Inside Open Society: Hugo Tovar on Security and Rights

Safe and secure communities are cornerstones for open societies and strong democracies. When individuals face crime and violence and fear takes hold, people may be tempted to give up their fundamental rights in exchange for a promise of safety. But crime and violence are complex problems, influenced by a combination of socioeconomic disparities, political instability, corruption, and the presence of powerful organized crime syndicates. Issues such as poverty, inequality, limited access to education and healthcare, and unemployment have created conditions that allow crime and violence to increase. Our director of rights and security, Hugo Tovar, understands firsthand how violence can affect a community. He shares how Open Society is empowering local communities and civil society to develop innovative people-centered safety and security solutions that tackle the root causes of violence and crime. -- Inside Open Society looks at the leaders who are advancing Open Society’s mission to promote rights, equity, and justice around the world. With a commitment to amplifying local knowledge, these leaders are supporting innovative solutions to help democratic and open societies thrive.