The autonomy of prosecutors and prosecution offices is essential to combating the high levels of impunity in our countries. This independence is crucial to ensuring victims’ access to justice, the presumption of innocence, the right to due process, and equality before the law in criminal investigations and prosecutions. Given their hierarchical structure and the need to operate under the principle of unity of action, prosecution offices require distinct standards to protect their autonomy, different from those applied to the judiciary.

A key part of our activities includes developing specialized research, engaging in dialogue with governmental and legislative authorities, and promoting differentiated international standards on the autonomy of prosecutors and prosecution offices in Latin America. We work to identify and address the challenges that threaten their independence and foster the exchange of best practices and lessons learned in this area. An example of this is our steadfast and ongoing support for national coalitions such as #FiscalíaQueSirva, La Justicia Que Queremos, and the Colectivo contra la Impunidemia. Additionally, we promote the creation of similar initiatives in other countries.

In collaboration with national and international partner organizations, we monitor the selection processes for attorneys general and other high-level specialized prosecutors in the region. We advocate for transparent, merit-based, and impartial procedures to ensure that prosecutors can perform their duties without external influence. Furthermore, we provide technical support to civil society initiatives aimed at advancing this agenda, particularly in countries with high levels of impunity.

At DPLF, we are committed to protecting the autonomy and independence of prosecutors in Latin America, recognizing that their impartiality and objectivity are crucial for the functioning of a fair and effective justice system. All our initiatives are aimed at ensuring that prosecutors can fulfill their role as guarantors of the rule of law and protectors of human rights in their respective countries.