This month, in recognition of the important role that youth play in driving social change in Central America and Mexico, the Central America and Mexico Youth (CAMY) Fund puts a spotlight on the youth fight for justice, and the ways that philanthropy can work alongside them.
The freedom of the press and the independence of justice operators are pillars of democracy, and they are fundamental rights that the State of Guatemala is required to respect.
After nearly eight years with SIF, Olga is leaving the foundation to begin a new chapter in her professional career.
Between 2019 and May 2022, at least 22 prosecutors, judges, and human rights defenders have been forced into exile—many of them in the United States. Guatemalan authorities have also detained at least seven anti-corruption prosecutors. Virginia Laparra is one of them.
By Mirte Postema
As an impassioned expert on human rights, Adriana Beltrán brings to SIF more than 20 years of experience championing justice and democracy in Central America and beyond.
By SABRINA RODRIGUEZ.
“We need to get away from the notion that it’s just a matter of making an announcement with some kind of aid plan that would remedy all these problems,” says Eric Olson, director of policy at the Seattle International Foundation and an expert on Central America.
President Juan Orlando Hernández of Honduras figured prominently in a U.S. drug trial, but few think it will matter in a country mired in corruption. “We need to give the people of Central America a sense of hope. And that starts with fighting corruption and ending this ridiculous theft of Hondurans’ future,” says Eric L. Olson, director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives at the Seattle International Foundation.
The situation at the U.S.– Mexico border is urgent, but the crisis is in Central America. The solution to this problem cannot be a return to Trump-era policies of inhumane treatment as a policy of dissuasion. Family separation and forcing migrants to remain in makeshift shelters across the border is morally wrong and bad policy.
James D. Nealon, Eric L. Olson and Kurt Alan Ver Beek write about how Biden needs to follow through on a proposed Central American regional anti-corruption commission. Otherwise, U.S. aid will not stop thousands of desperate people from fleeing countries that give them little hope to survive, much less flourish.
Seattle International Foundation bids farewell and gives thanks to its Deputy Director.
Seattle International Foundation (SIF) unites in solidarity with Central America as the region grapples with the destruction of two hurricanes—Eta and Iota—taking the lives of over one hundred people, displacing thousands more, and causing widespread damage to infrastructure and crops.
Through SIF’s Independent Journalism Fund (IJF), we join the IWMF #JournoHeroes campaign to recognize this month, for the fourth consecutive year, the vital contributions of women journalists.
SIF bids farewell to Arturo Aguilar and begins an executive leadership transition.
The 2020 Central America Donors Forum recognized six civil society organizations in Central America for their resistance and reinvention in the midst of the global pandemic and crisis in the region. The Resistance Award, Reinvention Award and the 10th Anniversary awards will support these six organizations in their work and amplify their impact.
Apply for one of two CADF prizes for your organization’s chance to win $10,000 at the Central America Donors Forum 2020.
The Supreme Court of the United States issued its decision on June 18, 2020 and officially halted the Trump administration’s attempts to end DACA. But its narrow decision also means the government can still terminate DACA if it follows the proper procedures. Only a new immigration law would provide a permanent solution.
The Central America Donors Forum (CADF) will focus on the reinvention and resistance displayed across the region in times of crisis.
Serena Cosgrove, SIF board member, will develop an educational and research program in Guatemala on indigenous leadership, gender-based violence and access to justice. This is the third Fulbright fellowship she has received to carry out research in Central America.
