All Content: human rights cases

Justice for Colombia's San José Peace Community?

15 May 2013
Video
On Thursday, May 16, WOLA hosted a discussion with renowned Colombian human rights lawyer Jorge Molano. The full event video is available here.

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

14 May 2013
Analysis & Commentary
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.

Ríos Montt Discussion From October, 1982

10 May 2013
Video
Former WOLA Assistant Dana Martin, one of the earliest members of WOLA staff, comments on the regime of Efraín Ríos Montt in a 1982 video interview with Jim Lehrer and Charlene Hunter Gault. WOLA has been closely following the human rights situation in Guatemala for decades.

Verdict in Guatemala Genocide Trial Expected Today

10 May 2013
News
Q&A with WOLA's Program Director, Geoff Thale

Verdict in Guatemala Genocide Trial: Q&A with Geoff Thale

10 May 2013
Video
Q&A with WOLA's Program Director, Geoff Thale filmed in anticipation of the verdict in the historic genocide trial of former Guatemalan dictator Efraín Ríos Montt. The conviction, which sentenced Ríos Montt to 80 years in prison, is an enormous victory for justice and the rule of law in Guatemala.

Remembering Peruvian Human Rights Leader Javier Diez Canseco

8 May 2013
Analysis & Commentary
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.

President Obama to Meet with Central American Presidents

Topics of Discussion to Include Security and Economic Cooperation
1 May 2013
News
The Central American stop on Obama's trip seems intended to showcase positive messages about economic growth and partnership. But Central America has some huge challenges—on dealing with crime and insecurity, and on human rights and democracy—that will inevitably be part of the story.

Guatemalan Genocide Trial Back on Track?

26 Apr 2013
News
In an encouraging move, on April 25 the Constitutional Court issued a ruling that would allow the case to essentially pick up where it left off when it was suspended last week.

In Ríos Montt Trial, Procedural Delays Must Not Undercut Justice

Trial Is a Test of Rule of Law in Guatemala
24 Apr 2013
News
Thousands upon thousands of victims of state violence and human rights violations committed during Guatemala’s internal armed conflict have waited decades for justice, and the commitment to justice should prevail over procedural obfuscation.

Rights Groups Urge Completion of Guatemala Genocide Trial

19 Apr 2013
News
Four international legal and human rights groups, including WOLA, are together urging all concerned to ensure that the current trial in Guatemala of former president Efraín Ríos Montt on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity proceeds with due respect for judicial independence.

U.S. Congress Supports Peace in Colombia

18 Apr 2013
Analysis & Commentary
In a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry, 62 members of Congress call for U.S. policy to support peace with justice as the country continues negotiations to end its internal conflict.

International Delegation to Observe Ríos Montt Genocide Trial in Guatemala

Press conference to be held Thursday, April 18
16 Apr 2013
News

The Bones Speak: The Remains of Three of the Disappeared are Found in Los Cabitos (Peru)

Article in the blog La Mula on the search for truth following Peru's internal armed conflict
25 Mar 2013
Analysis & Commentary
The exhumation of several executed bodies from Los Cabitos military base in Peru is further evidence of crimes committed during Peru's internal armed conflict, as WOLA Senior Fellow Jo-Marie Burt explains.(Spanish only)

Civil Society and the Resurgent Struggle against Impunity in Uruguay (1986–2012)

Senior Fellow Jo-Marie Burt in the International Journal of Transitional Justice
25 Mar 2013
Publication
WOLA Senior Fellow Jo-Marie Burt explores the role of civil society in pursuing justice in Uruguay.

Will You Support Peace in Colombia?

Ask Your Representative to Sign a Dear Colleague Letter Promoting Peace in Colombia
21 Mar 2013
Analysis & Commentary
The letter, co-sponsored by Reps. McGovern and Schakowsky, calls on the Department of State to support the Colombia peace process and calls for the implementation of aid and policies that promote a lasting peace.

An Ongoing Search for Justice and Security in Colombia’s Afrodescendent Communities

13 Mar 2013
Video
In this taped event, local, national, and international leaders share their experiences in the fight for justice and security for Afro-Colombian communities.

WOLA Blog: "Venezuelan Politics and Human Rights"

A unique resource for journalists, policymakers, scholars, activists, and others interested in understanding Venezuelan politics and human rights.
5 Mar 2013
Analysis & Commentary
The contributors to the blog, including WOLA Senior Fellow David Smilde, provide insights on Venezuela’s politics that go beyond the polarized pro-Chávez/anti-Chávez debate as developments unfold.

The Colombian Government Must Take Clear, Concrete Steps to Protect Human Rights

In a Letter to the Minister of the Interior, WOLA Calls for Action
28 Feb 2013
Analysis & Commentary
WOLA expresses concern over the continued violence against human rights defenders, Afro-Colombians, and trade unionists in Colombia and looks to the Interior Ministry for concrete results.

Recent Sentence by Uruguayan Supreme Court Obstructs Search for Truth and Justice

Unconstitutionality Verdict is a New Setback in the Struggle against Impunity
28 Feb 2013
Analysis & Commentary
Uruguay's latest Supreme Court ruling, which found a key human rights law to be unconstitutional, threatens to undermine advances made in holding perpetrators accountable for crimes committed during the country's dictatorship.

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
Analysis & Commentary
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.

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