PBI currently has 32 volunteers in Colombia in four sub-teams providing protection for NGOs, individuals and communities in Barrancabermeja and the Magadalena Medio, Bogotá, Urabá, and Medellín.

The teams operate as observers in their areas, accompanying people or organisations under threat, making regular visits to conflict zones, and distributing information about the evolution of the conflict. The project also carries out advocacy, lobbying and public relations work with the international community and civil and military authorities, as well as campaigning for international support.

Mexico is often seen as a pleasant tourist destination - sun, sombreros and tequila!  However, a step back from the tourist attractions life in Mexico is not so sunny.  Amnesty International are particularly concerned about the discrimination against women and the UN have appointed a Special Rapporteur to investigate the human rights situation of indigenous people.

According to Human Rights Watch, the most serious human rights problems in Mexico are those affecting its criminal justice system.  For those under arrest or in prison, torture and other ill-treatment are routine and complaints are rarely investigated.

The Mexico project now has 6 volunteers based in Guerrero state who provide protection to 5 local human rights organisations, including one based in Mexico City.  They also make periodic visits to Mexico City to meet national authorities, diplomats, UN representatives and local NGOs.  For more information please visit the PBI Mexico section.

PBI's first Guatemala Project operated from 1983 to 1999. During those years we worked supporting refugees, unions, indigenous groups, farmers' organisations, human rights defenders, and church members.

In April of 2003 the Guatemala project reopened. Since this reopening, a field team of international observers has provided support and international protection to defenders of human rights.  The work of the project has increased and the team on the ground has stabilised.

PBI now accompanies 14 organisations nationwide with 10 international observers based in Guatemala City.

Indonesia's elections in 2004 resulted in a new parliament and new president.  However, although Indonesia's first ever direct presidential election marked another step toward full democratization, the rule of law and human rights remain insecure.

According to Human Rights Watch the current issues include the resurgent power of the military in social and political affairs, ongoing impunity of security forces responsible for atrocities, abuses associated with armed conflict in Aceh province, repression in Papua, and disturbing signs of a return to intimidation of the press and criminalization of dissent. 

PBI has launched a new initiative to support peace activists and human rights defenders in war-torn Nepal. Nepal's "democratic middle" - including nongovernmental and community-based organizations, the media, and political parties - is being squeezed between an expanding Maoist insurgency and government-sponsored repression. 

The project was developed in response to aggressions by the Nepalese security forces and Maoist insurgents and requests for an international peace presence by local civil society members. PBI will provide international accompaniment and presence, offer security and self-protection workshops, bring international delegations to Nepal, and organize speaking tours.