Overview

Governments in the Americas region increased efforts to stifle dissent. Protests were repressed and protesters criminalized. There were attacks against journalists and measures were taken to censor the media.

Human rights defenders continued to face harassment, attacks and criminalization. The authorities obstructed the functioning of their organizations, including through arbitrary controls over funding.

Unlawful use of force by the authorities resulted in human rights violations

Arbitrary detention and unfair trials continued, demonstrating that states’ use of punitive power was not subject to adequate controls and often served political interests.

People deprived of their liberty endured inhumane detention conditions. There were reports of torture and other ill-treatment, particularly in the context of political repression.

Enforced disappearances persisted throughout the region, with governments failing to take preventive measures and thus allowing impunity to prevail.

Impunity for human rights violations and crimes under international law also continued, although some positive results were achieved in cases dating back many years.

The lack of state guarantees regarding economic and social rights particularly affected marginalized groups. People faced difficulties accessing essential public services such as education, healthcare and clean water.

The 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil yielded limited results and failed to renew the commitment to phase out fossil fuels. States did not adopt sufficient measures to address the climate crisis.

Gender-based violence persisted, including femicide / feminicide and sexual violence; impunity prevailed. Access to abortion was hindered by law and in practice, and reproductive health services were not adequately guaranteed.

States also failed to guarantee Indigenous Peoples’ rights to their territories, lands and resources and did not put in place truly free, prior and informed consultation and consent processes in issues affecting them.

LGBTI people continued to suffer violence and discrimination without receiving protection from governments. Transgender people were particularly vulnerable and several countries passed laws and policies undermining their rights.

Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers were exposed to alarming levels of violence and discrimination in a context of growing racist and xenophobic rhetoric across the region. Many faced barriers to accessing their rights.

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