WOLA Publications

Los de atrás vienen conmigo

Part of WOLA's "On the Table: Deepening Democratic Debate over Drug Policy in Latin America" Series
Ambassador Romani challenges Latin American civil society and political leadership to connect drug policy reform to broader agendas of development and social inclusion

Beyond the Border Buildup: Security and Migrants Along the U.S.-Mexico Border

This report, the result of a year-long study by WOLA and Tijuana's College of the Northern Border, analyzes the impact of both countries' security policies on the migrant population and finds massive spending, a limited security impact, and a growing humanitarian crisis.

Breakthrough in U.S. Drug Sentencing Reform: The Fair Sentencing Act and the Unfinished Reform Agenda

WOLA’s new report by the Kara Gotsch, Director of Advocacy at The Sentencing Project, describes the effort that led to passage of the Fair Sentencing Act and points to the unfinished sentencing reform agenda.

A Cautionary Tale: Plan Colombia's Lessons for U.S. Policy Toward Mexico and Beyond

Whenever people discuss solutions to Mexico’s out-of-control violence, someone will inevitably bring up Colombia as a “model.” The report concludes that the ‘success’ of the past several years in Colombia is only a partial, and fragile, victory at best—and it has come at an unacceptably high human and institutional cost.

WOLA/IDB Mapping Study of International Cooperation for Citizen Security in Central America

Looking at the region from 2009 to June 2011, the study identifies 423 projects being implemented and 30 additional projects still in the design phase.

Tackling Urban Violence in Latin America: Reversing Exclusion through Smart Policing and Social Investment

Featuring strategies in Rio de Janeiro, Medellin, Ciudad Juarez, and Santa Tecla
This report features attempts to improve citizen security by combining law enforcement and social investment in marginalized communities most affected by crime.

The Human Cost: Cubans and Cuban Americans Talk about Their Lives and the Embargo

In this report published jointly by WOLA and LAWG, Cubans and Cuban-Americans speak candidly about the effect of the U.S. embargo on their lives. The stories are deeply personal, noting the human suffering and pain caused by a failed policy.

WOLA 2010 Annual Report

A look back at WOLA's work in 2010.

A Dangerous Journey through Mexico: Human Rights Violations against Migrants in Transit

WOLA and Center Prodh report documents abuse against migrants in transit in Mexico
The August 2010 massacre of 72 migrants in Tamaulipas was not an isolated event but rather an alarming example of the daily abuses suffered by migrants in transit.

Systems Overload: Drug Laws and Prisons in Latin America

TNI/WOLA Drug Law Reform Project
Study reveals alarming pattern in imprisonment for drug crimes in Latin America