Latin America

The Task Force

This group devotes itself to education and action on Latin America concerns, especially U.S. policy in that region. It stands in solidarity with the movement to close the U.S. Army’s Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (formerly the School of Americas), as it’s graduates have committed atrocities across Latin America, leading many to consider it to be a “School of Assassins.” The task force also organizes educational programs about the U.S. military presence in Colombia and how corporate globalization affects the poor in Latin America.

Latin America Task Force meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month, at First Baptist Church, 512 E. Huron, Ann Arbor. Please call 734-663-1870 in advance before each meeting to ensure that we are meeting at our normal time and place.

Come to the vigil to close the SOA/WHINSEC
The School of the Americas (renamed the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation in 2001) has trained some of the worst human rights abusers in Latin America. Join ICPJ as we take a delegation to the annual vigil to say no to militarism in Latin America and Yes to human rights and justice. On November 21 to 23, ICPJ will join with School of the Americas Watch at the annual vigil to close the SOA/WHINSEC. We will be taking a bus, and we have scholarships available. Download the registration form (Word or PDF).

Why you should attend the School of the Americas Watch vigil

The History of SOA/WHINSEC
The School of the Americas was established in 1946 in Panama as a combat training school for Latin American soldiers. It has trained over 60,000 Latin American soldiers in counterinsurgency techniques, sniper training, commando and psychological warfare, military intelligence and interrogation tactics. Graduates of SOA have consistently used their training to wage war on their own people. Common targets include, educators, union leaders, religious workers, student organizers, and others working for the rights of the poor.

Hundreds of thousands of Latin Americans have been tortured, raped, assassinated, “disappeared”, massacred, or forced to become refugees by those trained at the School of the Americas.

In 1984 it was kicked out of Panama under terms of the Panama Canal Treaty. Former President of Panama, Jorge Illueca, stated that the SOA was the “biggest base for destabilization in Latin America.” Since being removed from Panama, the SOA has been relocated to Fort Benning, Georgia.In 2001, the SOA was renamed “The Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation”, but it largely remains the same organization.

Join the Latin America Task Force Discussion List

Read recent Latin America notices from ICPJ

Published by Chuck

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