Minister Kitt announces €826,610 for Human Rights and Democratisation projects in developing countries
Mr Tom Kitt, Minister of State for Overseas Development and Human Rights, today announced Development Cooperation Ireland grants totalling €826,610 for human rights and democratisation projects worldwide.
The promotion of respect for human rights and good governance is an essential component of Development Cooperation Ireland's policy and the Minister sees these grants as part of a programme of practical support for efforts already underway in this field.
The Human Rights and Democratisation Scheme is intended to support small-scale projects and programmes which contribute to awareness raising, training and capacity-building. Particular importance is attached to the likely impact at grassroots community level and on the capacity of communities to assert and gain understanding of, and access to, processes and institutions of government.
Included in the list for assistance are grants designed to promote the rights of women and children in Colombia, Burundi and Kenya. Projects which aim at strengthening democratic processes for marginalised sectors of society in Sudan and Kenya are to be supported as well as capacity-building projects for local communities in Peru, Brazil and Guatemala.
Support for Human Rights Programmes with International Organisations, such as the Coalition to stop the use of Child Soldiers and Global Witness, will strengthen advocacy against human rights abuses and in favour of access to rights by local communities.
