Democracy and Human Rights Fund II
DHRF Projects 2004/2005
The United States Government awarded three grants to Malagasy NGOs in Fiscal Year 2004, to promote democracy and fundamental human rights. The grants, which total $60,000 (approximately 600 million FMG), are funded through the Democracy and Human Rights Fund II (DHRF II). The three NGOs chosen to receive grants will carry out programs designed to increase support for democratic practices and respect for human rights throughout the country. The grant contracts were signed at a ceremony held at the American Embassy on September 27.
"Le Fonds II pour la Démocratie et les Droits de l’Homme" provides grants to NGOs in African countries to support democratic institutions, promote political pluralism, or advocate human rights. Among others, the DHRF II program in Madagascar has provided financial support for the realization of projects related to children’s rights, prisoners’ rights, the electoral process, and civic education. NGOs receiving 2004 grants will undertake projects such as workshops, training and other related activities on the rights of the physically handicapped, women and child rights relating to sexual tourism, and the training and distribution of materials on human rights. Emphasis is placed on the non-partisan implementation of projects and their capacity to actively involve ordinary citizens in the promotion and defense of their rights. The following organizations received funding in 2004 and are currently carrying out the goals of their respective projects.
- Grantee: ONG Bel Avenir
Project Title: School Training on Rights of Young People
Description of Activity: Bel Avenir will lead trainings for students and distribute materials on human rights, targeting schools and other public forums in the coastal town of Tulear. This project will first be incorporated in the schools of Tulear as a pilot project, with the possibility of being incorporated into the national curriculum.
- Grantee: Association Jeunes 3T
Project Title: Prevention of Sex Tourism and Rights of Women and Children
Description of Activity: This project will mount an effort to reach out to women and children to educate them on their rights. In addition, they will conduct an AIDS prevention campaign and lead workshops on the illegality of sex tourism and potential repercussions. They will disburse materials and place educational announcements in and around Tulear at the city’s hotspots for sex tourism.
- Grantee: Sembana Mijoro
Project Title: Workshops, Trainings, and Materials on the Rights and Education of the Physically Handicapped
Description of Activity: This project will conduct workshops, trainings, and related activities on the rights of the physically handicapped. In addition, they will produce literature and other advertising initiatives as well a survey for the handicapped community.