U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of DRL: Support for the Defense of Human Rights in Central Asia

Deadline: 23 April 2020

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that support the rule of law and respect for human rights in Central Asia.

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The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor champions American values, including the rule of law and individual rights, which promote strong, stable, prosperous, and sovereign states. They stand for the freedoms of religion, speech, and the press, and the rights of people to assemble peaceably and to petition their government for a redress of grievances. Issues impacting lawyers and journalists working toward accountability and the rule of law in these countries are outlined in the U.S. Department of State’s Human Rights Report (HRR).

The objective of this solicitation is to strengthen the sustainability of civil society partners by promoting fundamental freedoms and improving the collective standing of legal advocates, human rights defenders, and journalists at-risk or under persecution for reporting or advocating for human rights in Central Asian countries.

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Illustrative activities include but are not limited to:

Regional networking events for local advocates to share lessons learned and to train participants on representing key issues and concerns both to the government and their fellow citizens.
Providing support and/or resources to foster the resiliency and protection of lawyers, human rights defenders, and journalists.
Building on existing mechanisms for legal organizations to engage with government on implementation of freedom of assembly, freedom of association, or protection of human rights laws.
Training on advocacy to effect change in government compliance to international standards.
Support for lawyers, journalists, and CSOs to develop a common strategy for protection of human rights through rule of law.
Assisting legal professionals and organizations with tools, resources, and support to operate safely and more effectively.
Engaging with media and journalists on how to report on legal elements of human rights issues.
Funding Information

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Award Ceiling: $750,000
Award Floor: $700,000
Period of Performance: 18-24 months
Anticipated Time to Award, Pending Availability of Funds: 4 months
Activities that are not typically allowed include, but are not limited to:

The provision of humanitarian assistance;
English language instruction;
Development of high-tech computer or communications software and/or hardware;
Purely academic exchanges or fellowships;
External exchanges or fellowships lasting longer than six months;
Off-shore activities that are not clearly linked to in-country initiatives and impact or are not necessary per security concerns;
Theoretical explorations of human rights or democracy issues, including projects aimed primarily at research and evaluation that do not incorporate training or capacity-building for local civil society;
Micro-loans or similar small business development initiatives;
Initiatives directed towards a diaspora community rather than current residents of targeted countries.
Eligibility Criteria

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DRL welcomes applications from U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO) and public international organizations; private, public, or state institutions of higher education; and for-profit organizations or businesses. DRL’s preference is to work with non-profit entities; however, there may be some occasions when a for-profit entity is best suited.
Applications submitted by for-profit entities may be subject to additional review following the panel selection process. Additionally, the Department of State prohibits profit to for-profit or commercial organizations under its assistance awards.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=325196