judicial reforms in Mexico. These reforms, which include the election o…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

August 16, 2024 at 2:07 PM

🌎 This Week On Migration, Venezuela & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America. Friday, August 16, 2024Photo by Sergio Ortíz Borbolla Dear John,  Migration at the U.S.-Mexico border has dropped to its lowest point of the Biden administration, driven by a crackdown in Mexico and new asylum restrictions. However, this lull may be temp…

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  Carolina Jiménez Sandoval, WOLA · [email protected]

August 9, 2024 at 2:57 PM

🇻🇪 Crisis in Venezuela

What you need to know and how you can help. Dear John,   There is a democratic crisis (which has led to a human rights crisis) happening in Venezuela.   Here are the details I think you should know, as well as how you can help WOLA’s work.   The Situation On Sunday, July 28, Venezuela held their fir…

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  Carolina Jiménez Sandoval, WOLA · [email protected]

August 2, 2024 at 6:22 PM

☕ Cafecito con Carolina

  Cafecito con CarolinaAugust 2, 2024 (Marcelo Perez del Carpio/Getty Images) Dear John,   I had the opportunity to participate in several conferences in Europe and Latin America, speaking about democracy and its outlook in the region. In this Cafecito, I was going to focus on telling you about my …

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

July 26, 2024 at 2:00 PM

🇻🇪 This Week On Venezuelan Elections, & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, July 26 2024Mario Tama/Getty Images Dear John,  This Sunday’s presidential election represents a critical moment for Venezuela and the future of democracy in the region. The stakes are incredibly high as the results could either entrench authorita…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

July 19, 2024 at 2:29 PM

📝 This Week On Coca Chronicles, Venezuelan Elections, & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, July 19, 2024(Illustration by  Anđela Janković) Dear John,   We are excited to share the third issue of our Coca Chronicles series, in collaboration with our colleagues at the Transnational Institute (TNI). In this edition, renowned cultural anthr…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

July 12, 2024 at 1:59 PM

📝 A Note From Ana María About Virgina Laparra and more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, July 12, 2024(Photo Credit/ Anonymous)  Dear John,  Today, I write to you with a heavy heart and deep indignation over the second sentence handed down against Guatemalan lawyer and former prosecutor, Virginia Laparra, who Amnesty International rec…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

June 28, 2024 at 5:39 PM

🇻🇪 Venezuela: Election Countdown, Political Prisoners & Migration

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, June 28, 2024Carolina Cabral/Getty Images Dear John,  Today marks a month until the July 28 presidential elections in Venezuela. Much can happen in this final stretch and even though the opposition seems set to win, a democratic transition is still…

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June 21, 2024 at 4:13 PM

📚 New Migration Report: "Migrants in Colombia: From Government Absence to Criminal Control"

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, June 21, 2024Photo by Sergio Ortíz Borbolla Dear John, This week, to mark World Refugee Day, WOLA launched “Migrants in Colombia: From Government Absence to Criminal Control”, an in-depth report that I researched late last year on Colombia’s border…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

June 14, 2024 at 4:38 PM

🇸🇻Corruption in El Salvador, Magistrate Elections in Guatemala, Garifuna Rights in Honduras, WOLA at LASA & More...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, June 14, 2024Handout/Getty Images Dear John,  On June 1, President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador was sworn in for an unconstitutional second five year term, in a ceremony attended by global leaders. Bukele has concentrated power around his persona by…

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  WOLA.org · [email protected]

June 13, 2024 at 4:01 PM

WOLA Is Excited to Announce a New Addition to Our Senior Fellow Team!

We are excited to announce that Rafael Uzcátegui is joining WOLA as a Senior Fellow. As a sociologist, human rights defender, communicator, and independent editor, Rafael lends his expertise to advise WOLA on public policy strategies around democracy in the Americas. Dear John,  We are excited to a…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

June 7, 2024 at 2:16 PM

🇺🇸 Asylum Setback, LASA in Bogotá, WOLA Gala Video & More...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, June 7, 2024 Dear John,  As you will have heard by now, this week the Biden administration announced executive action on immigration, severely curtailing the right to asylum at the U.S border. My colleague Adam Isacson put together this Q&A on …

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

May 31, 2024 at 4:09 PM

🏳️‍🌈 Pride Month, Elections in Mexico, Corruption in Colombia, Threats to Human Rights in Argentina & More...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, May 31, 2024 Dear John,  In June, WOLA will be celebrating Pride Month by uplifting the voices of our LGBTQ+ partners in the region. Levels of homophobia and transphobia in Latin America remain high, with Peru recently issuing a decree stating that…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

May 24, 2024 at 5:48 PM

🇲🇽 Elections in Mexico, Human Rights under Javier Milei, Mexico's 100,000+ Disappeared & More...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America. Friday, May 24, 2024Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images Dear John, Elections in Mexico are fast approaching. On June 2, Mexicans will head to the polls to elect officials for 20,000 posts, including the entire federal Congress, nine governors, thousands of stat…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

May 17, 2024 at 3:44 PM

🎉WOLA GALA: Photos, Videos & More...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America. Friday, May 17, 2024Photo by Kaz Sasahan Dear John, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who attended WOLA’s 50th anniversary Gala last week. And especially to those who gave generously, investing in WOLA’s future. Those of you who were una…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

May 3, 2024 at 6:52 PM

🎙️Press Freedom Day, Brazilian representatives in D.C, U.S Moves on Marijuana, Voices from Peru on Democratic Crisis & More...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America. Friday, May 3, 2024Photo by Milli Legrain Dear John,  Today is World Press Freedom Day. According to Article 19, a staggering 163 journalists were killed in Mexico from 2000 - 2023,  the highest number of media killings in any country outside a war zone. …

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

April 26, 2024 at 1:00 PM

🍃 Coca Leaf Progress For Bolivia, WOLA's 50th Gala, Climate Justice Events, PBS Film on Migration & More...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America. Friday, April 26, 2024Illustration by Anđela Janković Dear John, Decades ago, the United Nations mistakenly classified the coca leaf as a narcotic drug, stigmatizing millions of people who consume coca for its health and nutritional benefits. This include…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

April 19, 2024 at 5:14 PM

🇲🇽🇺🇸 Why the Drop in Migration at the Border? WOLA at D.C Film Fest, 50th Anniversary Video Showcase, Introducing our Gala MC & More...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America. Friday, April 19, 2024Michael González/Getty Images Dear John,  This week I actually wrote about the drop in migration to the southern U.S border, which is unusual for this time of year. I attribute this to Mexico — prompted by the U.S government— crackin…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

April 12, 2024 at 3:37 PM

🇭🇳Central America Special-Lessons from Juan Orlando Hernández trial, Human Rights Alternatives to the Bukele Security Model & More...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America. Friday, April 12, 2024Adam Gray/Getty Images Dear John, This week I reached out to members of Congress and the U.S government to share lessons learned from the trial, in New York, of the former president of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernández, who was convic…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

April 5, 2024 at 5:06 PM

🇲🇽 Kidnapping of Migrants in Mexico, Events on Venezuela & Drug Policy Reform & More...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America. Friday, April 5, 2024Sergio BorbollaDear John,  In recent months, WOLA interviewed 15 researchers, humanitarian aid workers and staff at migrant shelters operating on the U.S.-Mexico border. They spoke of a dramatic increase in kidnappings and horrific ac…

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  Carolina Jiménez Sandoval, WOLA · [email protected]

April 2, 2024 at 2:00 PM

Cafecito con Carolina

Cafecito con CarolinaApril 2, 2024 Dear John,   Here in DC, spring has sprung, and we are in the midst of final preparations for our 50th Anniversary Human Rights Awards Ceremony and Benefit Gala on May 9th. This year we will be honoring Senator Patrick Leahy, Venezuela Program Education-Action on …

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March 22, 2024 at 4:30 PM

🇻🇪Venezuela’s Setbacks to Democracy, Drug Policy & Environmental Justice in the Amazon & More...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America. Friday, March 22, 2024 Edilzon Gamez/Getty Images Dear John, As I told MSNBC in a television interview this morning, democracy in Venezuela has again suffered setbacks this week. The situation is changing rapidly and there is a lot of disinformation and m…

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