Pursuing Justice for Syria
An Unprecedented Chance to Confront Russian Attacks on Hospitals in Syria
Russia’s President Putin sent fighter jets to bombard opposition-held areas of Syria—including hundreds of attacks on hospitals and medical facilities. Now Syrians have turned to the UN Human Rights Committee for justice.
Rights for Incarcerated People
The Fight for Women’s Rights Behind Bars in Colombia
Incarcerated women in Colombia face poor treatment behind bars—and steep obstacles to success once they are released. Inside the drive to protect their rights and increase opportunity.
Rights and Dignity in Exile
Under Russian Occupation, Crimean Tatars Face a Campaign of Erasure
Half of the Crimean Tatar people died during Soviet deportations; now, Moscow’s decade-long occupation of Crimea is making their homeland uninhabitable.
Justice on the Job
Building Worker Power in Brazil
Labor conditions for Brazil’s most vulnerable workers have gone from bad to worse. A drive to develop the muscle of an intersectional labor movement can change all that.
Topics
Latest Voices
Democracy in Action
Q&A: Working Towards a More Representative and Participatory Democracy in France
Audrey Fortassin of French nonprofit Tous Elus tells us about her organization’s efforts to get people out to vote, the importance of diversity and renewal, and what the organization is doing to boost democracy in France.
Ukraine’s Independent Media
Q&A: Telling War Stories Under Fire
It is incredibly tough to cover war against an enemy who wields disinformation amid the bombs and bullets. Yet thousands of displaced Ukrainian journalists carry on. What it takes to keep their stories coming.
Fighting COVID-19
A $100 Million Booster for Vaccine Equity
As the fight against COVID-19 continues, all countries need access to vaccines, not just the rich ones. Open Society’s $100 million commitment to COVAX will help deploy millions of vaccines to the nations most in need.
Accountability for Atrocities
Building War Crimes Cases in Ukraine
The horrific slaughter of innocents in Ukraine will test the ability of the international justice system to hold Russia accountable for its misdeeds. A veteran human rights lawyer on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
On the Ground in Ukraine
Health Care on the Front Lines in Ukraine
When Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, the International Renaissance Foundation in Ukraine was forced to scatter. Viktoriia Tymoshevska shares how it regrouped—and stepped up efforts to ensure health care amid the violence.
Domestic Workers’ Rights
Q&A: The Struggle for Domestic Workers’ Rights
Domestic workers are lauded as “essential,” though often their rights are not respected. Open Society spoke to Elizabeth Tang, International Domestic Workers Federation, about how they are organizing and where they are seeing progress.
Vaccine Justice
Q&A: Africa’s Fight for Vaccine Equity
As the pandemic enters its third year, African Alliance founder Tian Johnson shares reflections on how to make progress in the push for vaccine equity and what African civil society organizations are asking for now.
Ukrainian Resilience
Defending Civil Society in Ukraine
Russia’s war is about Ukraine’s right to exist. This is why people are so determined to defend what’s ours. In the name of vanquishing Ukraine, he has tied together its various strands in an unbreakable bond.
Civil Society in War Time
Q&A: Standing Up for Ukraine
Viorel Ursu, division director with Open Society’s Europe and Eurasia program, shares reflections on Russia’s assault on Ukraine, the Foundations’ legacy there—and what civil society must do in the nation’s hour of need.
Documentary Films
Q&A: Harnessing the Power of Documentary Storytelling
Orwa Nyrabia, artistic director of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, talks to Open Society about his experiences in Syria as a child and during the war, and its impact on his worldview and creative path