Guatemala has been a major work area for WOLA for many years.  Since the signing of the Peace Accords in 1996, WOLA has been instrumental in pushing for effective civilian control over Guatemala’s security forces, promoting the defense of human rights, guaranteeing an economic aid package to the region after the devastation of Hurricane Mitch, and supporting efforts to strengthen the Rule of Law,  including the implementation of an international commission to investigate and dismantle clandestine security apparatuses.

From 1996 to 2003, WOLA’s Central America Advocacy Training Program sought to strengthen the capacity of counterpart organizations to better engage with and influence local, national and international policy-makers by providing in-country training in basic advocacy methodologies and techniques. To download the training manuals click here.

Most recently, WOLA has begun investigating other issues in Guatemala, chiefly youth gangs and violence against women.  As part of the Rights and Development program, the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) has been a major focus as well