I'm a new Text block ready for your content.

Dear John,

Last week, I had the tremendous honor of hosting the winners of the 2024 National Human Rights Award in Colombia for a visit to Washington, D.C. and New York. Their presence reminded us why human rights work matters—why it’s not only necessary, but powerful, and still capable of sparking real change.

Our delegation included extraordinary leaders: Pablo Cala, Defender of the Year, a tireless advocate for the disappeared and founder of Fundación Hasta Encontrarlos; Jenniffer Chavarro Quino, representing ASOQUIMBO, a campesino association fighting for environmental justice and the rights of communities affected by the El Quimbo hydroelectric project; Nora Isabel Saldarriaga, from Fundación Forjando Futuros, whose work promotes justice, land restitution, and gender equity for victims of the armed conflict; and Father Albeiro Parra Solís, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, a human rights leader from Chocó who builds bridges between communities and institutions to defend the rights of Afro-Colombian, Indigenous, and mestizo populations.

Over the course of the week, we met with U.S. policymakers and government officials, including at the State Department. We also held a constructive dialogue with the Colombian Embassy and hosted a public event at WOLA’s office, where the defenders shared their stories and inspired all who attended.

In New York, the delegation continued their powerful advocacy, speaking at universities and meeting with diplomats at the United Nations. These exchanges were not only meaningful, they were hopeful. They reminded us that our advocacy continues to matter, and that it can open doors to justice, accountability, and long-term peace.

The work of these defenders is nothing short of inspiring. Their courage, creativity, and resilience push us all to do better, to show up stronger, and to keep building a more just and dignified future together. At WOLA, we are proud to walk alongside them and to keep learning from their example.

Sincerely,

Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli
Director for the Andes

For human rights activists across Latin America right now, the stakes are high. Violence around elections is on the rise, as are threats against those who speak in favor of justice and accountability.

Your support of WOLA creates space to amplify the voices of those who put their life on the line to champion human rights; from Caracas, to San Salvador, and everywhere in between.

"WOLA approximated that the funding is comparable to the Head Start preschool program for low-income families or 22 times the budget for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds NPR and PBS."

– Salon, The "money for Texas" amendment: GOP budget could reward Greg Abbott for MAGA border stunts

"At first, the vast majority of migrants who crossed were heading south or to other parts of Colombia. But in 2022, people didn’t stay long in Cúcuta because their goal was to make it through the Darién in an attempt to reach the United States."
This article is in Spanish.

Adam Isacson

Director for Defense Oversight

– Connectas, "En la frontera de Cúcuta y Venezuela se cocina una “emergencia silenciosa”

“Right now, numerically, who holds the most influence over these branches of government – executive and legislative, specifically – would be the Morena party.” 

Stephanie Brewer

Director for Mexico

– CNN, Mexico will hold historic judicial elections on Sunday. Some believe it will hurt democracy

Please consider making a gift to support the creation of our Weekly Newsletter, and all areas of our human rights advocacy work, by clicking the button above.

Thank You!

Copyright © 2023 Washington Office on Latin America, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you are signed up to the WOLA mailing list.

WOLA
1666 Connecticut Ave NW
Suite 400, DC 20009
United States

If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe.