Overview

Human rights defenders in the Americas were stigmatized, harassed and attacked, including through arbitrary detention, defamatory campaigns, enforced disappearances, forced displacements, illegal surveillance, killings, threats, torture and unfair trials.

Freedom of expression was at risk due to attacks on and harassment of the press, including the killing of journalists and unlawful surveillance of the population. Restrictive regulations and repression by law enforcement posed obstacles to the right to protest.

States failed to investigate and redress gross human rights violations and crimes under international law, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions. There were some limited developments in accountability for political repression and crimes committed in the past. The Inter-American human rights system continued to be a key player in the region’s efforts to achieve truth, justice and reparation.

Unfair trials and arbitrary and mass detentions continued to be a daily occurrence as a form of repression or as part of public security strategies. In some countries, unfair trials were held before tribunals and courts lacking independence.

Anti-Black racism and discrimination against Indigenous Peoples continued to be prevalent in the region. Discrimination against LGBTI people was recorded throughout the region. Violence severely affected transgender people.

States failed to take the necessary actions to minimize the human rights impacts of the climate crisis. Wildfires, rising sea levels, coastal erosion and floods affected communities in several countries.

States did not fulfil their obligations to guarantee economic and social rights, which particularly affected groups that suffer discrimination. Poverty and inequality were prevalent in the region. Health services were inadequate and underfunded, and food insecurity affected millions.

Gender-based violence, including femicide and sexual violence, continued unabated and unpunished throughout the region. Access to abortion was hindered in law and practice, mainly affecting people facing multiple forms of discrimination. Several countries introduced policies in law or practice that reduced access to reproductive health services.

Indigenous Peoples continued to be subjected to violence, discrimination and marginalization, and several states denied them their right to free, prior and informed consent. Abuses by state and non-state actors were often linked to land tenure, titling issues and extractive industries.

Thousands of people continued to leave their countries and move across the region seeking international protection, due to persecution, human rights violations, insecurity and the adverse effects of climate change. Many migrants, refugees and asylum seekers faced violence, xenophobia and racism, and legal and bureaucratic obstacles to exercising their rights.

Read More