Open Society Publications

explainer July 2021

COVID-19 and Undocumented Workers

The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic demands emergency action to support millions of undocumented migrant workers—and highlights the need for more humane and realistic government policies in the future.

Three workers carrying bushels on their shoulders in a field

publication July 2021

The Case for Investment in Recovery and Transition

Roma exclusion hurts economies in the region, and this will only get worse due to the pandemic and demographic trends. Governments can reverse this trajectory—if they choose to invest in Roma.

publication July 2021

Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Grant Making

This guide is intended to support those seeking to incorporate the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in their grant-making practice.

publication June 2021

State Capture of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Judiciary and Public Prosecution

The judiciary and public prosecution in Bosnia and Herzegovina have been captured. This has led to record high public distrust and claims of corruption. What is the EU’s role and what changes are required?

publication June 2021

Regulating the Digital Public Sphere

This report examines the opportunities and limits of approaches intended to hold platforms like Google and Facebook to account for practices that focus on profits and cause so much harm to the digital public sphere.

explainer June 2021

Why We Need Drug Policy Reform

Poorly designed drug laws that seek to punish production, use, and even dependence have fueled violence and health crises around the world. It’s time for a new approach.

explainer June 2021

What Is Harm Reduction?

Harm reduction refers to a range of services and policies that lessen the adverse consequences of drug use and protect public health. The Open Society Foundations support efforts to advance harm reduction around the globe.

explainer May 2021

Why It’s Time to Repeal Petty Offense Laws

Throughout the world, laws drawn from colonial era precedents are contributing to police brutality, prison overcrowding, and the oppression of marginalized and minority populations.

A video still from "Petty Offenses, Major Consequences" of a man squatting in a prisoner’s uniform

explainer May 2021

Why the World Needs a People’s Vaccine

The creation of effective vaccines has been essential to saving lives, but true success in the fight against COVID-19 will not be won unless doses are affordable and accessible to all, everywhere around the world.

A group of people waiting in line outside of a medical tent

publication March 2021

The Concept of Chilling Effect

Laws and practices can have a chilling effect on individuals, civil society, and the media. This report examines how the effect could be used to protect, rather than undermine, open society within the EU.

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