WOLA addresses the most pressing challenges to human rights and democracy in the Americas.
Drawing on the depth of experience of our experts and in close partnership with our allies in the region, we place special focus on four crosscutting advocacy areas to better impact human rights across the region:
In countries across the Americas, democratic institutions are under stress, demagogues and authoritarian leaders are on the rise, civic space is shrinking and freedom of the press is being curtailed. In the face of these urgent challenges, WOLA works with partners throughout the region to highlight the dangers of rising authoritarianism, demand respect for human rights and ensure justice for rights violations. Our ultimate goal is for democracy to thrive through citizen participation.
📝 The International Community Must Overcome Venezuela Fatigue
📝 Where does the Venezuelan opposition stand ahead of the 2024 presidential elections?
📰 "Four-Year Sentence of Anti-Corruption Leader Deals a Blow to Guatemalan Democracy"
📝 A Year of Suspended Civil Liberties in El Salvador: When the Exception Becomes the Rule
📝 Electoral reforms in El Salvador Pave Way for Further Consolidation of Power
📰 Carolina Jiménez: ‘Resistance Continues in the Most Precarious Conditions’
📝 Beyond Plan B: Democracy and Checks and Balances in Mexico
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At a time of historic levels of migration across the region, WOLA works with partners to analyze the complex underlying causes, and promote policies that foster respect for the human rights of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees. We document abuses by border security forces and advocate for accountability and institutional reforms to dignify victims and prevent future violations. We promote more cooperative and humane approaches through advocacy and diplomatic efforts that address migration as a regional phenomenon.
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Latin America and the Caribbean bears relatively little responsibility for the greenhouse gas increases that are altering the global climate but its people are highly vulnerable to the intensifying heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, storms, floods and rising sea levels. WOLA explores the links between climate change and governance, including how the climate crisis is exacerbated by corruption and failed drug policies that allow illegal groups to operate by destroying the environment. Through strategic partnerships, we promote reforms for climate action.
📃 Letter to President Biden and VP Harris to Double Down on Root Causes Strategy in Central America
📝 What’s the Carbon Footprint of Drug Prohibition?
📝 Four Key Issues Ahead of the Biden-Petro Meeting
📝 Climate Change Disasters Point to Urgent Need to Protect Climate Refugees
📽️ "Side Event: Aligning Drug Policy with Environmental Protection"
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From the sexual torture of women by security forces, to the serious threats faced by indigenous and Afro-descendant community leaders, and the differentiated impacts of rights-violating policies on historically marginalized groups across the Americas, WOLA addresses human rights violations against populations that face systemic discrimination. With our partners, we identify how race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and other identities intersect with structural inequality, injustice, and the denial of fundamental human rights. We aim to inform inclusive policy-making that helps protect and promote human rights for all people in the Americas.
📝 Women Defending Peace in Colombia–A Gendered, Environmental, and Rural Perspective
📝 Two Contrasting Court Decisions Underscore Need for Gender-Oriented Drug Law Reforms
📝 Regressive Wave for Women in Central America
📝 Women Political Prisoners in Latin America, a Reality that can be Changed
📝 Electronic Monitoring: A New Form of Punishment for Many Women
📝 Coca Cultivation in Colombia from a Gender Perspective
📰 Social Leaders and Ethnic Communities Hard Hit by Colombia’s Violence
📝 Trans Women Behind Bars: Strategies for Resistance in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic
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