South America

The Gran Chaco region of Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay is twice the size of California. It’s vast, but few people live here. Indigenous families live alongside poor farmers, not always peacefully. Despite their differences, everyone faces poverty and significant challenges like water shortages. And more and more land is being turned into commercial farms at the expense of families' well-being.

Our team and our partners know that it doesn’t have to be this way. That’s why we’re part of a long-term, cross-border initiative to raise the standard of living in the region. We're teaming up with communities to improve water access. We're making it easier for families to raise livestock and cultivate lush gardens. At the forefront of all these efforts is a goal of raising the people's voices in defense of their rights.

Beyond the dry lands of the Gran Chaco, we are working with communities in South America to address and protect the rights of families and children with incarcerated parents. Millions of these children often face stigma, discrimination and/or trauma. Many have watched police arrest their parent. They may have to move in with extended family to make ends meet without their parent's income. Their families often struggle financially.

That's why CWS helped create Plataforma NNAPES. It's a regional coalition of organizations who focus on advocating for and protecting the rights of these children and their families. They envision a world where all children with incarcerated parents thrive and have their rights realized.

Alongside our partners, we work to raise the visibility of these issues and ensure that everyone has the right to a dignified and protected life.