The Open Society Foundations works to build vibrant and inclusive democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. We are active in more than 120 countries around the world.

We were struck by President Nayib Bukele's references to the Open Society Foundations' work in El Salvador in his press conference on September 24, 2020.

The Open Society Foundations has worked in El Salvador since 2006, supporting civil society organizations and independent media outlets working to address corruption, reduce violence, and increase judicial transparency and independence. Under different governments, and regardless of political affiliations, these organizations have worked to support democracy and press freedom in El Salvador through lively debates and exchanges of ideas. We support those seeking justice and those working to reduce rampant violence in their communities.

The Open Society Foundations' work in El Salvador is part of our commitment to building just and inclusive democracies in Latin America and the Caribbean. The region is at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Open Society Foundations has made significant investments to support equitable and inclusive responses to the crisis, focused on addressing the grave economic injustices exacerbated by the pandemic. In Mexico City (CDMX), we supported the local government to include informal workers in an unemployment plan; and in Bogotá, we invested in the first system to provide services for those in need of care and caregivers. In the hard-hit state of Pará, Brazil, we supported local government efforts to reinsert vulnerable populations into the labor market and provide emergency social assistance through a program that provides food for families.

The Open Society Foundations conducts its work publicly and transparently, in compliance with all legal requirements of the United States government, as well as those of other countries where we operate, including El Salvador. Information about our work is available on our website and publicly in US tax filings.

All the organizations we support define their own goals and activities, with the approval of their boards or governance structures. The Open Society Foundations does not dictate the priorities or strategies of organizations and does not interfere in the implementation of their work.

More than ever, in the context of a global pandemic that threatens the health, integrity, and livelihoods of millions of people in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Open Society Foundations remains committed to building more democratic and inclusive societies. We are proud of our work and that of the organizations we support in a region facing a resurgence of corruption and authoritarianism.