All Content: migration

A trip report from two Fall 2011 visits of WOLA staff to the El Paso-Juárez border. We found violence failing to spill over, drug trafficking continuing, and migration dropping sharply amid an unprecedented U.S. security buildup. In the absence of a clear border security policy, the migrant population has been hit especially hard.

Investing in small-scale, sustainable agriculture increases a country's resilience to extreme weather events, strengthens food security, and contributes to economic development in the rural sector. A decent job, food for the kids, and reduced threats from future natural disasters are powerful anchors to keep people from becoming climate refugees.

WOLA Fellows George Withers and Lucila Santos have an animated conversation about militarization, border security and migration with Timothy Dunn, a professor at the University of Salisbury and expert on U.S. border policy.

WOLA's Executive Director, Joy Olson, gives the opening address at WOLA's 2011 Human Rights Awards Ceremony and Benefit Gala.

On September 13, 2011, WOLA honored Gael García Bernal at an Awards Ceremony and Benefit Gala. You can hear his acceptance comments here.

On September 13, 2011, WOLA honored Gael Garcia Bernal, Ambulante, and CEDECO for promoting human rights and telling stories that make a difference. Check out this video about the amazing work of our honorees.

In May of 2011, Mexican poet Javier Sicilia led a march from Cuernavaca to Mexico City to demand an end to the violence that has claimed the lives of 50,000 people, including Sicilia's own son. The march drew an estimated 150,000 people and led to the creation of the Movement for Peace with Justice and Dignity in Mexico.

In recent weeks, the violence in northern Mexico has reached an alarming level, including the shocking discovery of hidden graves containing around 145 bodies.

A country that not long ago found itself torn by civil war, President Obama will see the El Salvador of today that is celebrating a thriving democracy.