More than 15 legislators from the Northern Triangle countries – El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras – met in San Salvador, El Salvador, for a two-day conference to advance a regional legislative agenda on security and human rights. The Northern Triangle region faces the highest homicide rate globally, and transnational criminal networks make collaboration between the three countries a critical element in efforts to improve security.

For many Iraqis who have been rattled by years of sectarian and civil war and the brutal occupation by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), violent conflict in daily life has become the ‘new normal.’ With billions of dollars worth of infrastructure turned to rubble, three million people displaced, and tens of thousands killed, injured or disappeared, citizens have struggled to hold on to hope.

Dear Friends,

Within the span of seven days, the world lost two giants who stood for freedom and human dignity — Senator John McCain and former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. They were public servants who dedicated much of their their lives to upholding universal values, and advancing democracy and human rights. This is a time when we remember the causes to which they were dedicated and honor their legacies. NDI is proud to have worked with Kofi Annan and his foundation in efforts to promote electoral integrity. 

Political parties play an essential role in a democracy, for which they must exercise good leadership, conduct regular outreach to their constituents, and demonstrate that government is delivering on citizen concerns. When parties cannot fulfill this role, democracy suffers.