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.
Online Hate Speech
New SEC Complaint Says Meta Misled Shareholders over Myanmar Hate
A whistleblower complaint to the SEC argues that the social media giant Meta misrepresented its role in fueling violence against Myanmar’s Rohingya—highlighting the need for more platform accountability for online hate.
Topics
Latest Voices
Love Prevails
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.
A More Open Future
Q&A: In Kyrgyzstan, a Small Investment Can Make a Big Difference
Using accessible and innovative approaches such as music, dancing, street theater, and more, rights advocates in Kyrgyzstan are doing the grassroots-level work that is essential for a healthy civil society.
Sex Work Is Work
The Multiplying Threats Facing Sex Workers Today
The COVID-19 virus has disproportionately harmed millions of sex workers, who are grappling with economic catastrophe, a global pandemic, and government policies that make an already dire situation even worse.
Bring Them Home
Q&A: Racial Justice and Restitution
During a moment of reckoning with the legacies of racism, the African Foundation for Development is working to return objects to Africa that were looted during the eras of colonialism and imperialism.
Event Recap
A History of Presidential Lies
While U.S. President Donald Trump is known for lying, a new book from the journalist Eric Alterman argues that he is far from the first president to do so—and raises questions about the relationship between executive power and “alternative facts.”
Strength in Numbers
Q&A: How Collaborative Journalism Defeats Censorship
Responding to increasingly violent attacks on reporters all over the world, the organization Forbidden Stories brings journalists together to amplify the stories that enemies of a free press want to keep hidden.
Public Health First
Incarceration Should Not Be a Death Sentence
Despite earlier promises to fight the spread of COVID-19 by reducing the number of nonviolent offenders in jails and prisons, governments worldwide are dragging their feet and prioritizing the drug war ahead of public health.
Standing Up to Big Brother
Q&A: A Big Step for Global Privacy Rights
By ruling against a government intelligence agency, one of the most powerful courts in Germany has struck a blow for data privacy and free expression.
A Holistic Answer
Demanding a Just COVID-19 Response
As our grantees, partners, and allies work tirelessly to reduce the damage brought on by the pandemic, we at Open Society are committed to long-term reforms that will address the structural injustices worsened by the virus.
Making the Truth Visible
Q&A: Bearing Witness to Broken Policing
By supporting grassroots activists who are using video to shine a light on police violence, the nonprofit group WITNESS is empowering the movement for racial justice and greater accountability.