WOLA Publications

Joint Expert Statement on Internally Displaced Persons

sbernal — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 15:07:25 +0000

On June 9, international experts on the situation of Internally Displace Persons (IDP), came together to discuss latest data on IDPs and to formulate recommendations to improve response.

On June 9, international experts on the situation of Internally Displace Persons (IDP), came together to discuss latest data on IDPs and to formulate recommendations to improve response. Gimena Sanchez, WOLA Senior Associate for the Andes, joined experts in a statement calling for a series of recommendations to be implemented at the High Level Meeting to Address Large Movements of Refugees and Migrants that will take place on September 19 2016.

WOLA Meets with Colombia's Minister of Labor, Clara Lopez

sbernal — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 19:52:15 +0000

On July 6, WOLA, met with Colombia's Minister of Labor, Clara Lopez, to discuss labor rights developments in Colombia.

On July 6, WOLA (the Washington Office on Latin America), met with Colombia's Minister of Labor, Clara Lopez, to discuss the developments of the Labor Action Plan (LAP) and the current labor situation that continues to affect many union members and workers negatively.

Q&A: Mexico’s New Criminal Justice System

hsmith — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 18:05:57 +0000

Why It’s important for Human Rights and the Rule of Law

The deadline to implement the new criminal justice system in Mexico officially passed on June 18, 2016, but there have been serious obstacles to making it fully operational.

By Ximena Suárez Enríquez

1. What are the reforms to Mexico’s criminal justice system?

How U.S. Policy Could Improve Human Rights and Political Debate in Cuba

sbernal — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 15:19:48 +0000

In his July 13 testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations, Thale discussed human rights in Cuba and the positive role that the U.S. could play in opening political space.

In testimony before House Foreign Affairs’ Committee’s Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations subcommittee, WOLA Program Director Geoff Thale discussed human rights in Cuba and the positive role that the U.S. could play in opening political space.

To download testimony, please click here.

El Salvador's 1993 Amnesty Law Overturned

gramsey — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 13:12:44 +0000

Historic Decision is Major Victory for Human Rights

El Salvador's Constitutional Court ruled 4-1 that the 1993 Amnesty Law that prevented prosecution of crimes committed during the civil war was unconstitutional, and in violation of international law. The court found that amnesty could not be extended in cases of crimes against humanity.

Yesterday El Salvador's Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court ruled 4-1 that the 1993 Amnesty Law that prevented prosecution of crimes committed during the civil war was unconstitutional, and in violation of international law. The court found that amnesty could not be extended in cases of crimes against humanity.

In practice, this means that major human rights abuses from the era of El Salvador's civil war -- such as the Jesuit case, the El Mozote massacre, and others -- can be investigated and prosecuted.

Haiti at a Crossroads: Understanding Political Crisis and U.S. Role

long — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 19:33:25 +0000

Please join us for a discussion on the current state of Haitian politics and the U.S.’s role in helping the state in its long-term development. The panelist will provide an on-the-ground perspective regarding the current trends in Haiti and possible scenarios as Haiti faces an ongoing socio-political crisis.

WOLA and Oxfam America are pleased to invite you to a discussion with:

Jean-Claude Fignole
Haiti Program Director, Oxfam America

Moderated by:

Gimena Sanchez-Garzoli
Senior Associate, WOLA

Political Debate and Civil Society in Cuba

cscorpio — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 17:36:06 +0000

The government is allowing for new debates, but limits remain

In the second of three podcasts on changes in Cuba, we take a look at the dynamics behind the opening of political debate in Cuba.

Over the past few years, the line for speech critical of the government has been incrementally pushed forward in Cuba. This has happened as the government has implemented reforms, as the private sector has grown, and as the country has re-established relations with the United States.

As Cuba gradually allows more political debate, the conversation is no longer entirely polarized between dissidents and government backers. Civil society now includes independent organizations that are finding a voice on the internet and occupying a more middle ground.

Bolivia’s Historic Drop in Coca Cultivation Holds Steady

cbuhse — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 17:51:42 +0000

For the fifth year in a row, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has reported a decline in the area under coca cultivation in the Plurinational State of Bolivia. Between 2010 and 2014, the country achieved a remarkable 34 percent net reduction in the area under coca cultivation.

Commentary

By Kathryn Ledebur and Coletta A. Youngers*

The Inclusion of Ethnic Groups is Essential for a Lasting Peace in Colombia

sbernal — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 14:10:18 +0000

On June 23, the parties announced a bilateral ceasefire, a historic event that proves that there is no going back on peace in Colombia. On June 26 and 27, in a historic meeting, leaders of Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities discussed with the government and the FARC how to ensure a lasting peace agenda a reality.

By Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli, Senior Associate on the Andes

Cuba's Changing Economy

Adam Isacson — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 15:38:45 +0000

Cuba is allowing more space for the private sector, but many find the pace of reforms frustrating

In the first of three podcasts on changes in Cuba, we discuss Cuba's halting moves to attract foreign investment and allow a greater role for the private sector. So far, Cubans are getting mixed messages.

Cuba is at an exciting moment — it has a growing private sector, tourism is at an all-time high, and it has restored relations with the United States after a 55-year freeze. The country has been on a trajectory of change — but how different is it?

This podcast is the first of a three-part series about Cuba that WOLA will be putting out over the next few weeks. The next episode will look at access to information, civil society and political debate and the final will delve into the role and dynamics of U.S. policy.