VIII. Regional Responses to the Crises in Latin America and the Caribbean: Subregional Sessions

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated risk factors for sociopolitical instability and violence in many communities, requiring government officials and civil society leaders to re-evaluate policies and practices to better protect marginalized populations, defend civic spaces, and integrate prevention approaches into ongoing government responses. On June 21-23, 2021, the Stanley Center and La Coordinadora Regional de Investigaciones Económicas y Sociales (CRIES) co-organized the Eighth Workshop of the Regional Responses to the Crises in Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on how risk factors are developing in three subregions: Central America, the Andean States, and the Southern Cone.

Guided by the UN Framework of Analysis for Atrocity Crimes, the subregional committees employed a regional analysis of problems to focus specifically on those underlying trends and situations related to the subregions, aiming to advance a joint approach to the design of both regional and local strategies and actions that build resilience and prevent mass atrocities. The key takeaways from the subregional discussions are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese below.

Discussion Takeaways

Central America Subregional Session
Translations: Spanish | Portuguese (cries.org)
The Central America subregional workshop identified common risk factors in the region, including abrupt regime changes and systemic attacks on civilian populations, and offered recommendations to promote access to accurate media and evaluate the role of transitional justice in confronting atrocity crimes.

Southern Cone Subregional Session
Translations: Spanish | Portuguese (cries.org)
Identifying six main issues in the region with associated risk factors for atrocity crimes, the Southern Cone subregional workshop suggested key short-term priorities to decriminalize social protests, counter hate speech, and protect vulnerable populations.

Andean States Subregional Session
Translations: Spanish | Portuguese (cries.org)
In a region where government regimes have weakened both public institutions and civil society, the Andean States subregional workshop clarified the need for empowering civil society instead of state forces, promoting mechanisms for open dialogue and judicial reforms, and seeking alternative measures to fight drug trafficking beyond prohibition.