Open Society Foundations

We work to strengthen democratic governance by fostering societies that are safe, inclusive, and responsive to their citizens.

Through grantmaking and advocacy efforts, the Latin America Program supports the work of civil society organizations and their constructive engagement in the development, implementation, and oversight of public policies.

More about the Latin America Program »

Latin America Program

Featured Work

Voices

Decision Time for Argentina on Human Rights

by Gastón Chillier

The recent General Assembly of the Organization of American States in Cochabamba, Bolivia, exposed a risky situation for the future of the most valuable regional protection tool available to the continent’s populations.

Voices

Psychoactive Drugs: A Matter of Public Health

by Jorge da Silva

If the goal of the "war on drugs" is to protect young people, it has been a failure. Our youth have been precisely its greatest victims.

Report

Effectiveness of International Anticorruption Conventions on Domestic Policy Changes in Latin America

by Florencia Guerzovich

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Transparency International's efforts to stimulate effective implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption and the UN Convention against Corruption in the Americas.

Voices

Mexico’s New President Faces Looming Security Challenges

by Alejandro Hope
2

Expert gives recommendations for short-term drug policies in Mexico.

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Open Society Voices

A New Beginning on Drug Policy

May 22, 2013 | by Kasia Malinowska-Sempruch, David Holiday | 5 comments

A new report from the Organization of American States envisions possibilities for ending the war on drugs and introducing policies rooted in public health and human rights.

Will Brazil Support Compulsory Drug Treatment?

May 15, 2013 | by Julita Lemgruber

If compulsory treatment of people with drug dependence has been condemned by jurists as unconstitutional and by health care professionals as a complete absurdity—why would the Brazilian government support such an approach?

Addicted to Punishment: Penalties in the War on Drugs More Severe than for Murder and Rape

April 9, 2013 | by Rodrigo Uprimny | 16 comments

Over the past several decades, Latin America has seen penalties for drugs skyrocket, resulting in longer sentences for drug offenses than many violent crimes.

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