Photo by L'odyssée Belle on Unsplash

Latin America has experienced a significant erosion of democratic values and human rights protections in recent years. The rise of populist leaders, often advancing conservative agendas, has led to a troubling trend of weakening democratic institutions. These leaders have targeted the judiciary and media, verbally attacking journalists and undermining the rule of law, while also increasing administrative barriers for civil society organizations (CSOs). This hostile environment has severely limited the ability of CSOs to operate, stifling civic engagement and human rights advocacy across the region.

Amidst these challenges, human rights defenders, particularly those working on environmental and land issues, face heightened risks. Defenders of natural resources and indigenous territories have been subjected to harassment, violence, and even assassination, as governments and private interests prioritize economic expansion over environmental sustainability. This troubling trend links directly to the global climate crisis, as those standing up to protect fragile ecosystems are often the most vulnerable. Weak governance and the lack of accountability for crimes against these defenders further compound the dangers they face.

At the same time, the conservative wave sweeping through the region has taken a toll on women's rights, with sexual and reproductive health at the forefront of the backlash. Efforts to roll back key advances in gender equality have put women's autonomy under threat, while the rise of conservative rhetoric emboldens discriminatory policies and practices. Beyond health, this shift threatens women's full and equal participation in decision-making spaces at both the national and international levels. In multilateral forums and policy discussions, women’s voices are crucial to creating inclusive, equitable solutions, yet they remain underrepresented. Furthermore, the growing conservatism exacerbates violence against women, particularly those in public roles such as journalists, judges, human rights defenders, and prosecutors, who are increasingly targeted for their advocacy.

Program

In collaboration with RFSU and CEJIL