Latin America and the Caribbean

Defending human rights

Rampant corruption, human rights abuses and injustices in Latin America and the Caribbean have corroded the credibility and legitimacy of State institutions and fragile democracies in Latin America and the Caribbean . This situation undermines the construction of social values, and is unfortunately showing little if any signs of improvement in countries across the region.

In Mexico, for example, serious human rights violations including torture and police brutality stem from deficiencies in the criminal justice system and a lack of investigative, legal and punitive actions to curb such abuses and bring the culprits to trial. (Human Rights Watch, 2005).

A strong concern for human rights and their preservation (comprising civil, economic, social and cultural rights) must be reflected in public policies to curb poverty and achieve development. Yet a great deal of decision-making does not reflect sufficient concern for human rights – nor for the interests and concerns of ordinary citizens.

World Vision seeks to promote human rights and social values within a wide range of community development processes, including the formation of educational clubs engaging children, schools and community leaders in learning activities that are focused on respect for human rights and the construction of social values.