Deadline: 15 March 2019
The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) has announced two open competitions for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that support Libyan-led justice and accountability efforts, and promote freedom of association, assembly, and expression.
- DRL’s objective is to promote the full implementation of Libya’s 2013 Transitional Justice Law, including ending arbitrary detention and promoting community-based reconciliation. Program approaches could include, but are not limited to:
- Training and technical assistance to civil society and the justice sector, such as lawyers, judges, prosecutors, and administrative staff, to support and advocate for the full implementation of the 2013 Transitional Justice law in a manner consistent with international human rights law;
- Training and technical assistance to civil society and the justice sector to advocate for, plan, and implement key reforms to guarantee due process and the human rights of detainees, including the establishment of civilian oversight and monitoring mechanisms;
- Monitoring of detention facilities, including documentation of treatment, anti-torture measures, as well as advocacy for access to information and legal representation;
- Design and implementation of local processes in support of the 2013 Transitional Justice Law, as noted above, including dialogue, advocacy, and educational efforts to foster reconciliation, generate local-buy in and understanding, and ensure community demands are addressed at the local and national level.
- Supporting meaningful and sustainable participation of survivors of torture in reconciliation processes through the provision of comprehensive support, as well as raising awareness of the benefits of psychosocial support and reducing stigma toward those accessing these services;
- Developing and implementing long-term education strategies to promote peacebuilding, tolerance, and reconciliation, with a particular focus on schools. Please note: curriculum reform efforts will NOT be deemed competitive.
- DRL’s objective is to foster a safe, enabling environment for civil society organizations, human rights defenders, journalists, and women activists to operate inside Libya. Program approaches may include, but are not limited to:
- Strengthening internal and regional networks to support the protection and rights of civil society organizations and activists by building allies within communities, and/or other activities that will increase the ability of civil society and activists to coalesce and advocate effectively for their shared interests and rights with local councils, community leaders, government officials, and the international community;
- Providing personal safety counseling, psychosocial support, and digital safety skills to strengthen the self-protection capacity and resiliency of activists, journalists, and organizations;
- Promoting basic organizational development among Libya’s civil society sector, particularly those working to promote the rights of freedom of association, assembly, and expression, to include mission development, strategic planning, and adoption of and adherence to robust human resources, financial, and security policies, including digital security; and
- Monitoring, tracking, and documenting the targeting of civil society, activists, journalists, and other vulnerable groups, as well as politically motivated attacks, to include tracking media incitement of violence.
Funding Information
- Funding Floor (lowest $$ value): $500,000
- Funding Ceiling (highest $$ value): $1,600,000
- Anticipated Number of Awards: 2
- Period of Performance (example 12-18 months, 2 -5 years): 18-24 months
- Anticipated Time to Award (pending availability of funds): 8 months
Eligible Applicants
- DRL welcomes applications from U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations/non-government organizations (NGO) and public international organizations; private, public, or state institutions of higher education; and for-profit organizations or businesses.
- DRL’s preference is to work with non-profit entities; however, there may be some occasions when a for-profit entity is best suited.
- Applications submitted by for-profit entities may be subject to additional review following the panel selection process.
- Additionally, the Department of State prohibits profit to for-profit or commercial organizations under its assistance awards.
- Profit is defined as any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs.
- The allowability of costs incurred by commercial organizations is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR 30, Cost Accounting Standards Administration, and 48 CFR 31 Contract Cost Principles and Procedures.
How to Apply
Applicants can find application forms, kits, or other materials needed to apply via given website.
For more information, please visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=312356