Laura Weiss

Central American Refugees Struggle for Protection in Southern Mexico
Friday, September 16, 2016 - 07:40
On September 19 and 20, world leaders will convene at the UN General Assembly for the first-ever Summit for Refugees and Migration. Although focusing primarily on the refugee crisis in Syria, the Summit provides an opportunity to reflect on a humanitarian crisis that persists much closer to our borders in southern Mexico.
Mexico Failing to Meet U.S. Foreign Aid Conditions
Thursday, July 16, 2015 - 12:42

Under the Mérida Initiative, the United States can withhold 15% of its aid to Mexico that falls under its anti-narcotics (INCLE) and foreign military (FMF) programs if the Secretary of State reports that specific human rights conditions are not being met. The State Department’s own report shows that they are not. 

Three Points on Congress’ Hearing on Colombia’s Peace Process
Thursday, July 2, 2015 - 07:32

On Wednesday, members from the House Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere Affairs held the first congressional hearing on negotiations between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

Mexico’s Federal Police Don’t Have Public Standards on When to Shoot People
Friday, June 5, 2015 - 08:33

The Mexican Federal Police, Mexico’s primary public security institution, does not have a public manual on the use-of-force, meaning no current standards define when a member of the police can use force, including lethal, on another person. 

How U.S. Aid can Help a Post-Peace Accord Colombia
Friday, May 22, 2015 - 10:02

U.S. faith leaders have stated their support for the peace process in Colombia, and they have some recommendations for how the U.S. can adjust its aid to help the country’s effort for peace. On Monday, 32 faith-based leaders released a letter through the Latin American Working Group (LAWG) calling for the United States to support civilian institutions and civil society over the military.