The Rockefeller Brothers Fund has announced new guidelines for its Central America program, with a focus on El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

Established in 2019 with a portion of David Rockefeller's bequest to the foundation, the program acknowledges both the Rockefeller brothers' longstanding interest in Latin America and the impacts of historical and ongoing U.S. engagement in the region. With the aim of advancing a more democratic, inclusive, and sustainable Central America, the program will support the efforts of civil society, independent media, social movements, multilateral institutions, and other partners to strengthen democratic practice, advance reconciliation and peace, and promote sustainable and just resource use.

The updated guidelines are designed to address indications in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras of growing authoritarian populism — intolerance for criticism, censorship of the media, suppression of civil liberties and human rights, attacks on civil society, and militarization of governance and civilian spaces — as well as systemic corruption. To that end, the program's strategies include fostering transparency and anti-impunity efforts to bolster the rule of law and democratic governance; strengthening constituencies to advance democratic culture and equitable civic participation; promoting transitional justice, reconciliation, and innovative approaches to conflict transformation; and supporting sustainable development and climate change initiatives, especially regarding soil resilience and water security.

"This region is home to a growing number of people, organizations, and movements demanding change, particularly in the areas of distribution of and access to power and wealth, race and gender relations, the sustainable use of natural resources, and the development of inclusive and participatory democracies," wrote Central America program director Arturo Aguilar in announcing the guidelines. "The fund's Central America program will help the RBF identify and contribute to these efforts to encourage active participation in the civic space, incorporate the voices of women and indigenous people in decision making, expand access to justice and human security, advocate for nature-based solutions to human needs, craft new narratives, and bolster respectful and relevant international cooperation within the region and with its neighbors."

(Photo credit: Sandra Sebastián/Plaza Pública)