Theme: Equality and Antidiscrimination

Press release October 7, 2020

Open Society to Increase Commitment to Global COVID-19 Response

The Foundations will devote an additional $70 million to support the hardest-hit communities.

Voices October 2, 2020 Karina Claudio Betancourt & Rosanna Torres

The Right Way to Help Rebuild Puerto Rico

Three years after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, aid has been slow, and the recovery has been halting. To help the island rebuild, policymakers need to recognize Puerto Ricans’ right to decide their future for themselves.

Voices September 24, 2020 Gregory Maniatis

What the U.S. Still Owes Undocumented Workers

In the United States today, “essential” workers are more likely to be immigrants, and many of them are undocumented. Given all that these people have risked to keep society afloat, they deserve far more support.

Event September 24, 2020

What’s Next for Moria and the EU’s New Migration and Asylum Policy?

On September 23, the European Commission presented a long-delayed plan to overhaul EU migration and asylum policy, with new urgency created by the catastrophic fire at Moria. This conversation explored what comes next.

Event September 16, 2020

Is the COVID-19 Pandemic Fueling the Rebirth of Labor Organizing?

COVID-19 has spurred a new wave of worker organizing—online and on the streets—grounded in racial and economic justice. This conversation examined the future of workers’ rights and Open Society’s efforts to promote them.

publication September 2020

Working Together to Address Health Workforce Mobility in Europe

In Europe, the migration of health workers from east to west has had significant impacts—including the loss of skilled health professionals. This policy brief offers six key insights concerning policies that are needed across the EU.

Event September 3, 2020

Why Defunding the Police in Favor of Traditional Mental Health Systems Is Not the Answer to Police Brutality

Activists in the disability justice and mad movements discuss why expansion of traditional (coercive and over-reliant on medication) mental health services is not the answer to police brutality and criminal justice reform.

Voices September 2, 2020

Q&A: How Marriage Equality Won in Costa Rica

By emphasizing love, equality, and authentic storytelling, advocates for same-sex marriage in Costa Rica were able to overcome a challenging public opinion environment and achieve a landmark victory for LGBT rights.

Voices July 13, 2020 Patrick Gaspard

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.

Voices July 13, 2020

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.

Press release July 13, 2020

Open Society Foundations Announce $220 Million for Building Power in Black Communities

In support of the historic movement for racial justice sweeping the U.S., Open Society is investing in the emerging organizations and more established groups doing the grassroots work needed to build multiracial democracy.

Fact sheet July 13, 2020

Racial Justice in the United States

For decades, George Soros and the Open Society Foundations have supported the movement against systemic racism—from ending the drug war to reforming systems of education and criminal justice to securing the right to vote.

Voices June 25, 2020

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.

publication June 2020 Marta Jaroszwicz and Iryna Sushko

“More Legal Migration Will Stem Irregular Arrivals”—Does This Assumption Hold True?

With the number of Ukrainian workers in Poland on the rise, the risk that migrant workers will have to operate in a legal “gray zone” is increasing. Polish policymakers needs to embrace labor market and immigration reforms.

Press release June 18, 2020

Open Society Statement on the Supreme Court’s DACA Ruling

The ruling is an affirmation of a policy that enjoys widespread public and bipartisan support, and a victory for all those who support sensible and humane immigration policies that recognize the contributions immigrants provide to U.S. society.

Event June 13, 2020

Musicians with Albinism Celebrate International Albinism Awareness Day

This live-streamed event will feature musical performances, remarks from the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, and short video clips from advocates for people with albinism from around the world.

Voices May 27, 2020

Q&A: Progress for Migrant Workers in Italy

The government of Italy’s COVID-19 stimulus proposal includes measures to protect migrant laborers working in some of the country’s most important industries. While this is welcome news, more is needed.

publication April 2020 Neda Korunovska and Zeljko Jovanovic

Roma in the COVID-19 Crisis

This brief warns that Roma communities in Europe need more economic support in their fight against COVID-19 and its consequences. The EU also needs the Roma demographic for its own economic and political future.

Press release April 22, 2020

On Earth Day, Open Society Foundations Announce Climate and COVID-19 Fund

In support of urgent climate crisis priorities related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Open Society will pledge $16 million to advance green economic stimulus plans and stop authoritarian efforts to roll back environmental progress.

Press release April 16, 2020

Open Society Foundations Commit Emergency Support to Address the Impact of COVID-19 in New York City

Open Society will provide $37 million in relief for those in New York City who are at greatest risk from the COVID-19 global pandemic.

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