Colombia's Unit for the Search of Disappeared Persons (UPBD) is embarking on search expeditions to locate the bodies of forcibly disappeared individuals, a legacy of the country's long-standing armed conflict. The UPBD, established under the 2016 peace accord, aims to address the cases of an estimated 100,000 missing persons, a figure that has risen from the 83,000 reported in 2018. UPBD director Luz Marina Monzón emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and geographical contexts of each case. The search involves collaboration with victims' families, local municipalities, and forensic scientists to plan exhumations in areas previously affected by conflict. Despite funding cuts, the UPBD and other organizations, including the Red Cross and the Center for National Historical Memory, continue to work towards identifying the disappeared. The article also highlights the personal story of Lourdes del Zocorro Zapata, a mother searching for her missing son, underscoring the ongoing emotional impact on families.

The article discusses the challenges faced by former members of the FARC in Colombia as they attempt to reintegrate into society. Jhon Jairo Riaño, a former combatant, shares his struggles with recurring violent dreams and the difficulty of discussing his past due to the current post-conflict context in Colombia. The Agency for Reincorporation and Normalization (ARN) is highlighted for its role in helping over 57,000 demobilized individuals. The article explores the psychological trauma experienced by 93% of ex-combatants and the societal stigma they face. It also delves into the history of the FARC's influence in rural areas, Riaño's personal reasons for joining, and the broader implications of the reintegration process, including the emotional legacies of war, public perception, and the peace agreement. The article concludes with the ongoing challenges of reconciliation and the importance of forgiveness in the reintegration process.

The article discusses the implications of the Supreme Court case Shelby County vs. Holder, which revisits Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). This provision requires states with a history of discrimination to obtain federal approval before changing voting laws. Advocates, including Nina Perales from MALDEF, argue that Section 5 is crucial for preventing disenfranchisement of Latino voters, citing cases in Arizona, Texas, Florida, and Colorado. Critics, however, view the provision as outdated. The article also explores the creation of majority-minority districts and the argument that the VRA may be contrary to its purpose by limiting minority candidates' ability to appeal to a broader electorate. The Supreme Court's decision, expected in June, will address whether the VRA's preclearance requirement is still necessary and if it conflicts with the Act's original purpose. Civil rights advocates warn that striking down Section 5 could adversely affect minority populations, particularly Latinos, who are expected to significantly contribute to the growth of the eligible electorate in the coming years.

The U.S. Supreme Court is deliberating on the Legal Arizona Workers Act, which mandates employers in Arizona to use the E-Verify system to check the work authorization of new hires and allows the state to revoke business licenses from those hiring undocumented workers. The law, signed in 2007 by then-Governor Janet Napolitano, is challenged by the Chamber of Commerce, arguing it conflicts with federal law and could lead to discrimination. Civil rights groups also express concerns about errors in the E-Verify system. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer defends the law, stating it is necessary due to federal inaction on immigration enforcement. The Supreme Court's decision is expected early next year, with potential implications for state authority over immigration policy.

The House Foreign Affairs Committee, chaired by Congressman Howard Berman, has postponed the vote on legislation that would ease the trade embargo against Cuba, specifically the Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act, H.R. 4645. The vote is expected to be taken up after the midterm elections due to time constraints in the current Congressional session. The Obama administration has not officially supported the bill, but there are rumors of plans to ease travel restrictions to Cuba. Anjana Samant from the Center for Constitutional Rights expressed disappointment over the postponement, while Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinan and others have opposed easing restrictions. The CCR has defended the legal right of the President to ease travel restrictions to Cuba.