In Depth
Inside the Archives: How George Soros Changed End-of-Life Care in America
The Project on Death in America ran from 1994 to 2003, with an ambitious goal: to transform the experience of dying in the U.S. Journalist Elizabeth Rubin spoke with Dr. Kathy Foley, the physician George Soros chose to lead it, to reflect on its impact.
Independent Journalism
Forever No More: From Destruction to Rebirth, the Critical Need for Supporting Syrian Journalism
As Syria rebuilds after the overthrow of its dictator Bashar al-Assad, an independent journalism outlet has been helping to build the public sphere to ensure Syrians are guaranteed the rights and freedoms they deserve.
Ukrainian Resiliency
Beyond the War, Ukraine Must Win the Peace and Recover
Three years ago, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. But the country remains resilient, bolstered by a civil society striving to ensure that it will be Ukrainians who shape the nation’s future.
Protecting Civil Society
Persecution at Home and Abroad: Pakistani Human Rights Defenders on the Run
Fazl and Nazish, rights defenders from Pakistan, faced exile for their efforts to encourage public health campaigns and women's education. They were assisted by the Shelter City Initiative, which provides support to rights defenders in danger.
Topics
Latest Voices
Black Lives Matter
A $220 Million Investment in Racial Justice
Open Society President Patrick Gaspard explains the Foundations’ decision to seize this moment to make a long-term investment in building power in Black communities.
Racial Justice Matters
Open Society’s History Fighting for Racial Justice in the United States
For decades, George Soros and the Open Society Foundations have invested in racial equity and the movement to dismantle systemic forms of discrimination—from the drug war to segregated schools and housing to securing the right to vote.
Surveillance Oversight Matters
Q&A: How Civil Society in Brazil Is Defending Privacy Rights
Through advocacy, organizing, and speed, Brazil’s civil society helped pave the way for a recent ruling from the country’s highest court that puts needed limits on how the government can use data to fight COVID-19.
Faith and Healing
Q&A: Preaching Harm Reduction
By bringing harm reduction to the faith community, Faith in Public Life is using the church to save lives in the face of the overdose crisis.
Event Recap
How Authoritarianism Fuels the War on Drugs
While the world’s attention has shifted to the COVID-19 pandemic, the harms and injustices of the “war on drugs” are not only continuing; they’re being intensified. What can civil society reformers do in response?
Sex Work Is Work
A Museum for and by Sex Workers
Through the Sex Workers’ Pop-Up Museum, 21 artists from 10 different countries seized an opportunity to share their lived experiences in creative, unexpected, and challenging ways.
Worker Rights Are Human Rights
Q&A: Women Workers in Fast Fashion Demand Justice
Despite being among the most exploited laborers in the world, garment workers in the fast fashion industry are at the forefront of the movement to reform globalization so it protects and empowers workers.
Rule of Law
Q&A: A Victory for Asylum Seekers in Hungary
Thanks to an unusually forceful judgment from the EU Court of Justice, the rights of asylum seekers in the EU have been reaffirmed and the dangerous precedent set by Hungary’s government has been challenged.
Power for Refugees
Q&A: Empowered Refugees Lead the Way
The best way to support and empower refugees in a time of crisis is to recognize that they know best how to address the needs of their communities.
A Victory for Civil Society
European Union Court Rejects Hungarian NGO Funding Law
A ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union has affirmed the vital role of civil society in democratic governance.