Analysis & Commentary

Public Security in El Salvador: Civilian Leadership and the Challenges Ahead

The Constitutional Court’s Dismissal of Generals Munguía Payés and Salinas
21 May 2013
On Friday, May 17, the Constitutional Chamber of El Salvador’s Supreme Court affirmed that the appointment of former General David Munguía Payés as Minister of Justice and Public Security and former General Francisco Salinas as director of the National Civilian Police violated the constitutional requirement that these posts be held by civilians.

Q&A: Legal Marijuana in Colorado and Washington

21 May 2013
In this paper, WOLA Senior Associate John Walsh responds to questions regarding the implementation of new laws to legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana— and the key challenges in creating regulatory regimes even as the federal ban remains in place. The paper forms part of a joint WOLA/Brookings series.

Colombia Peace Process Update (May 20, 2013)

A progress report on the dialogues
20 May 2013
A progress report on the dialogues taking place in Havana between Colombia's government and the FARC guerrillas. Main issues: the FARC adds new negotiators, U.S. legislators send a letter, Bogotá hosts a massive peace march, and Colombians start debating transitional justice.

After the Verdict: What Ríos Montt’s Conviction Means for Guatemala

14 May 2013
The Ríos Montt verdict is historic; he is the first former head of state to be convicted of genocide by a national court. His trial and conviction in the face of numerous attempts to interfere with the process means that there were two victories in Guatemala last week.

The Drug Policy Reform Agenda in the Americas

An IDPC Briefing Paper
14 May 2013
In this paper, Youngers identifies where drug policy reform is advancing in Latin America--and where obstacles remain.

Remembering Peruvian Human Rights Leader Javier Diez Canseco

8 May 2013
Javier Diez Canseco will long be remembered as a tireless defender of human rights in Peru, from the darkest moments of Peru's conflict to the day of his passing.

Mariela Castro’s Visa and LGBT Rights in Cuba

26 Apr 2013
The limited visa granted to Ms. Castro is indicative of the politicization of all things Cuba, including visa decisions. But it is also indicative of the contradictions and limitations inherent in the United States’ approach to promoting democracy and human rights in Cuba, which in recent years has grown to include LGBT rights.

One Year into the Gang Truce in El Salvador

Can the Funes Administration Turn the Fragile Truce into Sustainable Public Policy?
26 Apr 2013
In March 2012, authorities in El Salvador facilitated a truce between the country’s two largest street gangs, MS-13 and the 18th Street gang. Homicide rates began to drop quickly after the truce was announced, going from around 14 murders a day to about five, and to many observers’ surprise, the truce has now lasted over a year.

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The Human Cost

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