Global Reach: Past Grantees

The Civil Association for Equality and Justice (ACIJ) was founded in 2002 by its 3 current co-directors, with a mission to strengthen democratic institutions, foster a universal commitment to respect for human rights, and defend the most vulnerable groups in Argentine society. It does this by providing legal representation to poor communities whose rights are most threatened, building skills and knowledge of young people, drafting and promoting proposals for public policies, and challenging government misconduct through political and legal action. It collaborates with a range of civic institutions and universities, and has established a legal center in Moreno, the Community Legal Aid Center (CALC), using law students to support the community‘s needs. ACIJ won the prestigious World Bank Development Marketplace Award, one of 45 recipients out of a pool of 2,700, to develop this Center. In Moreno, ACIJ supports students, youth activists, and adults who work with youth to develop constructive ways of participating in public life, as well as learn skills, such as negotiation and problem-solving that can help them overcome their circumstances.

ACIJ‘s work through the CALC has earned it the respect and trust of the community and it has become a local leader on human rights promotion through the public school system, bolstered by a growing network of students, youth activists, teachers, and community-based organizations.