DPLF and WOLA organized a discussion with regional experts that focused on the latest developments in the trials of the massacre of Barrios Altos in Peru and of the massacre of El Mozote and the Amnesty Law in El Salvador, as well as the role of national courts and the impact of international law in the fight against impunity.

In the last decade in Latin America, there has been notable progress in the prosecution and punishment of those responsible for crimes committed in the context of armed conflicts or military dictatorships. In many countries, the legal obstacles to justice—such as amnesties and statutes of limitations—have been overcome through the judicial system. However, these developments vary significantly from country to country, and setbacks have occurred. The speakers informed and debated on what new challenges have presented themselves in the investigation of these complex crimes, how to balance the due process rights of the accused and the victims, and what has been the contribution of international law to domestic courts.

Also, Volumes I and II of the Digest of Latin America jurisprudence on crimes under international law, a DPLF publication by Ximena Medellín, was distributed during the event. This digest compiles and analyzes the most relevant judicial decisions concerning the prosecution of international crimes in Latin America.