Promoting democracy, the rule of law and women’s rights in Latin America and the Caribbean

Context

Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is one of the most democratic regions in the world. The countries of the region share many values and interests with Germany. However, the LAC countries face various challenges, such as great social inequality, high levels of violence and organised crime, corruption, migration and disenchantment with politics.

Women, girls and LGBTQI persons are particularly restricted in their rights and crimes are rarely punished. The disadvantages faced by women and marginalised groups as well as deficiencies in the rule of law system weaken democracy and stability in the region. The German Federal Foreign Office’s Latin America and Caribbean Initiative (LAC-Initiative) launched in 2019 supports the civil society and partner countries by promoting democracy, the rule of law and gender equality.

Objective

Partner governments, state institutions and the civil society in the LAC region promote democracy and implement a more effective law enforcement and gender equality.

Approach

The project coordinates the German Federal Foreign Office's women's network Unidas. It was established in May 2019 to promote dialogue among its members on women's rights and gender justice in the region and in Germany.

It seeks to enhance cooperation on the rule of law. To this end it supports partners in consolidating legal procedures and facilitating access to equal rights in the region, including through e-learning opportunities.

Activities have included organising policy-dialogue formats addressing global issues such as women’s rights, rule of law or digitalisation, as well as expert science-policy dialogues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last update: August 2023