On June 17, YPIA discussed Human Rights in Latin America with three experts whose work focuses on combating diverse errors in the international system by empowering disadvantaged women. Kristen Martinez-Gugerli of the Washington Office of Latin America, Ana Barreto of AfroResistence, and independent journalist and producer Natalia Bonilla have devoted their careers to the underscoring of disparate populations in Columbia, Venezuela, and Brazil. During the discussion, participants touched on a myriad of important issues such as migration, gender-based violence, police brutality, ongoing protests, media polarization, and imprisonment of activists.
Rapid developments of COVID in Columbia in 2020 lead to the government imposing migration restrictions between itself and Venezuela. In November upwards of 5.4 million refugees fled Venezuela in search of better social dynamics and economic opportunities. Furthering the strained social relations in Columbia, where mass protests against tax reforms and historically damaging police brutality recently took place. Similarly, resistance in Brazil has brought attention to the unequal treatment of minority groups and women in the favelas who have been targeted for gang violence. Surprise mass police visits have further negatively impacted the favelas rather than reducing gang violence.
Even in the midst of the pandemic, toxic masculinity from the institutional level is amplified by the actions of police in Brazil. Police reactions to increased protests have led to civilian casualties. Political figures' positions on social issues and responses to economic peril can be attributed to the psychologically ingrained behavior from the historical dynamics between men, women, and minority groups. Dispelling reports of COVID death, cases, and hospitalizations by head figures is another factor impinging on people’s grasp on reality.
Although these issues are multifaceted and complex, discussing these topics helps reveal disparities and injustices that continue to impact domestic and foreign policy. The discussion concluded with the speaker and participants agreeing on the importance of understanding each other and recognizing how North American-like standards impact our actions in other countries.
by Alexi Santiago, YPIA Intern
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1. United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees. “Venezuela Situation”. https://www.unhcr.org/en-us/venezuela-emergency.html
