"The belief in the equal worth of each human being, and the desire for people to have sovereignty over their own lives is not only enshrined in the Universal Declaration of human rights, it is lived out in all corners of the world."

David Miliband, British Foreign Secretary (Feb 2008).

Overview

The Strategic Programme Fund's Human Rights and Democracy Programme supports our work to prevent and resolve conflict, counter terrorism and to strengthen international institutions. These are all FCO policy goals.

What is the Programme for?

To fund project work which supports our long-term strategy on these themes:

Human rights

• Strengthening international and national human rights mechanisms
• Criminal justice
• Equality
• Abolition of the death penalty

Democracy and accountability

• Improving electoral processes
• Promoting civil society's ability to influence, monitor and hold accouintable state institutions
• Freedom of expression

The project portfolio [Word doc, 263KB] lists recent projects supported by this Fund.

Other Strategic Programme Funds, such as the Counter Terrorism and Radicalisation Programme, also support human rights and democracy projects.

Human Rights and Democracy Programme Strategy (2008-2011)

The Strategy document has detailed info and guidance for this Programme Fund:

FAQs

• Why do we have a funding programme for human rights and democracy?
• Which themes do we focus on? Criminal justice, equality, freedom of expression etc
• What are our aims around human rights and democracy?
• How do we work with other government departments and organisations?
• Which countries do we prioritise?

It's important you read the Strategy document if you want to apply for project funding. It includes info about:

• What we're looking for in a project
• How this Programme works and who runs it, including the role of embassies
• Budgets
• How the bidding process works
• How we monitor and evaluate projects

Download the Strategy [Word doc, 112KB]

Programme size

The Programme has £18.3m for 2008-11.  

Target countries

The Programme has a global reach and wants to promote respect for human rights and democracy at a global, regional and national level.

The Programme does not define itself geographically. There are priority countries listed in the Programme Strategy, but we also welcome bids from other embassies and diplomatic posts that can deliver projects that support the Programme's objectives.

Bidding process

The next Programme Board takes place on 30 March 2009. Please note that Posts' own deadlines for bidding may be much earlier than this. Please consult them in advance for your bidding deadline

The deadline for bids via Posts is 1 March 2009.

We only accept full bids which have been submitted to us in London via our Posts overseas. It is essential that our Embassies and High Commissions support the work you are aiming to carry out. All potential implementers of projects must discuss proposals with project officers at our Posts. Find your local Embassy.
 
Concept bids should also be discussed with Posts and, where this would be helpful, with Thematic desk officers in London, who lead on each of our issues, eg equality, elections etc. Posts will put you in touch with them.

Download bidding form

You must complete and submit this form to apply for funding from our Programme:

Please read the bidding form guidance first! [Word doc, 137KB]

Download bidding form [Word doc, 137KB]

Contact details

For general enquiries please contact:

Programme Team,
SPF HRD Human Rights Programme,
Rm. E.3.316,
Foreign and Commonwealth Office,
King Charles Street,
London,
SW1A 2AH

Fax: +44 (0)20 7008 3884

Email: HRDGGEnquiries@fco.gov.uk