Europe’s commitment to upholding human rights values has extended to Latin America, by lending a helping hand in times of crisis.   In the past year, the region has faced many challenges, from Venezuela’s electoral crisis to Haiti’s battle against discrimination and the escalating violence across the continent. Not to forget, natural hazards, are worsened by climate change,  including hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. While Latin America is rich in culture and history, many countries lack the resources to face these challenges alone. In an effort of international cooperation, organizations based in Brussels are joining forces to provide humanitarian aid and support for human rights. While there are many critiques of this approach, there is no doubt of the impact they have.  Organizations like ECHO, a branch of the EU dedicated to foreign crisis response, work closely with local partners in Latin America to deliver assistance after natural disasters and during times of political instability. And, NGOs like Race and Equality advocate for social justice, more specifically,  the rights of Afro-descendants, indigenous communities, and LGBTQI+ populations. Together, these organizations show that the EU’s involvement in Latin America is more complex and collaborative than expected.

Latin America and the Caribbean  (LAC) have always been a region of interest for the EU, they are linked not only economically and politically but also culturally. The EU is a top investor in LAC and ranks as the third-largest trading partner in the area. Together, the EU and LAC represent more than one-third of the United Nations members, showing a strong partnership. And, in June 2023, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, alongside the European Commission, adopted  A New Agenda for Relations between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean. The goal of this agenda is to strengthen ties and renew the EU-LAC partnership, which is focused on creating a renewed political alliance, strengthening common trade agendas, implementing investment strategies for green and digital transitions, and joining forces against organized crime. Additionally, this partnership aims to promote justice, civil security, peace, democracy, human rights, and humanitarian aid.  However, despite the long history of collaboration,  the shadow of colonialism is still there. Many people argue that Europe’s involvement in Latin America may perpetuate neo-colonial practices, exploiting vulnerable communities for political and economic gain. Recently, there have been criticisms directed at the Commission, for a lack of transparency and accountability.  To understand the workings of these organizations and how they manage the humanitarian values of neutrality, independence, and impartiality, listen to two members of ECHO as they discuss their efforts and challenges in their work.

Humanitarian Aid Organizations play a vital role in supporting vulnerable communities across Latin America. Being able to act independently from the European Commission allows them to uphold values of transparency and international collaboration while navigating strategic partnerships and global crises. However, humanitarian aid is not the only way the EU supports Latin America. NGOs currently advocate in Brussels for the protection of human rights across the LAC. To know more about how these NGOs operate within Brussels listen to Camilo Tovar from the International Institute for Race and Equality

These types of NGOs use their influence in Brussels to lobby for the visibility of human rights, social justice, and inclusive development in LAC. While lobbying is often seen in a negative light, this type of international collaboration tries to address systematic injustice, which might help to build a fairer future.

The relationship between the EU and LAC is complex, there are many different aspects and many players, each with their own goals and missions. And, while some might use this as a strategic relationship, to strengthen economic and political power,  we have to remember, that there are also those committed to creating change by lending a helping hand and advocating for the rights of those who cannot do it themselves.