Justice has always been recognized by the Open Society Foundations as the bedrock of sustainable peace and prosperity for us all. We work to redress abuses of power that undermine democratic practices and rights, and to secure equal rights and their recognition in law and policy for groups that face entrenched discrimination and prejudice.
We also work to promote democratic participation at all levels—and to support those who push back in the face of authoritarianism. At a global level, we support efforts to ensure that countries that represent most of the world’s population are given a commensurate voice in global governance.
At a time when democracies are under pressure from authoritarian and anti-democratic forces, Open Society supports groups that speak out against the erosion of freedoms, as well as those who bravely dissent and resist in the face of repression, both at home and in exile.
The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, and before that the vicious civil war in Syria, have again challenged the world’s commitment to holding to account those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Open Society started funding international courts to respond to crimes in the Balkans and Rwanda in the 1990s. Today, we continue to support initiatives that seek to overcome political blockages placed in the way of justice for crimes committed in Syria, Ukraine, Sri Lanka, and elsewhere.
We support groups around the world that represent and speak up for communities who face embedded racism and discrimination simply because of who they are or where they came from. This includes supporting movements combating institutional and structural racism, and advancing demands for reparations for unresolved historical and ongoing violence and injustice. We also work toward the fair treatment of refugees and migrants, as well as efforts to fight stigma against drug users that leads to criminalization and impoverishment.
Around the world, women’s rights and LGBTQIA communities are under fire from conservative forces. We support groups that pursue a intersectional feminist agenda, including advancing reproductive justice and countering transnational attacks on sexual and reproductive health rights.
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Reproductive Rights
The Fight for Abortion Rights in Colombia
Not long ago, Colombia had a total ban on abortions. A group of dedicated activists fought to end the criminalization and expand women’s rights. Their story—and what it means for reproductive justice around the world.
explainer
How to Hold Russia Accountable for War Crimes in Ukraine
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was an international crime of aggression and has led to indiscriminate attacks on civilians, executions and unlawful killing, torture, and other atrocities. Here’s how to achieve accountability.
Gender-Based Violence
Tackling a “Shadow Pandemic” of Gender-Based Violence
Gender-based violence spiked globally during the pandemic. In the Middle East and North Africa, feminist groups stepped up to aid women under threat.