This session will explore how Central American human rights groups can feed their findings and analysis into U.S. litigation challenging abusive deportations of migrants and asylum seekers.

The Trump administration in the United States has increased arrests of migrants and asylum seekers, and has promised to launch “the largest deportation program in American history.” The administration has already deported thousands of people to Central America, including over 700 third-country nationals sent to El Salvador, Costa Rica and Panama. Many have been subjected to grave human rights violations.

This session will connect Central American civil society groups with civil rights lawyers in the United States, to explore how documentation of human rights violations in the region can support litigation that upholds the rights of migrants and asylum seekers in the United States. Participants will gain insights into current litigation in the United States and discuss strategies to bolster the role of courts in protecting human rights. Expert speakers will discuss successful outcomes and lessons learned.

Note: This room has capacity for approximately 20 participants. Attendees will be allowed into this workshop on a first-come-first-served basis. Due to the room size, this session will not include simultaneous interpretation.