Central America

The brutal civil war conflicts of the 1980s are over but violence is rising from other sources in Central America.  Democratic institutions remain 
fragile and governments have been unable (and sometimes unwilling) to
 spur equitable development, curtail corruption, or combat 
increasing criminal activity. 



WOLA works with colleagues in Central America and the international community to prevent violence, support police reform and combat organized crime.  We monitor the impact of assistance and trade agreements on labor rights and 
sustainable economic development.  We support on-going efforts to establish the conditions for free and fair elections and to bring justice for human rights violations.

Central America News & Analysis

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

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

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: Q&A with Geoff Thale

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.

Ambulante Film Festival Border Series

Video
The Ambulante Film Festival Border Series is heading to Tijuana and San Diego, where Actor Diego Luna and WOLA will discuss arms trafficking and gun control in a distinguished panel. The panel will follow a screening of the movie "Gunfight", which analyzes gun ownership in the United States.