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ABA Rule of Law Initiative Latin America and Caribbean News

Recent Latin America and Caribbean News

DC Event Brings Together Human Trafficking Experts, Stakeholders

During an October 15 event at ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) headquarters in Washington, DC, human trafficking experts and stakeholders took part in a discussion of ABA ROLI’s Human Trafficking Assessment Tool (HTAT) for Mexico, and of the human trafficking phenomenon in North, Central and South America. Read more »»

Human Trafficking Assessment Tool Sparks National Discussion in Mexico

On August 27, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) released the findings of the Human Trafficking Assessment Tool (HTAT) implemented in Mexico. The HTAT was developed by ABA ROLI to measure compliance with the United Nations’ Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Read more »»

Ecuador Podcast: Criminal Procedure Code Reform

The ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) implements a program to strengthen the criminal justice system in Ecuador, which is funded by the U.S. Embassy’s Narcotics Affairs Section. In this Spanish-language podcast of a June 2009 interview, Carlos Arrobo, deputy director of the program, gives an overview of the Criminal Procedure Code reform component of the program, its significance for the criminal justice system in Ecuador and the achievements to date. Read more »»

Panama Podcast: The Culture of Lawfulness Program

In seeking to promote a culture of lawfulness, the program works to encourage respect for the rule of law and for fundamental human rights both by the government and by society as a whole. More specifically, the program works to bolster the culture of lawfulness among police and other law enforcement agencies, to increase Panamanian citizens’ confidence in their justice sector. Read more »»

ABA ROLI Commences Its Culture of Lawfulness Program in Panama

As Panama takes its initial steps toward implementation of an accusatorial criminal justice system, it confronts a series of challenges. Citizen distrust of justice sector institutions is one challenge. According to a 2006 Inter-American Development Bank survey, 46% of Panamanians believe that the justice system fails to punish criminals. Read more »

ABA ROLI Launches a Program in Panama

The ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) has initiated a comprehensive review and reform of the Panamanian police curriculum and training methods. ABA ROLI’s efforts will promote a rule of law culture among the police. Recent developments, such as the transfer of investigative powers to the newly-formed Judicial Investigation Bureau and the establishment of new criminal and criminal procedure codes, necessitate the revision of police training curricula. They also amplify the need for trainers who can effectively promote a rule of law culture in the Panamanian police force. ABA ROLI’s program will enhance the police’s understanding of their role under new organizations and codes, and thereby increase public confidence in the police and their security efforts. Read more »