Both Venezuela and Nicaragua are experiencing prolonged political confrontations, resulting in serious economic and humanitarian consequences. In both countries, the on-the-ground response to these difficult crises has at times been led by a proactive partnership between the episcopal conference of the Catholic Church and civil society groups. Together, they have sought political solutions, addressed humanitarian crises, and raised human rights concerns. Join us to hear the perspectives of Church and civil society actors in this event during the week of the OAS Inter-American Commission on Human Rights hearings.
Event Details:
Tuesday, September 24, 6:00 p.m – 7:30 p.m.
Washington Office on Latin America
1666 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC, 20009
Introduction:
Christopher Ljungquist
Advisor for Latin America, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
Speakers:
Jose Gregorio Guarenas
Vicarage of Human Rights for the Archdiocese of Caracas
Liliana Ortega
Committee for the Families of Victims of February-March 1989 Events (COFAVIC)
Marco Ponce
Venezuela Observatory for Social Conflict (Observatorio Venezolano de Conflictividad Social)
Marianna Romero
Center for Defenders and Justice (Centro para los Defensores y la Justicia)
Felix Maradiaga
Nicaraguan Institute for Strategic Studies and Public Policy
Moderator:
Geoff Thale
Vice President for Programs, WOLA
Commentator:
Geoff Ramsey
Assistant Director for Venezuela, WOLA
Cosponsors: USCCB
Some presentations will be in Spanish, with English translation.