This past week violence in Michoacán, Mexico, escalated after a high–ranking member of a prominent cartel was detained, literally “lighting the city on fire.”

Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos reported that 160 social leaders were assassinated in Colombia during 2016, 2017, and the first two months of 2018, according to the Colombian Prosecutor’s Office.

Mexico continues to struggle in its efforts to curb drug trafficking groups and increasing levels of violence.

The 167th session of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), held in Bogotá, Colombia, evaluated the precautionary measures issued by recommendations of the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts (GIEI) for the disappearance of the 43 students of the Rural Normal of Ayotzinapa, Guerrero.

Colombia has had a tumultuous political history since its formation as an independent nation. However, a current decrease in homicides and kidnappings is a promising indicator for bringing permanent change, or is it?

The number of civilians killed in Colombia’s armed conflict could be 30% higher than currently assumed, if the 83,000 people who were forcibly disappeared are ever found.

The assassination of activist Berta Cáceres shocked the Honduran and international community.

Conflicts between the poor communities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the courts have been tense to say the least, leaving citizens fearful of the same people who swear to protect them and their rights.

The peace process reached the point of no return when the FARC handed over their weapons to the UN in the Buenavista district of the Meta department.

Luciano Benjamín Menéndez, human rights violator from the last Argentine military dictatorship, has died at 90 years of age in Córdoba.