New Package of Support to Human Rights announced by Minister of State, Liz O'Donnell, TD
"Human Rights and Democracy Building remains central to Ireland's overseas development efforts", said Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Liz O'Donnell, T.D., today when she announced a further round of grant support for human rights and democratisation projects. This new package brings the total amount granted from the Ireland Aid budget in 2001 to IR£1.95 million for projects involving the promotion and protection of human rights and support for democracy and good governance in developing countries outside of Ireland's priority country programmes.
The Minister stated that "these grants are allocated under a scheme which focuses on the promotion of democratic processes, good governance and the protection and enhancement of human rights throughout the developing world. This clearly underlines the seriousness with which the Government treats the issue of respect for human rights".
"Building strong democratic structures and respect for human rights are central elements within Irish foreign policy" said Minster O'Donnell. "Through these grants, practical steps are being taken to make that policy a reality. It is intended that these grants, will ensure that the supported projects will have a real and positive impact on the lives of poor people living in developing countries".
Significant funding has been provided by Ireland Aid for Human Rights and Democracy projects in Africa, South America, as well as in Asia and the latest Ireland Aid grants include support for:
• Promoting improvement of women's access to justice in Bangladesh
• Providing support to vulnerable children through the enhancement of community-based care systems in Rwanda
• Education programmes on good governance in Kenya and Cambodia
• The promotion and protection of the rights of prisoners and detainees in prison through legal aid projects in Grenada, Palestine and Malawi
• the promotion of human rights education programmes in Colombia
• Dveloping the local capacity of community groups in Bosnia Herzegovina.Top
