Hello, dear colleagues!
This article is primarily written for law firms representing asylum applicants from
Bolivia and other countries in
Latin America & the Caribbean, although it may also be useful for applicants themselves.
My name is Maxim Kharitonov, and I am the founder of
The Human Rights, an international agency of expert witnesses specializing in expert reports for asylum seekers worldwide (website: thehuman-rights.com).
We provide expert witness reports on human rights violations, political persecution, and asylum-related risks across key regions, including:
- Post-Soviet Region (CIS): Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Georgia.
- East Africa: Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda.
- South & Central Asia: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan.
- Middle East: Syria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia.
- Western Balkans: Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Latin America & the Caribbean: Venezuela, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Cuba, Haiti, Colombia, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil.
- East Asia: China, North Korea, Mongolia, Vietnam, Myanmar.
In this article, I will explain how our team approaches the analysis of the situation in
Bolivia and other
Latin America & Caribbean countries, highlight key issues related to human rights violations, and discuss why an expert witness report plays a crucial role in asylum cases.
What is an Expert Witness Report?
As you may know, an
expert witness report is an independent analytical document used to substantiate facts, justify risks, and assess the situation in the applicant’s country of origin.
Its purpose is to demonstrate that the applicant faces a real threat of persecution and cannot return to
Bolivia or another
Latin America & Caribbean country due to the risks involved. The report serves as witness testimony in the asylum case, providing expert insight into the situation in the applicant’s country of origin.
Why is an Expert Witness Report Essential?
An expert witness report is crucial at every stage of the asylum process:
- At the application stage: It helps establish the applicant's personal risks and their connection to the general situation in Bolivia or another Latin America & Caribbean country.
- At the appeal stage: If the application has been denied, the report can be used for a detailed analysis of the immigration authority’s decision, identifying errors, and providing additional evidence.
Key Functions of an Expert Witness Report
1.
Contextual AnalysisAn expert witness report confirms the broader situation in
Bolivia and other
Latin America & Caribbean countries, including political instability, repression, and conflict, citing both international and local sources.
2.
Personal Risk AssessmentThe report demonstrates the connection between the applicant’s individual threats and the conditions in their country. Whether it’s due to their political views, ethnicity, religion, or gender, the report will explain why they are personally at risk in
Bolivia or another
Latin America & Caribbean country.
3.
Strengthening the Evidence BaseAn expert witness report verifies that the applicant belongs to a vulnerable group facing persecution. Vulnerable groups can include ethnic or religious minorities, journalists, political activists, and women, particularly in countries like
Bolivia, where these groups may face targeted violence.
4.
Support with Credible SourcesThe report references authoritative organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the United Nations, and others. All sources are formatted according to the
OSCOLA citation standard.
Country Expert Witness on
Bolivia and
Latin America & Caribbean Countries
At
The Human Rights, we specialize in preparing expert witness reports for asylum applicants from
Bolivia and other countries in the
Latin America & Caribbean region. Our reports are tailored to asylum cases in the
UK,
USA,
Canada, and the
EU, ensuring compliance with immigration law standards and expert witness requirements.
We provide in-depth analysis on the human rights situation in
Bolivia and other
Latin America & Caribbean countries, addressing issues such as:
- Political Persecution: Bolivia has seen significant political instability, particularly during times of regime change. Political activists, trade union leaders, and indigenous rights advocates have been subject to persecution. Asylum seekers from Bolivia may face risks for their political views or activism, especially if they are involved in protests or movements critical of the government.
- Violence Against Indigenous Groups: Bolivia is home to a large indigenous population, many of whom face discrimination and violence. While the government has made strides to improve rights for indigenous communities, indigenous individuals may still be targeted by state and non-state actors. Asylum seekers from these communities often face risks related to land disputes, forced displacement, and violence.
- Criminal Violence and Drug Trafficking: Bolivia’s proximity to drug-producing regions makes it vulnerable to organized crime and violence associated with drug trafficking. Areas of Bolivia, particularly in rural regions, are often affected by violence between criminal groups and law enforcement. Asylum seekers from Bolivia may fear reprisals for being caught in the crossfire or for opposing criminal groups.
- Freedom of Expression and Press: Bolivia has experienced government crackdowns on journalists, media outlets, and opposition figures. Journalists and media workers who report on corruption, government abuses, or criminal organizations may be targeted with threats, harassment, or violence. Asylum seekers who have been involved in investigative journalism or activism related to freedom of expression may face persecution upon their return.
- Gender-Based Violence: Gender-based violence is prevalent in Bolivia, and women face high rates of domestic violence, sexual assault, and femicide. Despite legal protections, many women remain vulnerable due to cultural norms and limited law enforcement support. Asylum seekers fleeing gender-based violence often cite the failure of state protection and legal remedies as key reasons for seeking refuge.
- LGBTQ+ Rights and Discrimination: LGBTQ+ individuals in Bolivia may face significant social stigma, violence, and discrimination. Despite recent legal improvements in LGBTQ+ rights, the social climate can be hostile, particularly in rural areas. Asylum applicants who identify as LGBTQ+ may fear violence or persecution due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Corruption and Impunity: Bolivia struggles with corruption at various levels of government, law enforcement, and the judiciary. Individuals who expose corruption or fight against government abuse may face retaliation, including threats, arrest, or violence. Asylum seekers from Bolivia who have been targeted for their anti-corruption work may present these factors as part of their asylum claims.
Why Choose Our Expert Witness Reports?
Collective Expertise & VerificationOur reports are prepared by regional country experts, researchers, and legal analysts, ensuring accuracy and depth. Every report undergoes fact-checking and validation by our senior experts before submission.
Court-Tested Reports & Expert TestimonyOur experts are available to testify in court, reinforcing the credibility of the asylum applicant’s case. We follow the highest standards of expert witness reporting, including OSCOLA citation formatting and references to leading human rights organizations (Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, UNHCR, etc.).
Customized Reports for Each CaseWe tailor each report to the specific applicant’s circumstances, linking their personal risks to the broader situation in their country of origin.
Strong Track Record of SuccessOur reports have played a key role in successful asylum applications and appeals, helping individuals prove their risk of persecution.