Minister O'Donnell announces assistance to Human Rights Projects
Ms. Liz O'Donnell T.D., Minister of State for Overseas Development and Human Rights, today announced Irish Aid grants totalling £140,833 in support of seven human rights and democratisation projects worldwide.
"The promotion of respect for human rights and good governance is an essential component of Irish Aid policy" said Minister O'Donnell, "These grants form part of a continuing programme of practical support for efforts in this field".
"This year's 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has highlighted the importance of the protection and promotion of human rights" said the Minister.
"Countries in post-conflict situations face particularly urgent needs in the area of human rights and good governance" noted the Minister. "Assistance is to be given to the Human Rights Commission in Bosnia-Herzegovina and to a democratisation programme in Sierra Leone, which aims at raising the level of democratic awareness and at the promotion of good governance."
"Other projects include a programme designed to counter gender violence in Honduras and the promotion of the rights of pastoralists in the Horn of Africa. It has also been agreed that Irish Aid will continue its support for the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), a Geneva-based organisation which provides training and advice on human rights issues and relevant UN procedures to NGO representatives."
These grants bring to over £1 million the total assistance allocated so far this year from the Irish Aid Human Rights and Democratisation budget. Minister O'Donnell stressed the importance of "this practical evidence of Ireland's commitment to the active fostering of human rights and democratic values worldwide".
