Highlights
Stay updated with WOLA’s latest on Latin America. Explore our research and advocacy work promoting human rights and strengthening US-Latin American relations.
Our mission is to advance human rights and social justice in the Americas.
Analysis
Gain a deeper understanding of human rights advocacy and democracy in Latin America through our expert analyses. Explore insights into regional policies, U.S.-Latin America relations, and trends shaping a just, equitable future.
OUR STAFF ARE LEADING EXPERTS ON LATIN AMERICA
Meet our team of experts who bring unparalleled knowledge and experience to our mission of promoting human rights, democracy, and justice in Latin America.
PRIORITIES
At WOLA, we believe in the power of human rights to unite people, uphold dignity, and drive justice. Our priorities guide our approach to advocating for U.S and regional policies that prioritize human rights as a foundation for a just and sustainable future for Latin America.
Inclusive Democracy Supported by a Vibrant Civil Society
At WOLA, we support efforts to make democracy in Latin America inclusive, diverse, and accountable. A thriving civil society is essential to ensuring democratic resilience, while countering authoritarianism and anti-democratic practices is key to safeguarding the region’s future. We advocate for a consistent U.S. foreign policy that reinforces democratic institutions, protects civic space, and upholds the rule of law, especially in the face of rising threats to human rights and shared prosperity. We urge governments in the region to adopt policies in line with these priorities. Read our research on fostering inclusive democracy and vibrant civil societies.
Security and Peace Rooted in Justice
WOLA advocates for U.S. and regional policies that strengthen institutions’ ability to protect people facing insecurity, corruption, and violence, including those impacted by transnational criminal organizations and the illicit drug trade. Central to our efforts is the promotion of peaceful transitions, judicial independence, and accountability. Explore our publications on promoting security and peace through justice.
Equity Amidst the Climate Crisis, Gender Inequality, and Migration
WOLA is committed to addressing the intertwined challenges of systemic discrimination, inequality, climate change, and migration. Ensuring human dignity and justice requires bold action and advocacy centered on those most affected by these challenges. We strive to influence U.S. policy and international efforts to create sustainable and equitable solutions that protect vulnerable populations and drive systemic change. Discover our analyses on achieving equity in the face of climate change, gender inequality, and migration.
Upcoming Events
Hear from human rights defenders, experts and civil society representatives and engage in panels on U.S-Latin America relations.
There are no upcoming events scheduled soon. Be sure to check out all our past events.
Updates
Stay up to date on the latest on democracy, peace and security, gender and racial justice and more.
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WOLA Expresses Solidarity with Venezuela Following Devastating Earthquakes and Calls for an Immediate, Unobstructed Humanitarian Response
On June 24, 2026, two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, impacting the country’s central coastal region, including Caracas. So far, at least 164 people have been reported dead as a result of the tremors, and nearly a thousand have been injured, though these tragic numbers are expected to keep rising in the coming days. The Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) expresses our solidarity with the Venezuelan people following…
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U.S.-Mexico Border Update: Billions more for ICE and CBP, detention, border wall construction, impacts in the Americas
With this series of updates, WOLA seeks to cover the most important developments at the U.S.-Mexico border. See past updates here. Your donation to WOLA is crucial to keeping these paywall-free and ad-free Updates going. Please contribute now and support our work. THIS WEEK IN BRIEF: THE FULL UPDATE:
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Civil organizations demand transparency and citizen participation in the election of Venezuela’s Supreme Court of Justice
Caracas and Washington D.C., June 12, 2026.- The undersigned organizations express our concern regarding the process of partial renewal of justices of the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ), the recent reform of its Organic Law, and the selection of officials for the General Inspectorate of Courts and the Judicial School. We issue an urgent call to the National Assembly and the relevant…
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WOLA Reiterates Call to Protect Colombia’s Democratic Process
The Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) is deeply concerned by the growing signs of electoral intolerance in Colombia following the first round of the presidential elections particularly considering the country’s complex security challenges. The combination of political violence, increasing political polarization, and the continued presence of illegal armed groups creates a troubling environment that risks reviving the cycles of violence that…
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WOLA Expresses Support for the Extradition Request of Former Venezuelan Colonel Ephraín Enrique Verdú Torrelles Before Spanish Authorities
June 1, 2026 In the absence of an independent judiciary in Venezuela and the State’s lack of willingness to investigate and sanction such conduct, the legal team at InterJust filed a criminal complaint in June 2023 before a federal court in Argentina against 14 officers of the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB) for alleged crimes against humanity. This was done pursuant…
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U.S.-Mexico Border Update: Billions more for DHS, deportations into Mexico, Big Bend border wall, April migration
With this series of updates, WOLA seeks to cover the most important developments at the U.S.-Mexico border. See past updates here. Your donation to WOLA is crucial to keeping these paywall-free and ad-free Updates going. Please contribute now and support our work. THIS WEEK IN BRIEF: THE FULL UPDATE:
Celebrate WOLA’s 50th Anniversary!
Join us in honoring our past, present, and future with a year of special events and commemorations.
Multimedia
Explore WOLA’s multimedia collection of videos and podcasts on human rights, social justice, democracy, and other critical issues. Discover the stories that drive our mission.
Carolina Jiménez Sandoval, PBS News Weekend
Maureen Meyer, ProPublica
