Building People Power in Greater Mekong

  • Print

Open Society Foundations Two men carry a bushel of fish up a riverbank © Jason South/Fairfax Media/Getty
For the millions of people who live by the Mekong River, the region’s lightning-fast development hasn’t been without its costs. All too often, in fact, the rights and interests of the area’s residents have been ignored by governments and corporations more interested in hydropower dams—and their outsized profits. That’s why the work being done by the Mekong Legal Network, a unique grouping of lawyers who use legal advocacy to defend the rights of Southeast Asia’s marginalized communities, is so essential. By joining together, the Network’s lawyers hope to use the rule of law to firmly establish that equitable development is an obligation, not an option, for the Greater Mekong’s future.

Voices

Africa

Nigerian Democracy’s Uncertain Future

Three people standing in front of a wall
The 2019 general election in Nigeria was marred by intimidation, dysfunction, and credible allegations of fraud. Here is why pro-democracy and civil society groups around the world should take notice.

Europe

Sex Workers’ Untold Stories

A lighter on a table
Organized by sex workers, a new Berlin-based exhibition uses found objects to present a more nuanced vision of what sex work really is.

Latin America & the Caribbean

Jokes for Justice in Latin America

Women on a stage in front of a cannon
What role can humor play in promoting open society values? In this video, Open Society grantees, staff, and partners explore how comedians and activists throughout Latin America are using comedy to expose corruption, promote tolerance, and encourage critical thinking.

Instagram

Palliative Care in the Drug War Era

A pair of syringes being held by two palms
In this week’s Open Society Instagram takeover, we share the story of two parents who must grapple with misguided anti-drug policies as they try to take care of their epileptic toddler.

If this message was forwarded to you, please sign up for future updates.
224 West 57th Street - New York, NY 10019, USA - Tel +1 (212) 548-0600

Creative Commons License © 2019 Open Society Foundations. Some rights reserved.