News Archives » WOLA
New Resource: The Decade in Human Rights in Latin America, 2010-2020 January 15th, 2020
OMI JPIC partner Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) has prepared an overview of several significant trends in human rights-related policies in the Americas over the last decade, with a focus on reflecting some of the thematic work of our research and advocacy efforts. The absence of certain issues or countries should not be interpreted as a commentary on its level of importance.
“The past decade saw both setbacks and important advances in the defense of human rights in the Americas. Unparalleled levels of violence and insecurity afflicted regions like Central America. Colombia signed a historic peace agreement, and now faces the challenge of consolidating an inclusive and lasting peace. And from Mexico to Peru to Guatemala, survivors of atrocities and families of victims fought with courage and resilience to build a future based on respect for justice and the rule of law.”
Click here for access to the report.
A Very Difficult Situation: Venezuela (Originally Posted on OMI World) November 18th, 2016
Venezuela is going through a crucial political and economic crisis. Oblate Fr., superior of the OMI Mission, shares some of these challenges in his recent testimony on the national situation in the country.
Read Father Javier’s testimony: A Very Difficult Situation: Venezuela
Missionary Oblates partner organization, Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) also recently brought together distinguished experts and insightful analysts for a discussion: Venezuela: What Can Be Done.
Watch a video of this event.
Mexican Migrant Children Forgotten at the Border January 22nd, 2015
Border Patrol and Mexican Authorities Fail to Screen and Protect Mexican Migrant Children
Last year, the issue of Central American children fleeing violence made headlines in the United States. But unlike unaccompanied minors from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, Mexican children fleeing violence rarely get an opportunity to tell their story before an immigration judge. The Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) has released an investigative video and report on the treatment of unaccompanied Mexican migrant children detained at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Every year, U.S. Border Patrol apprehends approximately 15,000 unaccompanied Mexican children. According to a 2014 report by the United Nations Refugee Agency, nearly 60 percent of unaccompanied Mexican minors surveyed mentioned violence as one reason for leaving home. But in 2013, less than 5 percent were transferred to the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement to be screened and later granted an immigration hearing.
Through interviews with migrant children, Border Patrol officials, Mexican authorities, and experts, WOLA’s video “Forgotten at the Border” demonstrates the plight of Mexican children who migrate to the United States in an attempt to escape violence. Unless these children can prove to a Border Patrol agent that they face a credible risk of persecution or trafficking, they are sent right back home.
WOLA’s video highlights the stories of minors like Esteban, a 17-year-old who describes fleeing from a local cartel, crossing the Arizona border, and being deported by Border Patrol. The video is accompanied by an investigative report, as well as recommendations for the U.S. and Mexican governments to better protect and screen unaccompanied Mexican children.
Report: Forgotten on La Frontera: Mexican Children Fleeing Violence Are Rarely Heard
Recommendations: How the U.S. and Mexican Governments Can Better Protect Unaccompanied Mexican Children Fleeing Violence
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