Open Society Foundations WHO WE ARE HOW WE WORK WHAT WE DO HUMAN RIGHTS MOVEMENTS AND INSTITUTIONS The Open Society Foundations fund human rights groups around the world, from global advocacy organizations to smaller national and local groups, that stand up for the rights of all. $81.9M 2020 EXENDITURES FOR HUMAN RIGHTS MOVEMENTS AND INSTITUTIONS 8.2% PERCENTAGE OF GLOBAL EXPENDITURES 8.1% AVERAGE ANNUAL CHANGE IN EXPENDITURES SINCE 2016 Explore our full expenditures by theme and region OUR WORK We are committed to upholding the rights described by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—from civil and political rights, such as the right to free assembly and freedom of speech, to economic and social rights, such as the right to education, food, and housing. The promotion of human rights informs all our work—and has helped shape our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Human Rights Initiative focuses in particular on challenging impunity and ensuring accountability, tackling discrimination and abusive practices in law enforcement and criminal justice, and defending freedoms of expression, assembly, and association. Demonstrators kneel and demand action against police brutality, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on June 2, 2020. © Chandan Khanna/AFP/Getty Supporting Human Rights Movements A Human Rights Watch campaign billboard calling for an end to the waste management crisis in Beirut, Lebanon, on January 19, 2018. © Anwar Amro/AFP/Getty In 2010, the Open Society Foundations gave a challenge grant of $100 million over 10 years to Human Rights Watch to support global expansion—the largest single donation commitment Human Rights Watch had ever received. Challenging Authoritarian Regimes Students in Budapest, Hungary, hold up signs showing an angry emoticon during protests against the government's education policy on January 19, 2018. © Attila Kisbenedek/AFP/Getty Many of the human rights groups we and others support around the world have come under attack from increasingly authoritarian governments. From Hungary to Egypt and elsewhere, their courage and commitment inspires our efforts. Accountability for Human Rights Abuses Military staff at an airbase near the Black Sea port of Constanta, Romania, on November 9, 2005. © Vadim Ghirda/AP/Shutterstock We support efforts throughout the world to end human rights abuses linked to government counter-terrorism efforts. This support has included seeking to strengthen overview and accountability for the use of armed drones by the United States and its allies, and challenging the program of illegal rendition and torture of suspects launched by the CIA after the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. Economic Justice Our work on economic and social rights has included using European rights law to challenge mortgage-related home repossessions in Ireland, and using rights arguments to challenge corruption in Sierra Leone. READ MORE DATA INNOVATION Q&A: How Does Your Government Score on Rights? Rights Tracker is a systematic effort, developed by a global, not-for-profit research collective, to measure governments’ rights performance. AUGUST 12, 2021 DEVELOPING A MORE JUST FUTURE Q&A: Designing for Human Rights What do architects, designers, and weapons specialists have to offer rights movements around the world? A unique and trailblazing firm is providing an answer, while building new digital tools to resist authoritarianism. JUNE 2, 2020 ALBINISM IN AFRICA IN DEPTH “We Are Tired of Being Ignored” Following a brutal murder in Mali, one of Africa’s most celebrated artists helped rally a movement to defend the rights of people with albinism, and organized a defiant musical festival unlike anything the world had ever seen. MAY 29, 2019 | DAVID DANZIG Read more from this theme: Human Rights Movements and Institutions Subscribe to updates about Open Society’s work around the world By entering your email address and clicking “Submit,” you agree to receive updates from the Open Society Foundations about our work. To learn more about how we use and protect your personal data, please view our privacy policy. VOICES Read the latest from our staff, grantees, and partners about how we’re working around the world to build vibrant and inclusive democracies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people. Learn more HOW WE FUND Every year the Open Society Foundations give thousands of grants to groups and individuals that work on the issues we focus on—promoting tolerance, transparency, and open debate. Learn more WHO WE ARE Our History George Soros Leadership Financials Policies Programs Offices and Foundations HOW WE WORK How We Fund Grants, Scholarships, and Fellowships Awarded Grants WHAT WE DO Where We Work Themes Events Newsroom Publications Employment Contact Us © 2021 Open Society Foundations, some rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Privacy Accessibility We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience of our website, to collect anonymous statistics, and to keep our site reliable and secure. 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