Regional human rights body documenting abuses in the Americas
Dissidents from the Bolivarian Army have surrendered their weapons in Putumayo, Colombia, as President Petro pursues a “total peace” strategy. About 99 rebels have handed over arms and will enter a temporary relocation zone under government supervision, signaling progress in negotiations amid a presidential runoff.”
Colombia has elected far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella in a razor-thin runoff that has polarised politics. Outgoing president Gustavo Petro has accused external interference and data-driven tactics while the new president promises tough security, energy expansion and tax cuts. Congress remains dominated by Petro’s allies, setting up institutional clashes.
Mexico has escalated its response to the killings of Mexican nationals in U.S. ICE custody. Foreign Minister Velasco Álvarez has announced plans to file criminal complaints with U.S. prosecutors and pursue civil lawsuits against detention-center operators, arguing for accountability and criminal investigations into the deaths. The move follows the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston and a rising death toll in ICE custody in 2026. President Sheinbaum has said Mexico will move beyond diplomatic notes to seek accountability.
Federal prosecutors have arrested former Guerrero governor Ángel Aguirre on accusations of concealing evidence in the Ayotzinapa case, where students disappeared in 2014. Officials say video evidence was requested and later destroyed, linking the case to high-level state actors. The development follows reopened investigations under the current administration, with families and rights groups seeking accountability.