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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The release of political prisoners is an urgent humanitarian measure in response to the human rights crisis in Venezuela
Freedom also saves lives We, the families of those detained for political reasons, human rights organizations, and civil society organizations that have signed this statement, urgently call on the national and international community to ensure that the protection of human life and dignity takes center stage in the response to the serious crisis Venezuela is facing. The recent earthquakes exacerbated a preexisting emergency. They did not create the crisis; rather, they once again laid bare the consequences of years of institutional weakening and systematic human rights violations. No…
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Weekly U.S.-Mexico Border Update: Data from June, border wall, Fort Bliss detention
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 Border Update is a bit late and presented in a truncated form, as staff has been engaged with the release of big report…
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New report from WOLA documents 221 people killed on the high seas in Latin America and the Caribbean, calls for accountability
“Killing Spree” details the U.S. military’s attacks on boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, questions the legal basis for the strikes, and points way for accountability. Washington, DC – Since September 2, 2025, 63 different social media posts have shown the moments when 221 people’s lives ended, as the small boats on which they were traveling exploded, as part of a campaign the Trump administration calls “Operation Southern Spear” (OSS). A new…
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Nicaragua: The Ortega-Murillo regime’s latest announcement formalizes the elimination of elections
The Ortega-Murillo government has not held genuinely free or competitive elections in Nicaragua for years. It systematically dismantled the conditions for electoral competition ahead of the 2016 elections and completed that authoritarian trajectory with the sham presidential elections of 2021, in which opposition leaders were jailed, political parties were eliminated, and independent voices were silenced. The regime’s recent announcement that…
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Civil society organizations present recommendations to the United States Congress for a genuine democratic transition in Venezuela
This article was originally posted by CEPAZ in Spanish. You can read it here. In a public hearing before the U.S. Congress’s Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, a panel of experts and representatives of civil society organizations analyzed Venezuela’s institutional, humanitarian, and political situation, which was worsened by the recent earthquakes of June 24. Beyond the natural disaster, the testimonies agreed that the country faces a crisis originating from…
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An Open Letter of Gratitude and Appeal to the Governments Supporting Venezuela’s Earthquake Relief
July 8, 2026 To all governments, international bodies, and institutions that have extended their hand to Venezuela: We write, as humanitarian organizations, Venezuelan and international civil society groups, and concerned citizens, to thank you. After the earthquakes of June 24, your rescue teams, medical personnel, and resources arrived when they were most needed, and at a moment when the country lacked the…
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
