Meet Ana Piquer, the new regional director for Amnesty International in the Americas. With a passion for human rights activism, Ana is determined to face the challenges ahead during this turbulent time. Governments across the region are using militant methods and authoritarian policies to maintain public order, leading to the persecution of dissenting voices and violent attacks on activists, journalists, women, and political candidates. In the midst of Mexico’s intense 2024 election cycle, the situation is particularly dire.
Ana, aged 49, openly criticizes the reliance on military forces for public safety and is vocal about her concerns regarding El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele’s tactics. Despite the polarizing opinions, Ana’s appointment has sparked enthusiasm among many in Latin America who share her commitment to upholding human rights.
In an exclusive interview with EL PAÍS, Ana delves into the pressing challenges faced by the continent in safeguarding human rights.
Question: How do you perceive the current state of human rights in the region under your new leadership at Amnesty International?
Answer: Unfortunately, we are witnessing a decline in respect for human rights, as certain ideologies gain traction, particularly in the realm of security, justifying the infringement of human rights. Governments are increasingly silencing dissenting voices through stigmatization, criminalization, and surveillance, which poses a grave threat to civil liberties.
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