Open Secrets is a non-profit organisation with a mission to promote private sector accountability for economic crime and related human rights violations in Southern Africa. Through research, advocacy, and litigation around the harmful and often unlawful activities of corporations and other private actors who have historically acted with impunity, we work to promote the right to truth and contribute towards social justice. We aim to complement and support important work currently undertaken by partner organisations and social movements in civil society. The following six guiding principles inform the approach we take to our work: Research that informs action: We undertake focussed, in-depth and rigorous investigations. Advocacy for accountability: We believe that in partnership with other in civil society organisations we can be strong advocates for change. Litigating for change: The law, particularly in South Africa, is a powerful instrument that can be used to hold private actors accountable for breaking the law and abusing power. Working collaboratively: We are commited to ensuring collaboration with partner organisations in civil society in all aspects of its work. Go where its hard and we can add value: We undertake work where we believe that we can add value and hence a primary focus on the financial services sector. We also choose to focus on economic crimes and human rights abuses involving the powerful and well resourced. Transparency, integrity and accountability in practice: We are transparent about the approach of our work and the sources of our funding. Open Secrets will not accept funding that undermines our integrity.