Analysis & Commentary

Fight Crime, Respect the Poor: Priorities for a Potential Post-Chavez Venezuela

Analysis in New York Times’ Room for Debate
4 Jan 2013
The New York Times’ Room for Debate blog posted a series of brief analyses from Venezuela commentators today on what issues may arise in a post-Chávez Venezuela. WOLA director Joy Olson and Senior Fellow David Smilde weighed in, arguing that improving citizen security will be the central concern for many Venezuelans.

Time for Shared Solutions to Gun Violence in the United States and Mexico

17 Dec 2012
As we mourn the loss of so many lives in Newtown last Friday, this is one of those moments when you think dramatic change has to come. Now, at last, let us hope the United States will confront head on the consequences of our lax gun laws—especially the unspeakable horrors caused by the proliferation of assault weapons.

Cuba Announces Popular Consultations on Labor Code

Implications for Workers’ Rights in Cuba
14 Dec 2012
A consultation process that encourages honest debate could help Cuba adapt to the changing economy and the resulting changes in labor relations, while preserving an effective framework of protections and benefits for workers.

Murder of AFRODES Leader Strongly Condemned

U.S. and Colombian Authorities Urged by WOLA to Prevent Further Deaths
12 Dec 2012
WOLA strongly condemns the murder of Afro-Colombian leader Miller Angulo and demands a full investigation, as well as protection members for those leaders still at risk.

WOLA Congratulates Peruvian Human Rights Leader for Award

APRODEH Founder Francisco Soberón Honored by Peru's Human Rights Coordinator
10 Dec 2012
WOLA congratulates Peruvian human rights advocate Francisco Soberón for his award recognizing his long-time dedication to human rights and social justice

As Colombian Senate Holds Hearing, Labor Rights Situation Remains Dire

30 Nov 2012
Despite some modest gains, Colombia's labor rights situation remains serious. More action must be taken to protect union leaders and ensure labor rights are respected.

UN International Guiding Principles on Alternative Development: Part II

Opportunity Lost?
21 Nov 2012
Concluding a two-part series exploring the inner workings of international drug reform, Coletta Youngers finds that last week's multilateral meeting in Lima, Peru, failed in its primary goal of encouraging investment in alternatives to drug crops.

Peace Talks: An Opportunity to Fill Colombia's Deficit to Afro-Colombian Women

15 Nov 2012
As the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) embark on historic peace talks in Havana, Cuba, an end to hostilities is not the only desirable outcome. The negotiations offer an opportunity to address Colombia's legacy of exclusion of women--especially Afro-Colombian women--from politics and society.

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The Human Cost

The Human Cost of the Drug War