Central Asia Human Rights and Peace-Building Program
The Programme is temporarily suspended and will recommence in December 2008.
Political Affairs
The political department of the Netherlands Embassy in Almaty is closely following the political developments in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, in particular with regard to political reforms, the human rights situation and the democratization process.
In support of these processes in three countries, the Central Asia Human Rights and Peace-Building Program has been run by the Embassy sine January 1, 2003, in the framework of which projects in the sphere of human rights, peace building and conflict prevention are being supported and funded by the Netherlands Government.
Please follow the links to view the description of the Human Rights Program and a sample of a project proposal.
Human rights program
The Netherlands Government supports the development and promotion of human rights and peace-building in Central Asia, by making financial assistance available for activities aimed at promoting human rights and peace-building under the so-called “Central Asia Human Rights and Peace-building Program”.
Projects
Activities which contribute directly to the protection and promotion of human rights and peace building in Central Asia are eligible for assistance (in the minimum amount of 50 000 Euro). In particular, the following activities can be considered:
1. Improving the protection of human rights:
- legal, medical or psychological support to victims of human rights abuses
- investigation and documentation of human rights abuses
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combating impunity
2. Promotion of human rights
- information about human rights
- human rights education
- training in applying human rights standards
3. Capacity building
- strengthening capacity of relevant government organs
- strengthening capacity of relevant NGO’s
4. Peace-building
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conflict prevention
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strengthening capacity for early warning
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research into root causes of conflict
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reducing tensions in volatile areas
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facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties
Criteria
Important criteria for evaluation of proposals are:
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a direct, demonstrable impact on improving the human rights situation or contribution to peace-building in the country concerned
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sustainability
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a proven track record of the applying organization in human rights or peace-building activities
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the project must be a local initiative, and benefit local organizations
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a well-defined project proposal, with a clear description of proposed activities, a detailed budget, stating intended objectives, expected outcome and results
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the proposed activity could fit in a larger framework of initiatives or programs undertaken locally focusing on the same issues
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support can be given to innovative projects with a pre-determined impact
Priority areas
While not excluding projects in other areas, priority will be given to projects focusing on the following areas:
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strengthening capacity of government bodies responsible for supervising and enforcing human rights standards (e.g. Ombudsman, Human Rights Commission)
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combating corruption and increasing transparency
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reform of the penitentiary system
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improvement of law enforcement, with a view to strengthening accountability
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abolition of the death penalty
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independent media and freedom of speech
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women’s rights
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peace-building and conflict prevention in the Ferghana Valley
Duration of one project
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Minimum: one year
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Maximum: two years
Application submission
Organizations in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan wishing to obtain support under the Netherlands “Central Asia Human Rights and Peace-building Program” can submit their applications in English to the Almaty Office of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands:
The Almaty Office of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
103, Nauryzbai Batyr St.
480072 Almaty, Kazakhstan
Tel: +7 327 2503-773
Fax: +7 327 2503-772
The application must include the following information:
1. The Applicant
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name and precise contact information (address, telephone, fax, e-mail, etc.) of the applying organization
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track record in human rights or peace-building activities
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bank or giro account number of the applicant
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name and precise contact information of the project manager
2. The Project
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background and context of the project
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name and brief description of the project
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objectives of the project
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expected outcome and results
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the timetable and method of implementation
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locality or region of project implementation
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relevance to human rights situation or peace-building
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detailed budget, including amount applied for and contributions from other sources
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continuation of the project (how the project will be sustained after the end of grant)
A model of project application bellow is a must and should be strictly followed.
MODEL PROJECT APPLICATION
This model should be used for project applications related to the human rights and peace-building activities.
The number of pages by component are meant to give an indication.
1. Title page
2. Total project budget
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Requested contribution
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Other donors, if applicable
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Contributions already pledged or requested
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Duration of the project, from….. to ….
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Ongoing or new project
If the project is current, please indicate when it started….
Has the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs already made a contribution? Yes/No
If the answer is “YES”- Under project number _______________ (please specify).
3. Background (approximately 1 page)
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Short description of human rights situation, with particular relevance to the stated objectives of the project
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Reason for involvement of the implementing / applicant organization in providing assistance for this particular human rights situation.
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Contribution of the project to the improvement of the human rights situation
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Coordination with other projects, aid organizations, government, if applicable
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Experiences of implementing organizations regarding the strengthening of (respect for) human rights
4. Project description (2 – 4 pages)
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Basic aim(s) and derived objectives
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Target group
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Project activities. Brief outline, possible sub-activity or sub-location of the inputs (staff and resources), implementing organization, reach (target group, numbers)
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Time schedule of the project implementation
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Expected results
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Account of input of staff and resources.
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General summary of project costs, if possible per sub-activity, sub-location and main cost item.
5. Presumptions, situation changes (max. 1 page):
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If there is a considerable lack of information concerning the human rights situation, which presumptions have been made in drawing up the project?
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Which changes of the situation are taken into account that can, to a considerable extent, influence the implementation of the project?
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Are measures foreseen to respond to changing circumstances or assumptions that later prove to be incorrect?
6. Control / Monitoring (max. 1 page):
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How will the implementation of the project be monitored by the implementing organization and/ or applicant organization?
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Progress reports (narrative and financial) should be submitted every six months, while a final report (narrative and financial) should be submitted no later than three months after the end of the project.
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Is the applicant organization planning project missions for monitoring, technical advice or evaluation?
In case of the approval of the application, an agreement will be presented to the applicant outlining the terms and conditions under which financial assistance will be provided. The first installment of the grant will be made available upon return of a signed copy of the agreement; the last installment will be made available upon receipt and approval of the final report of the project.
