In today’s interconnected world, it is more important than ever that we take the role of being “our brother’s keeper” to heart. Individuals, corporations, and collective groups must actively participate in being good global citizens that seek to positively influence the lives of individuals around the world. It is neither a realistic nor a prudent strategy to rely solely on governments to protect internationally recognized rights and freedoms. In a world where billions of people still live under repressive and authoritarian regimes, it is vital that civil society groups, businesses and individuals also commit themselves to supporting human rights around the globe. In this spirit, the Lantos Foundation has made Global Citizenship a pillar of its work.

The idea for the Global Citizenship pillar originated with a 2007 Congressional hearing in which then House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Lantos scolded internet executives for violating user privacy rights in authoritarian countries that resulted in the tragic imprisonment of citizens seeking to use their voices to enact change. These corporate titans sought to defend their actions by arguing that they were in compliance with the laws of the countries where they were doing business. Congressman Lantos’ withering comeback echoed around the world when he said, “While technologically and financially you are giants, morally you are pygmies.” Tom knew that being a good global citizen required more than just being “in compliance”, and we work to promote those entities that do more than just follow the rules – they walk the walk on human rights, even when that is not the easy choice.

Focus Area – Internet Freedom: The Lantos Foundation believes that internet freedom is the next frontier of human rights. Since 2011, the Foundation has focused intensely on Internet freedom issues and now leads a diverse coalition of groups and individuals advocating for greater internet freedom around the world. Read more about our internet freedom work.

Focus Area – Activist Artists: Human rights activists come from many different backgrounds, but one of the most powerful and often overlooked forces in the human rights movement are the artists.  As part of our Global Citizenship work, the Lantos Foundation is committed to supporting, encouraging and recognizing the work of Artist Activists who tell human rights stories in ways that are unique, inspiring and significant. Read more about our work in this area.

Focus Area – Supporting Front Line Human Rights Activists and Organizations: Since its inception in 2008, the Foundation’s Front Line Fund grant program has made more than 150 small grants to individuals and organizations working on the front lines of human rights struggles around the world. The grants, which average $2,000, have supported everything from the removal of antisemitic and neo-Nazi graffiti in Canada and Germany; to the establishment of educational human rights programs; to localized work on issues such as human trafficking or organ harvesting. In keeping with the Foundation’s focus on “Activist Artists”, the Foundation also supports film and book projects, as well as other human rights-related art initiatives. Read more about our work in this area and apply for a Front Line Fund grant.