"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 lists recent projects supported by this Fund's predecessor, the Human Rights Global Opportunities 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:

• 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 [opens as a Word doc].

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

We will have two further bidding rounds in early 2009. The first Programme Board takes place on 19 January.

The deadline for bids is 1 December 2008.

Note: only bids which arrive in London via our Posts overseas by this date will be considered.

The second bidding round will take place in March 2009.

The deadline for bids is 14 February.

The Programme Management Team in London co-ordinates the bidding process. However the projects will be managed at our embassies and high commissions overseas and you should discuss your ideas with their project officer. If your idea will support the work they’re doing they will ask you to draw up a concept bid. Find your local embassy.

Concept bids should be discussed by embassies with the Programme Team and relevant human rights and democracy-related desk offices. They will then decide whether to request a full bid.

The Programme Board will then appraise all project proposals and decide whether to fund these or not.

Download bidding form

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

Download bidding form [Word doc].

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

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 3047

Email: HRDGGEnquiries@fco.gov.uk