This session on the Voices Initiative will feature academics, policy experts and civil society actors. Together, they will share evidence-based approaches to successfully counter authoritarian tactics to restrict civic space that can be applied by diverse actors in Central American to advance democracy and human rights. Panelists will share lessons learned and comparative examples from global contexts on what proven policy, diplomatic, and programmatic tools have demonstrated success that can inspire new solutions to the unique contexts throughout the region. In June 2022, the U.S. government launched the Voices (Voces) Initiative, which is dedicated to protecting, defending and promoting civic space in Central America.