Analysis & Commentary

Notes from Tijuana

WOLA staff notes on citizen security, border security and migration in the border city
27 Feb 2013
Why is Tijuana safer? Why is migration down? Is the U.S. border-security approach effective? Some impressions after a brief visit to the border city

Public Health Approach Takes Back Seat to Law Enforcement as Brazil Cracks Down on Drug Use

21 Feb 2013
Despite some promises for change, law enforcement responses, rather than a public health approach, have come to define Brazil's drug policies.

Judge’s Removal Causes Concerns over Human Rights Investigations in Uruguay

Transfer to Civilian Court Could Represent a Step Backward Toward Impunity
20 Feb 2013
The transfer of a respected Uruguayan judge to civilian court is a clear affront to attempts to prosecute past state crimes. It remains unclear what will happen to the judge's docket of more than 20 human rights cases.

Bolivia Officially Returns as a Party to the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs

12 Feb 2013
On February 10, Bolivia officially rejoined the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs with a reservation allowing for the traditional use of the coca leaf. This long overdue move is a significant step toward correcting a historic wrong.

Making the Case for Tougher Gun Laws

8 Feb 2013
As the U.S. debate on gun violence heats up, WOLA Executive Director Joy Olson calls on Congress to act quickly to stem the flow of illegal guns that fuel drug-related violence in Mexico.

Racism, Violence continue for Afro-Colombians

WOLA Letter Updates Congressional Black Caucus to Serious Situation
7 Feb 2013
Racism and outright violence continue to plague Afro-Colombians, WOLA explained in a letter to the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus.

U.S. Elections and the War on Drugs

A NACLA Report by Coletta Youngers
6 Feb 2013
In this NACLA report, WOLA Senior Fellow Coletta Youngers analyzes recent developments and stubborn continuities in regional drug control policy.

U.S. Congress Sends Letter to Colombian President on the Protection of Land Rights Activists

4 Feb 2013
In a letter to the president of Colombia, U.S. Congressman express concern over recent threats against human rights defenders.

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See Also

WOLA Border Fact Check

See Also

Read the Venezuelan Politics and Human Rights Blog

The Human Cost

The Human Cost of the Drug War