EU financial assistance to improve democracy and human rights

EuropeAid has launched four new calls for proposals under the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR). In May 2001, the Commission adopted a policy statement, or Communication, on the EU's role in promoting human rights and democratization in third countries. In particular, this Communication recommended focusing EIDHR financial support on thematic priority areas. The four calls for proposals are aimed at the following areas: 1) Support for the abolition of the death penalty, 2) Fighting impunity and promoting international justice, 3) Combating racism, xenophobia and discrimination against ethnic minorities and indigenous people, 4) The prevention of torture and the provision of support for the rehabilitation of torture victims. Established in 1994, the main aim of the EIDHR is to promote human rights, democracy and conflict prevention in third countries by providing financial support for activities supporting these goals.

Support for the abolition of the death penalty (€7m)

The Commission invites proposals from projects that support the abolition of the death penalty in all countries where it still exists. Successful proposals may include programmes aimed at raising public awareness and offering training for opinion leaders (judges, lawyers, parliamentarians, etc). In addition, funding is available to provide legal assistance for individuals facing the death penalty and research into death penalty cases and death row conditions.

Fighting impunity and promoting international justice (€6m)

Financing will be given to projects promoting the development of a universal criminal jurisdiction, in particular the establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC). EuropeAid invites applications for NGO training, awareness-raising and lobbying activities designed to increase support for the ICC. Assistance will be given to projects that aim to develop and implement legislation at a national level. Similarly, support will be given to projects aimed at raising awareness of the on-going activities of the ad hoc Criminal Tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia and for Rwanda. Programmes that promote dialogue between the jurisdiction of ICTY and national jurisdictions in the Balkans are also encouraged.

Combating racism, xenophobia and discrimination against ethnic minorities and indigenous people (€26m)

Projects should contribute to the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action adopted at the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (Durban, September 2001), and should focus on countries that have not yet ratified the UN International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination by 2005. Funding is available to support the implementation of effective national measures to combat discrimination on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin. EuropeAid will also consider proposals aiming to eliminate discrimination based on caste. Projects will include awareness-raising activities, training and educational programmes, and projects aimed at encouraging inter-cultural dialogue. Proposals which aim to help minorities obtain better access to justice, improve cultural, linguistic and religious rights, and strengthen the local media are also envisaged.

Prevention of torture and the provision of support for the rehabilitation of torture victims (€25m)

Proposals are invited from projects that aim to combat the practice of torture, including awareness-raising campaigns and activities that promote national and international mechanisms designed to prevent torture. Funding is also available for programmes that provide legal support for individuals or groups wishing to challenge torture practices in national or international legal fora. The Commission also wishes to support organizations that provide social and medical rehabilitation for the victims of torture and also strengthen institutional infrastructures in order to improve support for torture victims.

http://europa.eu.int/comm/europeaid/projects/ddh/documents_en.htm

http://europa.eu.int/comm/europeaid/projects/ddh/cfp_en.htm

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• EU Presidency Statement - The International Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia (26/11/2001)
• EU Presidency Statement - The International Criminal Tribunal Rwanda (26/11/2001)
• EU Presidency Statement - The International Criminal Court (12/11/2001)
• EU Presidency Statement - Financing of ICC for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda (6/12/2000)