On March 26, 2026, the Constitutional Court of Guatemala confirmed the validity of Governmental Agreement 133/2024, which requires disclosure of beneficial ownership for public contracting processes. The decision, made public in mid-April, marks an important milestone for the advancement of transparency and anti-corruption efforts in Guatemala. In its ruling, the Court expressly acknowledged an amicus submission filed in September 2025 by the New York City Bar Association, with the support of the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice. The brief, submitted with a group of five civil society organizations – Acción Ciudadana, Centro Internacional para Investigaciones en Derechos Humanos,... read more
Post tagged in "transparency"
Guatemalan Constitutional Court Aligns with Vance Center’s Amicus Brief in Decision Upholding Transparency and Anti-Corruption Efforts
Posted on May 7, 2026
El Vance Center apoya el Diálogo Regional sobre Independencia Judicial en Centroamérica
Posted on February 13, 2025El 5 y 6 de febrero, el Vance Center y la Federación Centroamericana de Jueces por la Democracia (FECAJUD) organizaron un taller para fomentar un diálogo regional sobre las protecciones internacionales a la independencia judicial, la justicia digital, el lenguaje jurídico accesible y la comunicación judicial efectiva. El taller de dos días, titulado “Garantías para una Judicatura Independiente”, reunió en la Ciudad de Guatemala a jueces, expertos legales y líderes de asociaciones judiciales de toda la región para fortalecer el conocimiento y la colaboración en temas clave que afectan la independencia e integridad judicial en Centroamérica. Primer día: Cooperación regional... read more
Vance Center Supports Regional Dialogue on Judicial Independence in Central America
Posted on February 13, 2025Participants in the workshop in Guatemala City, February 5-6, 2025. Photo credit: Vance Center. On February 5-6, the Vance Center and the Central American Federation of Judges for Democracy (FECAJUD) organized a workshop to foster greater regional dialogue on international protections for judicial independence, digital justice, accessible legal language, and effective judicial communication. The two-day workshop, “Guarantees for an Independent Judiciary,” gathered judges, legal experts, and judicial association leaders from across the region in Guatemala City to strengthen knowledge and collaboration on key issues affecting judicial independence and integrity in Central America. Day One: Regional Cooperation and Technological Innovation In... read more
Vance Center and Global Financial Integrity Address Virtual Asset Ecosystem Challenges in El Salvador
Posted on November 27, 2024The Vance Center and Global Financial Integrity (GFI) co-hosted a forum and workshop on November 20 and 21 in San Salvador, bringing together policymakers, private sector leaders, and international experts. The November 20 forum, titled “Challenges and Opportunities for the Virtual Asset Ecosystem in El Salvador,” focused on fostering dialogue and collaboration on the regulatory, operational, and legal dimensions of virtual assets. Held at the Escuela Superior de Economía y Negocios (ESEN), the program provided a platform to explore the opportunities, risks, and innovations within El Salvador’s growing virtual asset ecosystem while addressing critical issues such as financial crime prevention,... read more
City Bar Statement Regarding the Elimination of Independent Agencies in Mexico
Posted on November 27, 2024También disponible en español aquí In a new report, the New York City Bar Association expressed serious concern about a measure approved last week by Mexico’s Congress that would eliminate seven autonomous agencies in Mexico and consolidate the functions of these independent agencies under the executive branch. The reform “represents a significant threat to institutional independence and democratic principles that guarantee transparency, accountability, and protection of fundamental rights in Mexico,” the statement says. The report emphasizes the essential role of these autonomous agencies within Mexico’s democracy, where they “serve as checks on executive power, promoting the separation of powers and... read more
Vance Center Co-Organizes Dialogue to Strengthen Argentina’s Fight Against Corruption
Posted on June 12, 2024Vance Center Associate Executive Director Jaime Chávez Alor speaks on a panel on transparency and anti-corruption efforts in Argentina at the Buenos Aires Bar Association, May 30, 2024. Photo credit: Vance Center The event, held on May 30 at the Buenos Aires Bar Association, aimed to identify steps to bolster Argentina’s fight against corruption and address relevant issues at the national and regional levels, including international accountability mechanisms and whistleblower protection. Jimena Vega Olmos, managing partner at Martinez de Hoz & Rueda, opened the conversation with an overview of the newest edition of “Argentina Transparente,” a publication produced by the... read more