DATE: 4 May 2010
SUBJECT: Development Cooperation
Australian funding for human rights programs
The Australian Embassy in Hanoi announced on 4 May 2010 the opening of Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the 2010-2011 Human Rights Grant Scheme (HRGS).
Managed by Australia Agency for International Development (AusAID) in consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, HRGS provides grants to non-governmental organisations and human rights institutions which are involved in promoting and defending human rights in developing countries, including Vietnam. The HRGS is in addition to Australia’s significant human rights cooperation program with the Government of Vietnam.
Grants are awarded to projects that complete one or more of the following objectives:
• Prevent or end gross human rights violations such as (but not restricted to) human trafficking, restrictions on freedoms of thought/expression/association, abused in the judicial system, systematic discrimination, denial of the right to education for girls, denial of the right to economic livelihoods for particular groups, or forced labour
• Promote positive change in policies or actions of government of relevant non-state actors in the area of human rights
• Monitor, seek redress for and/or report on human rights violations, including supporting victims of human rights abuses
• Educate and/or train human rights victims, workers or defenders
• Promote observance and implementation of international human rights standards
• Promote and strengthen national or regional human rights institutions or mechanisms
Grants range from between A$20,000 and A$100,000 (VND350 million-VND1,750 million) for preferable one-year projects. Projects of up to A$150,000 (VND2,650 million) over two years will also be considered.
EOI Guidelines can be found on the AusAID website at: http://www.ausaid.gov.au/business/other_opps/humanrights_scheme.cfm
In Vietnam, interested organisations should complete EOI form (in English, found in the EOI Guidelines) of no longer than 3 pages and send in hardcopy to Ms Dinh Quynh Mai, Australian Embassy, 8 Dao Tan, Ha Noi no later than 15 June 2010. Email applications will not be accepted.
Selected organisations will be notified by 12 July 2010 and invited to submit full applications. Unselected organisations will not be notified.