All Content: gangs

WOLA Laments Honduran Prison Tragedy, Calls for Reforms

This is a tragedy that could have been avoided. The Honduran government has long been on notice for the need for prison reforms.
15 Feb 2012
News

Appointment of Former General as Head of El Salvador's Police Violates the Spirit of the Peace Accords

Does this represent a change in focus for the country's security policy?
27 Jan 2012
News
For the second time during Funes' administration, a retired military officer has been put in charge of one of the country’s public security institutions.

WOLA: Promoting Human Rights, Democracy, and Social Justice

22 Dec 2011
Video
As the year winds to a close, we hope you will enjoy this video about how WOLA works with partners in the region to advance human rights in Latin America. If you have not done so, we hope you will consider making a donation to WOLA to support our continued efforts. Your support makes a difference.

Join Diego Luna - Stop Gun Smuggling to Mexico

19 Oct 2011
Video
According to a recent U.S. Congressional report, approximately 70% of the weapons seized in Mexico in 2009 and 2010 submitted for tracing came from the United States. Listen to Diego Luna's message about gun violence in Mexico, and then join the movement for peace in Mexico by signing a petition to U.S. President Obama.

Take Action to Protect Human Rights Defenders in Colombia

Human rights abuses continue to undermine social justice efforts under the Santos administration
13 Sep 2011
Publication
We urge you to please contact the US and Colombian authorities in order to protect human rights defenders, free those unjustly detained, and seek investigations that lead to justice for those murdered and recipients of death threats

WOLA/IDB Mapping Study of International Cooperation for Citizen Security in Central America

8 Jul 2011
Publication
Looking at the region from 2009 to June 2011, the study identifies 423 projects being implemented and 30 additional projects still in the design phase.

Report Back from Central America's Security Conference

A conversation with Geoff Thale and Adriana Beltrán
1 Jul 2011
Publication
WOLA Program Director Geoff Thale and Senior Associate Adriana Beltran were recently in Guatemala City, where Central America's presidents and international donors were discussing responses to Central America's severe citizen security challenges.

WOLA and IDB Release Most Comprehensive Study To Date on International Aid for Citizen Security in Central America

WOLA urges Central American governments and International Donors to use study as a tool for coordinating efforts
22 Jun 2011
News
Details the international community's support for citizen security in Central America.

Civil Society Declaration to Central American Governments, SICA, and International Donor Community

21 Jun 2011
Publication
The recommendations are the result of a day-long civil society forum on citizen security in Central America that achieved broad-based consensus.

Regional Leaders Meet in Guatemala to Discuss Central American Security Strategy

WOLA will be in attendance and urges leaders to consider a comprehensive approach to insecurity
21 Jun 2011
News
Adriana Beltrán and Geoff Thale are coordinating with civil society experts from Central America to ensure that the viewpoints and experiences of those working on the ground in violence prevention and citizen security are taken into account in the new regional plan.

The Crisis of Crime and Violence in Central America: More than just Drugs and Gangs

Commentary by Program Director Geoff Thale
20 Jun 2011
Analysis & Commentary
This week the "International Conference in Support of the Central American Security Strategy" will bring together Central American presidents and officials from multi-lateral banks and donor governments, including Hilary Clinton for the U.S. Attendees will debate a security strategy for the region, but how will leaders frame the issue?

Tackling Urban Violence in Latin America: Reversing Exclusion through Smart Policing and Social Investment

Featuring strategies in Rio de Janeiro, Medellin, Ciudad Juarez, and Santa Tecla
13 Jun 2011
Publication
This report features attempts to improve citizen security by combining law enforcement and social investment in marginalized communities most affected by crime.

The OAS talks citizen security

Adriana Beltrán and Victoria Wigodsky in San Salvador
7 Jun 2011
Publication
The OAS General Assembly is meeting right now in El Salvador, and this year's theme is citizen security. WOLA's senior associate for citizen security, Adriana Beltrán, is there. Adam talks to Adriana and Victoria Wigodzky of the Argentina-based Center for Legal and Social Studies (CELS).

OAS General Assembly to Emphasize Citizen Security Amidst Mounting Crime and Violence

WOLA will be in attendance in San Salvador
3 Jun 2011
News
The upcoming OAS General Assembly, has as its theme “Citizen Security in the Americas,” a key issue given the alarming levels of violence in the region.

Citizen Security in Brazil

A conversation with Pedro Abramovay
27 May 2011
Publication
Adam talks with Pedro Abramovay of the Rio de Janeiro-based Fundaçao Getúlio Vargas about the Rio goverment's ongoing effort to "pacify," or provide community police and social services to, the city's historically neglected and violent favelas.

Stronger than the Iron Fist: Funes Administration Attempts a Different Approach to Crime and Violence in El Salvador

Analysis by Adriana Beltran, Senior Associate for Citizen Security
18 Mar 2011
Analysis & Commentary
Moving away from the harsh tactics of his predecessors, Funes is emphasizing more comprehensive, community-based approaches to tackling crime.

Central American Civil Society Demands Participation in Formation of Regional Security Strategy

Inclusion Would Ensure an Integral Approach
15 Feb 2011
News
Groups believe they can make important contributions to the citizen security strategy that would allow the region to overcome its tendency to concentrate efforts and resources on repressive actions that have been demonstrated to be ineffective and counterproductive.

Civil Society Urges "Friends of Central America" to Include Civil Society in Definition of Regional Security Strategies

10 Feb 2011
Publication
The statement from NGOs and civil society groups in Central America and the United States details citizen security strategies in Central America and stresses the need for donor coordination and consultation with civil society groups from the initial stages of the planning process.

Rio de Janeiro’s Pacification Program

Senior Associate Adam Isacson on Security Programs in Rio de Janeiro
5 Jan 2011
Analysis & Commentary
A look at Rio de Janeiro's ambitious territorial recovery program to establish state control of the favelas that are interspersed throughout the city, including a new police unit and social development programs.

Statement of Senator Leahy about the CICIG in Guatemala

Leahy urges support and careful attention to the CICIG at this critical juncture.
24 Jun 2010
Publication
Senator Patrick Leahy comments on the need for the UN to appoint a replacement CICIG Commissioner with demonstrated expertise, the need for the Guatemalan government to select a new Attorney General that is willing to work closely with the Commission, and the need to prevent corruption and strengthen democratic institutions.