WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

June 6, 2025 at 3:30 PM

🌈 Pride Month, Ruth López statement & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America. Friday, June 6, 2025David McNew/Getty ImagesDear John, Happy Pride Month.  At WOLA, we join in honoring the strength and resilience of LGBTQIA+ communities across the Americas. Pride is not just a celebration—it’s a reminder of ongoing struggles for equa…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

May 30, 2025 at 4:07 PM

🇨🇴 Colombia human rights defenders delegation, TPS for Venezuela, and more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America. Friday, May 30, 2025I'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 rem…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

May 23, 2025 at 3:01 PM

🇸🇻 🚨 Ruth López Detained in El Salvador, Reconciliations Bill & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, May 23, 2025 Attorney General's Office/El SalvadorDear John,  This week began with deeply troubling news out of El Salvador: our friend and colleague Ruth López, a leading lawyer and human rights defender with Cristosal, was arbitrarily detained an…

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  Carolina Jiménez Sandoval, President of WOLA · [email protected]

May 21, 2025 at 2:53 PM

Final Reflections on Resilience from WOLA's President: Believing in Change

    Reflections on Resilience Dear John,  I know what it’s like to live under a government that uses fear to control people. To feel like you’re being watched. To weigh every word, for fear that speaking out could put you or your loved ones in danger. To worry that the organizations and causes you …

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  Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli · [email protected]

May 19, 2025 at 2:32 PM

Reflections on Resilience: Strength in Solidarity

    Reflections on Resilience Hi John,  In January, I watched in disbelief as the current administration launched an assault against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Our country started pulling back from the world in ways that struck at the heart of what my program at WOLA works for in…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

May 16, 2025 at 3:56 PM

📢 Advocacy on fentanyl, Mexico judicial elections, upcoming events & more ...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America. Friday, May 16, 2025 Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images Dear John,  This week, my colleague John Walsh and I had the opportunity to participate in a powerful and deeply meaningful delegation here in Washington, D.C., organized by WOLA, Win Without War, and th…

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  Adam Isacson · [email protected]

May 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM

Reflections on Resilience: New Connections, New Hope

    Reflections on Resilience Hi John,  A lot of people feel like they’re shouting into the void. I hear it from friends, from family, and from people beyond the human rights field who care deeply about what’s happening but feel like they can’t get any traction. I understand that feeling.  But one …

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  Stephanie Brewer · [email protected]

May 12, 2025 at 3:21 PM

Reflections on Resilience: Standing With Our Partners

    Reflections on Resilience Hi John,  When the Trump administration abruptly suspended U.S. foreign assistance, we knew the consequences for communities throughout Latin America would be immediate and severe. Within days, we reached out to WOLA’s partners across Latin America and gathered 100 rap…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

May 9, 2025 at 4:12 PM

🚨 D.C. ICE Raids, Gendered consequences of mass deportations & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, May 9, 2025 Michael M Santiago/Getty ImagesDear John,  This week, ICE carried out widespread visits targeting restaurants  in the D.C. area.  It’s a reminder that the increase in immigration enforcement is having immediate and harmful consequences …

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  Lauren Kimball · [email protected]

May 7, 2025 at 6:05 PM

Reflections on Resilience

    Reflections on Resilience Hi John, I won’t sugarcoat this.    These past few months have not been easy for non-profit organizations, particularly those working on U.S. foreign policy and human rights. Funding cuts from governments and institutional donors have resulted in stiff competition for …

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

May 2, 2025 at 3:52 PM

🌎 Enforced disappearance, Trump's first 100 days & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America. Friday, May 2, 2025 Horacio Villalobos/Getty Images Dear John,  This week, I had the privilege of giving the opening remarks for a powerful webinar co-hosted by WOLA and the National Security Archive: "Lessons from Latin America as the United States Reck…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

April 25, 2025 at 3:50 PM

🇸🇻 🇻🇪 Bukele's "offer" to Maduro, WOLA Events & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, April 25, 2024 Michael M Santiago/Getty ImagesDear John,  The Venezuela Program at WOLA has been hard at work in recent weeks. As authoritarian-style tactics gain ground across the hemisphere, our team remains focused on exposing abuses, defending …

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  The WOLA Team · [email protected]

April 23, 2025 at 2:51 PM

🚨 EVENT: Lessons from Latin America as the United States Reckons With Enforced Disappearance

Join us! Dear John, WOLA and the National Security Archive invite you to join us for an important and timely conversation: Lessons from Latin America as the United States Reckons With Enforced DisappearanceWednesday, April 30, 20252:00-3:30 PM EDT RSVP TO ATTEND! Join us for an online event on W…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

April 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM

🇸🇻 🇺🇸 Trump-Bukele meeting, denouncing anti-trans violence in Colombia & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, April 18, 2024 Win McNamee/Getty Images  Dear John,  Monday’s meeting between President Nayib Bukele and former President Donald Trump at the White House was disturbing—but sadly, not surprising. The two leaders, once again, leaned into a narrative…

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  Carolina Jiménez Sandoval, WOLA · [email protected]

April 11, 2025 at 3:54 PM

☕ Cafecito con Carolina

  Dear John,   Just over two months ago, Donald Trump was inaugurated for a second term as President of the United States. Since January 20, we’ve witnessed an ongoing attack against this country’s democratic institutions and an alarming erosion of the norms and principles that constitute the rule o…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

April 4, 2025 at 4:03 PM

🇨🇴 Violence in Buenaventura, New podcast episode & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, April 4, 2024  Dear John,  Colombia is once again at a crossroads. Over the past weekend, the port city of Buenaventura saw a sharp rise in violence, with illegal armed groups terrorizing communities. Among the victims was a young, rising Afro-Colo…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

March 28, 2025 at 3:44 PM

🇺🇸 WOLA testifies in Congress, State of Exception in El Salvador & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America. Friday, March 28, 2024 Handout/Getty Images Dear John,  This week, I testified before the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, where we discussed the future of the State Department’s counter-drug and law enforcement programs…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

March 21, 2025 at 4:30 PM

🚨 Trump administration deports migrants to El Salvador - despite judge's orders, New podcast episode & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, March 21, 2024 Handout/Getty ImagesDear John,  Over the weekend, the United States deported 238 Venezuelans and 23 Salvadorans, one of them a top gang leader, to El Salvador’s infamous mega prison, CECOT. This mass transfer raises serious human rig…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

March 14, 2025 at 4:24 PM

🎙️ New podcast episode, Migration webinar series & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, March 14, 2024 Kayla Bartowski/Getty ImagesDear John,  This week and last, WOLA organized with partners a two-part series about migration in the Americas, where we examined the dynamics in the U.S. and the border as well as the shifting realities s…

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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

March 7, 2025 at 6:59 PM

✊ International Women's Day, New podcast episode & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, March 7, 2024 Agencia Press South/Getty Images Dear John,  Tomorrow is International Women’s Day—a day of celebration, reflection, and action that carries different meanings for women across Latin America. For some, it is a day to honor hard-fought…

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  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 14, 2025 at 5:32 PM

🇲🇽 New Q&A on tariffs, fentanyl & migration, elimination of TPS for Venezuelans & more...

The latest on Human Rights in Latin America.Friday, February 14, 2024 Fransisco Vega/Getty Images Dear John,  Last week, President Trump first announced the imposition of a 25% tariff on Mexican goods, then announced a month-long pause on application of the tariff, citing Mexico’s agreement to send …

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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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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

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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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

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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  WOLA Weekly · [email protected]

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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