Citizen Security News

WOLA Announces Winners of 2012 Human Rights Awards

This year's awards highlight courageous leaders working to overcome crime and violence in Latin America
May 9, 2012
The theme of this year’s award ceremony is “Overcoming Violence: The New Human Rights Agenda.” WOLA will honor three courageous and innovative leaders.

Central American Presidents to Meet to Discuss Alternatives to “War on Drugs”

Four Reforms Prime for Consideration and Implementation
March 22, 2012
On Saturday, March 24, Guatemalan President Otto Pérez Molina will host a meeting of Central American presidents. Here, WOLA suggests four alternatives to the current strategy.

Obama Administration Pushes Back on Lawsuit Regarding Wiretapping

Supreme Court to Review Case against Surveillance Law
February 21, 2012
“We are part of this lawsuit because we can’t let fear and secrecy trump our rights or keep us from doing our work.”

Appointment of Former General as Head of El Salvador's Police Violates the Spirit of the Peace Accords

Does this represent a change in focus for the country's security policy?
January 27, 2012
For the second time during Funes' administration, a retired military officer has been put in charge of one of the country’s public security institutions.

WOLA expresses concern about naming of new Justice and Public Security Minister in El Salvador

November 22, 2011
The decision to name a military professional to lead citizen security in El Salvador goes against the spirit of the Peace Accords, which established a clear separation between police and military roles.

WOLA and IDB Release Most Comprehensive Study To Date on International Aid for Citizen Security in Central America

WOLA urges Central American governments and International Donors to use study as a tool for coordinating efforts
June 22, 2011
Details the international community's support for citizen security in Central America.

Regional Leaders Meet in Guatemala to Discuss Central American Security Strategy

WOLA will be in attendance and urges leaders to consider a comprehensive approach to insecurity
June 21, 2011
Adriana Beltrán and Geoff Thale are coordinating with civil society experts from Central America to ensure that the viewpoints and experiences of those working on the ground in violence prevention and citizen security are taken into account in the new regional plan.

Tackling Urban Violence in Latin America

WOLA Releases Report Comparing Innovative Approaches to Citizen Security
June 6, 2011
Today, as the Organization of American States (OAS) 41st General Assembly focuses on “Citizen Security in the Americas,” WOLA released a new report on innovative approaches to reduce urban violence.

OAS General Assembly to Emphasize Citizen Security Amidst Mounting Crime and Violence

WOLA will be in attendance in San Salvador
June 3, 2011
The upcoming OAS General Assembly, has as its theme “Citizen Security in the Americas,” a key issue given the alarming levels of violence in the region.

Media Background: Key Issues and Analysis of President Obama's Upcoming Visit to El Salvador

Visit Will Focus on Economic Growth and Security
March 16, 2011
A country that not long ago found itself torn by civil war, President Obama will see the El Salvador of today that is celebrating a thriving democracy.

President Obama’s Upcoming Trip to Latin America

Arriving Empty Handed?
March 10, 2011
We will hear words like “partnership” and “engagement” used frequently during the visit. While positive, these words have little meaning if they don’t come with a commitment to expend resources to help our “partners” address their main concerns.

Central American Civil Society Demands Participation in Formation of Regional Security Strategy

Inclusion Would Ensure an Integral Approach
February 15, 2011
Groups believe they can make important contributions to the citizen security strategy that would allow the region to overcome its tendency to concentrate efforts and resources on repressive actions that have been demonstrated to be ineffective and counterproductive.

Next Congress Must Acknowledge Changes in Latin America

WOLA Testifies in Senator Dodd's Last Hearing
December 1, 2010
As a new U.S. Congress is poised to take office in January, changing dynamics in Latin America require a new approach from policy makers.

Representative McGovern Urges U.S. Support for Salvadoran President and Police Inspector General

September 29, 2010
In a speech on the House floor, McGovern applauded the "courageous and positive steps" that President Funes is taking to confront the challenges facing El Salvador and urged U.S. support.

Head of CICIG in Guatemala Resigns, Raises Questions about Guatemla's Commitment to Fight Impunity

June 9, 2010
Despite the CICIG’s progress the Guatemalan authorities have been slow to respond.

WOLA Alarmed at Militarization of Bajo Aguán

The Honduran government must act to deescalate the situation by immediately returning the military to the barracks
April 13, 2010

Media Background on Secretary of State Clinton's trip to Central America

Secretary Clinton is expected to address security issues with her counterparts in Central America
March 4, 2010

WOLA Declaration on Security Situation in El Salvador

February 11, 2010

WOLA Advocates Community Based Solutions for Youth Gang Violence in the United States and Central America

November 17, 2008

WOLA in the News: Geoff Thale Speaks on Police Reform in Latin America

August 13, 2008
WOLA Program Director Geoff Thale was recently interviewed on Link-TV discussing police reform in Latin America. The United States can play a positive role, he said, but there needs to be civilian oversight and a departure from the mistakes of the past.

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