—Researched and written by Mara Welty— The sale of recreational marijuana in Uruguay marks a historical shift in the government’s strategy to combat illegal drug trafficking and establishes Uruguay as the first country to legalize marijuana. The controversial law, which was backed by President José Mujica in 2013, allows marijuana to be sold in select

–Researched and written by Adriana Threlkeld— After five long years, July 19 marked the first day of Uruguay’s state controlled sale of marijuana. President Vázquez supports the controversial law introduced by President Mujica, and claims that legalization may alleviate the country’s drug trafficking problem. Since only a third of the country’s population supports legalization, July

—Researched and written by Trevor Bero— As the peace process slowly unfolds between the Colombian government and the rebel group Las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias Colombianas, ex-combatants face the arduous task of reintegration into civilian life. The United Nations has dedicated a mission to assist in this transition in hopes of maintaining the stability of the

Old wounds remain unattended in El Salvador.

The United Nations Agency for Refugees released data on the number of internal refugees in Colombia.

On June 25 of 1975, fourteen people were brutally tortured and killed in Olancho, Honduras, as a consequence of their struggle for agrarian reform.

Violence increases after the assassinations of several social leaders.

Two highly positive events have occurred this week in Colombia: the initiation of the disarmament of the FARC and the organization of an event to analyze the murder of human rights defenders and social leaders.

In the context of the first anniversary of the violent events in Nochiztlán, the president of the National Commission on Human Rights will demand that the Attorney General’s Office advance the investigations for justice.

Journalists are raising concerns about the lack of safety precautions for journalists in Paraguay and are advocating for government action.