In the Americas, RWI’s cooperation with National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) has primarily centered on regional training initiatives and efforts to strengthen the protection of human rights within the prison system. By working closely with NHRIs, RWI supports the development of institutional capacities to monitor detention conditions, promote justice reform, and uphold the rights of persons deprived of liberty. These collaborative efforts have played a key role in advancing regional dialogue and fostering more effective, human rights-based governance in the justice and security sectors.
Click on the countries below to learn more about RWI’s cooperation with NHRIs in Latin America.
Defensor del Pueblo de la Nación Argentina (DPNA)
RWI supported DPNA through regional cooperation focused on strengthening human rights in penitentiary systems. Activities included international workshops, training courses, and study visits that enabled capacity-building, comparative analysis, and strategic planning. DPNA staff participated in knowledge exchanges and contributed to research and publications addressing prison conditions and regional human rights challenges.
Defensor del Pueblo de Bolivia (DPB)
RWI collaborated with DPB to build capacity on human rights in penitentiary systems through workshops, training courses, and regional exchanges. DPB staff participated in expert-led sessions on international prison standards, study visits to Sweden, and the development of research and publications addressing regional prison challenges and best practices in human rights protection.
Brazil
Although Brazil does not yet have an accredited NHRI, RWI included representatives from relevant national bodies in regional initiatives aimed at improving human rights in penitentiary systems. Through workshops, training courses, and a study visit to Sweden, participants engaged in capacity-building, shared experiences, and contributed to research and publications addressing prison-related human rights challenges.
Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos Chile (INDH)
RWI worked with INDH through regional initiatives focused on human rights in penitentiary systems. INDH representatives participated in expert-led workshops, a study visit to Sweden, and training seminars addressing international prison standards. These efforts supported capacity-building, facilitated regional knowledge exchange, and contributed to research and publications on prison-related human rights issues.
Defensoría del Pueblo de Colombia (DPC)
RWI partnered with DPC through regional initiatives aimed at strengthening human rights protections in penitentiary systems. DPC staff engaged in workshops, training seminars, and a study visit to Sweden, focusing on international prison standards. The collaboration promoted capacity-building, regional dialogue, and the development of research and publications addressing key detention-related challenges.
Defensoría de los Habitantes de Costa Rica (DHCR)
RWI collaborated with DHCR to enhance its role in monitoring and improving prison conditions. Through workshops, training courses, and regional exchanges, DHCR engaged in capacity-building on international prison standards and strategic planning. The cooperation fostered dialogue on shared challenges and contributed to research and publications focused on protecting vulnerable groups in detention.
Although Cuba lacks an accredited NHRI, representatives participated in RWI-led regional initiatives focused on penitentiary systems. Through workshops, training seminars, and conferences, participants engaged in dialogue on prison conditions and international standards. The cooperation promoted regional exchange, capacity-building, and the dissemination of best practices to improve human rights protections in detention settings.
Despite the absence of an accredited NHRI, representatives of the Dominican Republic actively participated in RWI’s regional programmes aimed at improving penitentiary systems and human rights protections. Through international workshops, training courses, and strategic planning initiatives, national representatives contributed to and benefited from regional knowledge exchange. These efforts supported institutional capacity-building and helped promote the adoption of international standards in the treatment of vulnerable populations within prisons.
Defensoría del Pueblo de Ecuador (DPE)
RWI worked with DPE to strengthen its role in protecting the rights of persons deprived of liberty. Through regional workshops, training courses, and strategic planning support, DPE enhanced its capacity to monitor prisons, address structural issues, and apply human rights standards. Exchanges with other NHRIs fostered shared learning and regional cooperation.
Defensa de los Derechos Humanos de la República de El Salvador (PDDH)
RWI supported PDDH in strengthening its role in prison monitoring and the protection of persons deprived of liberty. Through regional workshops, training courses, and strategic planning, PDDH improved its understanding of human rights standards and penitentiary issues. The cooperation promoted capacity-building and fostered exchange with other NHRIs in the region.
Procuradoría de los Derechos Humanos de Guatemala (PDH)
RWI’s cooperation with PDH began by supporting its work on indigenous peoples' rights, organising training seminars and producing informative materials in Spanish and four Maya languages to increase awareness within the institution and other state bodies. Later efforts focused on strengthening PDH’s capacity in prison monitoring and human rights protection for persons deprived of liberty. Through international workshops, training courses, and regional exchanges, PDH improved its understanding of international standards and developed strategies to address key penitentiary challenges. This comprehensive cooperation fostered knowledge-sharing and reinforced PDH’s mandate in both thematic areas.
Comisionado Nacional de los Derechos Humanos, Honduras (CONADEH)
RWI supported CONADEH in strengthening its role in prison monitoring and the protection of persons deprived of liberty. Through regional workshops, training courses, and strategic planning, CONADEH enhanced its understanding of international standards and penitentiary challenges, fostering institutional development and collaboration with other NHRIs in the region.
Comisión Nacional de los Derechos Humanos de México (CNDH)
RWI collaborated with CNDH to strengthen its capacity in prison monitoring and the protection of persons deprived of liberty. Through training, strategic planning, and regional exchanges, CNDH enhanced its understanding of international standards, shared experiences with other NHRIs, and improved its institutional response to human rights challenges in the penitentiary system.
Procuraduría para la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos de Nicaragua (PDDH)
RWI supported PDDH in strengthening its mandate related to prison monitoring and the protection of persons deprived of liberty. Through training seminars, international workshops, and strategic planning, PDDH improved its knowledge of human rights standards and penitentiary issues, while fostering regional cooperation and sharing practices with other NHRIs in Latin America.
Defensoría del Pueblo de Panamá (DPP)
RWI collaborated with DPP to enhance its capacity in monitoring prison conditions and protecting the rights of persons deprived of liberty. Through workshops, training seminars, and regional exchanges, DPP strengthened its understanding of international standards and developed strategies to improve its work within the penitentiary system and human rights protection framework.
Defensoría del Pueblo de Paraguay (DPP)
Paraguay’s NHRI participated in RWI-led training and capacity-building activities focused on strengthening prison oversight and promoting human rights in penitentiary systems. Through international workshops, study visits, and regional exchanges, DPP deepened its understanding of international standards and improved its institutional tools to address prison-related challenges and rights protection.
Defensoría del Pueblo del Perú (DPP)
Through its participation in RWI’s regional programmes, the Peruvian NHRI engaged in strategic planning and training on prison oversight and human rights protection. Activities included a course in Lund and regional seminars, all aimed at enhancing institutional capacity to protect vulnerable groups and apply international human rights standards in penitentiary contexts.
Institución Nacional de Derechos Humanos y Defensoría del Pueblo de Uruguay (INDDHH)
RWI collaborated with INDDHH to enhance its human rights capacity, focusing on penitentiary systems and prison standards. INDDHH participated in RWI’s organised workshops and training courses for NHRI representatives, including a study visit to Sweden. These efforts aimed to strengthen knowledge on human rights challenges in prisons and improve the institution’s operational effectiveness.
Defensoría del Pueblo de Venezuela (DPV)
RWI supported DPV in strengthening its work on human rights in the penitentiary system through regional workshops, training courses, and study visits. Activities focused on international prison standards, research capacity-building, and exchange of experiences across Latin American NHRIs. A key outcome was improved institutional knowledge and a regional publication on challenges and best practices.