All Content: indigenous

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.

International Groups Welcome Progress in Guatemalan Genocide Trial but Criticize Delaying Tactics

9 May 2013
News
Nine international human rights and legal groups have welcomed the resumption of the Guatemalan trial of Efraín Ríos Montt, the former military dictator, for genocide and crimes against humanity.

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.

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.

Rights of Colombian Indigenous Groups under Threat

Armed groups, mining projects threaten safety and autonomy of indigenous peoples
5 Apr 2013
Analysis & Commentary
In a letter to Congressional foreign policy aides, WOLA outlines the continued threats faced by Colombia's indigenous peoples.

From Conflict to Collaboration

An Innovative Approach to Reducing Coca Cultivation in Bolivia
26 Mar 2013
Publication
In this article in Stability: International Journal of Security & Development, WOLA Senior Fellow Coletta A. Youngers and Andean Information Network Director Kathryn Ledebur explore Bolivia's unique--and successful--approach to drug policy.

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.

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.

Colombia Human Rights Bulletin

July 2012
16 Jul 2012
Publication
WOLA would like to share these documents recently published by WOLA or organizations we work with in Colombia on labor rights and human rights issues.

Stopping Irreparable Harm: Acting on Colombia’s Afro-Colombian and Indigenous Communities Protection Crisis

Report by Senior Associate Gimena Sanchez as a Guest Researcher for NOREF
26 Jun 2012
Publication
This report seeks to describe the protection challenges facing ethnic minorities and to provide recommendations for how the international community can act to guarantee Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities’ protection.

U.S. State Department Releases Country Reports on Human Rights

WOLA: U.S. Policy Contradicts Analysis of Violations
24 May 2012
News
Today, the U.S. Department of State released its Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. As has been the case in recent years, these reports are generally accurate in portraying the state of human rights in Latin America. The larger question, though, is whether the State Department will base U.S. foreign policy on its own analysis.

Tenth Anniversary of Bojayá, Colombia Massacre

Justice and reparations remain elusive for the victims of the massacre ten years later
2 May 2012
Analysis & Commentary
On May 2, 2002, over 79 people, including children, were massacred in the town of Bojayá, Colombia

Protect Indigenous and Afro-Descendant Communities in Northern Cauca

Massacres, Threats, and Attacks Continue
26 Mar 2012
Publication
Human rights organizations demand guarantees for life and the defense of the indigenous and Afro-descendant territories of Northern Cauca

Death and Impunity Increase in Chocó

Diocese of Quibdó Decries Grave Human Rights Situation in Chocó
20 Mar 2012
Publication
WOLA encourages the U.S. government to promptly act in order to guarantee human rights and territorial rights for Chocó’s Afro-Colombian and indigenous peoples

ONIC Celebrates Thirty Years of Defending Indigenous Peoples' Rights in Colombia

24 Feb 2012
Publication
WOLA has worked closely with the ONIC for several years as part of an international advocacy strategy to draw more attention to the plight of indigenous peoples in Colombia, and we look forward to continuing this important work.

WOLA: Promoting Human Rights, Democracy, and Social Justice

22 Dec 2011
Video
As the year winds to a close, we hope you will enjoy this video about how WOLA works with partners in the region to advance human rights in Latin America. If you have not done so, we hope you will consider making a donation to WOLA to support our continued efforts. Your support makes a difference.

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