Rights & Governance
Focus AreasLaw and human rights—two essential components for social change and the establishment of an open society—are a major focus of the Open Society Institute Middle East & North Africa Initiative’s Rights and Governance grantmaking in the region. The initiative seeks to empower local human rights and civil society groups that are dedicated to promoting the rule of law, government accountability, and that are engaged in human rights monitoring, advocacy, and education.
The Middle East & North Africa Initiative gives priority to organizations providing protection to and recognition of the rights of some of society's most vulnerable groups: minorities, migrants, refugees, and women. There is also an emphasis on projects that seek to bolster civil and political rights through the promotion of legal reform and strategic litigation that provide citizens increased access to justice.
Other areas of support include projects that work to foster government transparency, with the aim of promoting government oversight through increased public participation, and by supporting freedom of expression and access to information.
In support of these goals, the initiative works in close coordination with the Open Society Institute’s other programs, among them the Justice Initiative, International Women’s Program, and Media Program.
Current grantees are engaged in human rights monitoring and advocacy, defense and promotion of women’s rights, legal reform work, and legal aid to migrant workers.
