The system must ensure that states guarantee access to political, civil and human rights.

Police aren't the problem, they're the solution. They just need to be better paid and better trained.

Bogota and Washington may soon complete negotiations that would allow U.S. military officers to operate out of Colombian bases. Critics say the plan could stir up tensions with neighboring countries, but the Colombian government says the pact will help fight narcotrafficking and terrorism.

Mexican security forces detained a top gang figure last week. But the victory came at a cost when cartel members staged violent attacks. The government said the strikes constitute short-lived acts of revenge and that it would not negotiate with cartels.

With an eye to the recent conflict in Peru's Amazon region, the Council of the Americas hosted a June 18 briefing in Washington by Peru’s Ambassador to the U.S. Luis Valdivieso.

In an AQ web exclusive, Lila Barrera-Hernández spells out the details surrounding recent indigenous protests against government decrees on land use and resources in the Peruvian Amazon region of Bagua.