Latin America and the Caribbean Pact’s work in Latin America and the Caribbean is defined by programs with sustained impact in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. Throughout the region, as elsewhere, building sustainable organizational and institutional capacity is central to Pact’s efforts, as well as working closely with governments and civil society institutions. Program emphases include democracy and governance, labor justice, disadvantaged and minority communities, and people living with HIV/AIDS. Earlier efforts in the region contributed to development processes in Ecuador, Peru, Brazil and Haiti, and participants from virtually every country in the region have attended Pact training courses and learning events The Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) creates a free trade area that encompasses Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. This agreement between the United States and the signatory countries was established to reduce intra-regional trade barriers and promote economic development within the region. With new jobs created, new challenges emerge to strengthen the legal framework and institutions that support labor justice. Through the USAID Citizens’ Access to Labor Justice for CAFTA-DR Program, Pact is supporting public defenders, providers of free legal assistance. Pact also works to build the capacity of Ombudsman Offices and civil society organizations to improve the administration of justice. Pact provides grants to over 25 partners across Central American and the Caribbean to implement this regional project. |
