On June 27, 2024, the panel “Democratic Deterioration: Impact and Response in the Latin American Region” took place in Asunción, Paraguay. This event brought together young activists and human rights defenders from various countries across the region to discuss the current challenges facing democracy in Latin America.
Organized by a consortium of organizations committed to democracy and human rights—the Institute for Peace and Development (IPADES), People In Need Latin America, the Latin American Network of Youth for Democracy, the International Network for Human Rights in Europe (RIDHE), Alma Cívica, and the Youth Forum “Democracy and Development”—the panel aimed to provide a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of democratic erosion in the region and explore effective responses.
Featured Panelists
The event featured prominent activists who shared their experiences and insights:
- Rosa María Payá (Cuba)
- Lesther Alemán (Nicaragua)
- Enrique Martínez (Nicaragua)
- Olga Caballero (Paraguay)
- Ayrton Monsalve (Venezuela)
The panel was moderated by Yunova Acosta, who facilitated discussions on the impact of corruption, the erosion of democratic institutions, and the role of youth in defending civil and political rights in their respective countries.
Panel Outcomes
The panel successfully created a space for dialogue and collaboration. Through open and candid discussions, panelists and attendees were able to identify the challenges facing democracy in their local contexts and explore potential strategies to strengthen democratic values across the region. Participants shared ideas on how to confront corruption, resist authoritarianism, and protect human rights while establishing support networks and alliances to bolster their efforts in their respective countries.
This event demonstrated that, despite the challenges, Latin American youth remain committed to building a more democratic, just, and rights-respecting region. The activity reaffirmed the commitment of partner organizations to continue working together and supporting young people in their struggle for a freer and more equitable future.
Commitment to a Democratic Latin America
With this panel, IPADES and the collaborating organizations solidified their commitment to defending human rights and strengthening democracy in Latin America. The event showcased the power of regional cooperation and the crucial role of young people in driving social transformation.
We thank all the participants and organizations that made this activity possible and invite them to continue being part of these spaces for dialogue and action.
