Who We Are

About DPLF

DPLF is a regional organization comprised of professionals with a variety of nationalities, that promotes the Rule of Law in Latin America through the use of analysis and recommendations, cooperation with private and public organizations and institutions, exchanges of experiences, and advocacy efforts.
 
History
DPLF was founded in 1996 by Professor Thomas Buergenthal and his colleagues from the United Nations Truth Commission for El Salvador. They were convinced that human rights could only be guaranteed by strong and independent national judicial systems, and so they created an organization dedicated to the promotion of the rule of law and human rights in the Americas- DPLF.
 
Mission
DPLF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nongovernmental organization based in Washington, D.C., that works to strengthen the rule of law and promote respect for human rights in Latin America through applied research, advocacy activities, strategic alliances with local actors, and effective communication of our messages throughout the region.
 
Vision
DPLF envisions a Latin America where civil society participates fully in the consolidation of the rule of law - through the use of national and international legal instruments - and where judicial institutions are independent, transparent, accessible, and able to fulfill their role in strengthening democracy.
 
Values
 
Respect
DPLF values and takes into account the different perspectives of the people who interact within as well as outside of the organization.  
 
Commitment
The goal of our work is to achieve full respect for the rule of law and human rights, as enshrined in international norms and standards. We work passionately to achieve our goals and implement our strategies.
 
Proactiveness
We evaluate situations by actively looking for opportunities for improvement. We make constructive and practical suggestions about how to address challenges in order to achieve better results.
 
Rigor
Our work is meticulous and exacting; our research, publications, and declarations are reasoned and well-founded.
 
Effectiveness
DPLF optimizes its human and financial resources. We have the ability to adapt to changing contexts and to make decisions with agility and speed.