Friday, March 14, 2024

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This week and last, WOLA organized with partners a two-part series about migration in the Americas, where we examined the dynamics in the U.S. and the border as well as the shifting realities shaping movement across the region. You can watch the first webinar here. As the U.S. continues to implement new restrictions and pressures countries in the region to take on more militarized enforcement measures, it is critical to understand how these policies affect immigrants and communities in the U.S. as well as migrants on the move and those supporting them throughout the region.

At WOLA, we are closely monitoring the consequences of the ongoing freeze on U.S. foreign aid and how it is impacting support for migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees on the ground in Latin America. Humanitarian and economic assistance is vital for addressing the root causes of displacement, while U.S. funding has been critical for reception and integration services as well as strengthening asylum systems throughout the region. Our team is committed to tracking these shifting dynamics, countering the spread of misinformation, and advocating for U.S. policies that are both effective and humane.

Over the past few weeks, I've joined WOLA staff at numerous meetings here in D.C. with congressional staff and government officials to discuss the impact of the freeze and cuts in foreign aid on Latin America, including support for migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees. Our advocacy in Washington remains critical, and we are working with coalitions of allies committed to pushing for humane, rights-respecting approaches to migration and other key human rights issues in the Americas.

Finally, as we continue to celebrate Women's History Month, we are excited to share that the second episode of our special podcast series was released this morning. This episode, available in Spanish, highlights the voices of women leading efforts to defend human rights across the region. An English summary version is coming soon! We invite you to listen and join us in recognizing the critical role that women play in shaping a more just and equitable future.

Best,

Maureen Meyer

Vice President for Programs

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

🎙️ We launched our three part podcast series for International Women's Month. In the first episode, we interviewed WOLA President Carolina Jimenez who shared her experience as a feminist human rights defender and how WOLA is resisting authoritarianism with a feminist lens.
🦠 Director for Drug Policy John Walsh attended the 67th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, co-sponsoring several civil society side events to draw attention to the harmful impacts of the "War on Drugs". We also supported the latest edition of the "Coca Chronicles", available to read here.
🇬🇹 WOLA signed onto a joint statement, condemning the decision by Guatemalan Courts to send criminalized journalist José Rubén Zamora back to prison.
🇵🇪 Along with other international organizations, WOLA signed onto a statement condemning a new law in Peru that limits and censures the activities of civil society organizations. Read the statement here. This statement is in Spanish.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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For human rights activists across Latin America right now, the stakes are high. Violence around elections is on the rise, as are threats against those who speak in favor of justice and accountability.

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WOLA IN THE NEWS

"Milei's economic plans and austerity packages are having a devastating effect on the middle and lower classes in Argentina. Milei has brokered austerity packages with the IMF but has not compensated that with anything else. Cutting all of these public programs is one thing, but leaving the people out on the street without enough food is another. It isn't sustainable."

Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli

Director for the Andes

– Unicorn Riot, Chainsaws, Chaos, and Javier Milei: How IMF Meddling and Hubris Fueled Argentina's Reality TV Presidency

"What I last heard a few days ago was that [the migrants of various nationalities deported from the U.S. to Panama] being held in camps have permission to have 3 min calls with relatives but they are expressly forbidden from talking to attorneys."

Adam Isacson

Director for Defense Oversight

– Al Jazeera, AJ+ on Instagram

"In the case of José Rubén Zamora, there is a state responsibility to guarantee his rights. He has denounced that he has been a victim of torture and therefore it is important that his physical integrity and security be guaranteed while he is in prison. There are many actions that President Bernardo Arévalo can take. It is important to return to the issue of reforming the justice system". This interview is in Spanish.

Ana María Méndez Dardón

Director for Central America

– Emisoras Unidas

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