NOFO: Supporting Rule of Law and Justice Sector Reforms (Uzbekistan)

Deadline: 17-Jul-2024

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out several projects supporting rule of law and justice sector reforms intended to enhance the timely delivery of justice for citizens of Uzbekistan.

Project Types

• The INL Empowering Defense Attorneys Initiative is an 18-month, $500,000 project with a main goal of strengthening the professional capacities, independence, and role of defense attorneys in Uzbekistan. The project will support efforts to strengthen the independence and equal professional treatment of defense attorneys and to incentivize the courts to operate in a more transparent and adversarial manner. The project will primarily provide assistance to the Chamber of Advocates of Uzbekistan (CoA) to strengthen defense attorneys’ performance and exercise a competitive process between prosecution and defense to determine the facts. The project will provide assistance to the CoA and defense attorneys in ensuring access to robust legal representation during the investigative processes. The project will support legal reforms aimed to enhance transparency and accountability within the judicial system, ensuring that defense attorneys have access to all relevant information and resources to mount a comprehensive defense for their clients, whereas the judge serves more as an arbiter between claims of the prosecution and defense.
• The INL Investigative Journalism to Combat Corruption is a 18-month $500,000 project aimed at supporting and strengthening the role of investigative journalism in promoting transparency, accountability, and uncovering systemic corruption as well as addressing existing gaps in journalism education. The project will help to reinforce investigative journalism efforts, foster journalistic integrity, and empower journalists to pursue in-depth reporting through capacity building, exchanges of experience, and training. This will help uncover corruption, combat misinformation, and foster a more informed and engaged citizenry.
• The INL Supporting New Constitution Implementation is a 18-month, $500,000 project aiming to facilitate the effective implementation and integration of the reformed constitutional framework into Uzbekistan’s legal, administrative, and societal structures. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive support and resources to ensure that the principles, rights, and provisions outlined in the new constitution are upheld and enforced across all levels of governance. Key objectives may include legal reforms to align existing laws with constitutional mandates, capacity-building initiatives to enhance administrative institutions’ ability to enforce constitutional provisions, and public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about their rights and responsibilities under the new constitution. Additionally, the project may focus on fostering dialogue and collaboration between government entities, civil society organizations, and international stakeholders to promote transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in Uzbekistan’s democratic transition.

Project Goals and Objectives 

• INL Empowering Defense Attorneys
  • Training and Capacity Building: The grant will support training programs, workshops, and seminars aimed at enhancing the skills and capacity of defense attorneys in the adversarial legal system. Training topics will include trial advocacy, evidence presentation, cross-examination techniques, legal research, and case preparation, empowering legal professionals to effectively represent their clients in court.
  • Access to Legal Resources: Many defense attorneys lack access to essential legal resources, such as case law databases, legal libraries, and research materials. This grant will provide funding to establish and maintain resource centers, online databases, and libraries where legal professionals can access relevant legal precedents, statutes, and research materials to support their cases effectively.
  • Mentorship and Support Networks: Mentorship and peer support are invaluable for professional development and knowledge sharing among legal practitioners. This project includes provisions for mentorship programs, peer-to-peer networks, and mentor matching services, connecting experienced defense attorneys with aspiring advocates to provide guidance, advice, and support in navigating the adversarial legal system.
  • Advocacy and Public Awareness: Promoting public awareness and advocacy for the importance of the adversarial system is essential for its preservation and improvement. This grant will support advocacy campaigns, public forums, and educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the principles of adversarial justice, the role of defense attorneys, and the importance of due process in legal proceedings.
• INL Investigative Journalism to Combat Corruption
  • Enhance Investigative Reporting Skills: This project aims to provide training workshops, resources, and mentorship programs to journalists, equipping them with advanced investigative techniques, data analysis skills, and digital security measures to conduct thorough and ethical investigations.
  • Support Investigative Projects: The grant will fund investigative reporting projects that research issues of public interest, such as government corruption, especially in State Owned Enterprises, public procurement, construction, health and education sectors, corporate malfeasance, social injustices, and environmental hazards.
  • Promote Collaboration: Partnership among journalists, news organizations, bloggers, civil society groups, think tanks, and academic institutions is essential for effective investigative reporting. This grant will facilitate partnerships and collaborative efforts to amplify the reach and impact of investigative journalism initiatives.
  • Foster Ethical Standards: Upholding ethical standards and integrity is fundamental to the credibility of investigative journalism. This project will incorporate training on journalistic ethics, fact-checking methodologies, and legal considerations to ensure that investigative reporting adheres to the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, and accountability.
  • Ensure Sustainability: Sustainable funding models are crucial for the longevity of investigative journalism endeavors. This proposal includes plans to establish a sustainable funding mechanism, such as endowments, subscription-based models, or partnerships with sponsor organizations, to support ongoing investigative reporting efforts beyond the grant period.
• INL Supporting New Constitution Implementation 
  • Facilitate Legal Reforms: Support drafting and advocating for legislative changes that align existing laws with the principles and provisions of the new constitution of Uzbekistan, ensuring legal coherence and consistency in the country’s legal framework.
  • Strengthen Institutional Capacity: Provide training, technical assistance, and resources to governmental institutions responsible for enforcing constitutional provisions, enhancing their ability to administer justice, protect human rights, and uphold the rule of law effectively.
  • Promote Public Awareness and Participation: Develop and implement outreach campaigns, educational programs, and civic engagement initiatives to raise awareness among citizens about their rights and responsibilities under the new constitution, fostering active participation in democratic processes and promoting a culture of constitutionalism and accountability.

Funding Information

• Total available funding: $1,500,000
• Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $500,000 to a maximum of $1,5 00,000
• Number of awards anticipated: 1-3 awards (dependent on amounts)
• Length of performance period: 18-24 months

Project Activities and Deliverables   

• INL Empowering Defense Attorneys
  • Conduct stakeholder consultations with key government officials, legal professionals, civil society organizations, and international partners to identify priority areas for advocacy and reform.
  • Develop and disseminate informational materials, including policy briefs, fact sheets, and reports, to raise awareness about the challenges facing the legal profession in Uzbekistan and advocate for policy changes, as required.
  • Organize training sessions, workshops, and seminars for lawyers and law students to enhance their skills, knowledge, and understanding of professional ethics and standards.
  • Establish partnerships with local and international universities, bar associations, and legal clinics to expand access to legal education and training opportunities for aspiring lawyers.
  • Monitor and evaluate the impact of advocacy efforts and reforms on the independence and effectiveness of the legal profession in Uzbekistan. Participants and Audiences: Primary beneficiaries for this project will be members of the Chamber of Advocates of Uzbekistan, Center for Professional Development of Lawyers under the Ministry of Justice, judges and prosecutors, lawyers, students, and faculty of Tashkent State University of Law.
• INL Investigative Journalism to Combat Corruption
  • Organize training workshops on investigative techniques, data analysis, and digital security measures.
  • Provide access to online resources, databases, and investigative journalism toolkits.
  • Facilitate mentorship programs where local and foreign experienced journalists mentor aspiring investigative reporters.
  • Conduct practical exercises and case studies to reinforce learning.
  • Solicit proposals from journalists and media organizations for investigative reporting projects.
  • Establish a selection committee to evaluate project proposals based on impact, relevance, and feasibility.
  • Conduct networking events, seminars, and conferences to bring together journalists, news organizations, civil society groups, and academia.
  • Facilitate partnerships between journalists and organizations working on related issues.
  • Create online platforms or forums for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and resource exchange.
  • Conduct research on sustainable funding models for investigative journalism initiatives.
  • Explore partnerships with philanthropic organizations, media foundations, or corporate sponsors interested in supporting investigative reporting.
  • Offer training sessions on journalistic ethics, including principles of accuracy, fairness, and accountability.
  • Provide resources on fact-checking methodologies and legal considerations relevant to investigative reporting.
• INL Supporting New Constitution Implementation   
  • Support appropriate host government organizations in drafting the commentary to the new constitution by providing expert guidance and assistance in interpreting and clarifying the legal provisions, principles, and intentions underlying the constitutional text. This process may entail collaboration with legal scholars, constitutional experts, and relevant stakeholders to ensure comprehensive coverage and accuracy in the commentary.
  • Support in introduction and application of the commentary by disseminating the document to relevant stakeholders, including government officials, legal professionals, civil society organizations, and the general public. This may be accompanied by training sessions, workshops, and educational programs to familiarize stakeholders with the commentary and its significance in understanding and implementing the new constitution.
  • Collaborate with civil society organizations to monitor electoral processes, ensure transparency, and address barriers to participation.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive training programs for law enforcement officers and judicial officials on human rights principles, including topics such as non-discrimination, due process, and the prohibition of torture.
  • Expand access to legal aid services by establishing legal aid clinics in underserved areas and providing training for legal assistants (paralegals) and community volunteers.
  • Support the Anti-Corruption Agency to implement measures to protect whistleblowers.
  • Introduce transparency measures in government decision-making processes, such as mandatory disclosure of government contracts and budgets, and the publication of officials’ asset declarations.
  • Strengthen mechanisms for citizen oversight and engagement, including the establishment of citizen advisory boards and the implementation of feedback mechanisms for public services.
  • Establish data collection mechanisms to gather information on key performance indicators, including surveys, focus group discussions, and administrative data collection systems.
  • Conduct regular assessments and evaluations to review progress, identify challenges, and make adjustments as necessary to ensure the project’s effectiveness.
  • Disseminate findings from monitoring and evaluation activities to stakeholders through reports, presentations, and other communication channels to promote transparency and accountability. By implementing these specific activities, the new constitution implementation project in Uzbekistan can make meaningful progress towards achieving its goals and objectives, ultimately contributing to the advancement of democracy, human rights, transparency, and accountability in the country.

Expected Outcomes  

• INL Empowering Defense Attorneys
  • Enhanced advocacy and defense skills among legal professionals, leading to improved outcomes for clients in legal proceedings.
  • Increased access to legal resources and support services for defense attorneys, ensuring a more level playing field in adversarial litigation.
  • Establishment of sustainable mentorship programs and support networks to facilitate ongoing professional development and knowledge sharing within the legal community.
  • Raised public awareness and support for the adversarial system, leading to greater respect for due process and fairness in the administration of justice.
• INL Investigative Journalism to Combat Corruption
  • Increased capacity and expertise among journalists in conducting investigative reporting, especially on complex corruption cases.
  • Production of high-impact investigative stories that catalyze public discourse and drive positive social change.
  • Strengthened networks and collaborations within the investigative journalism community.
  • Establishment of sustainable funding mechanisms to support long-term investigative reporting initiatives.
  • Enhanced public trust in journalism through adherence to ethical standards and transparency in reporting practices.
•  INL Supporting New Constitution Implementation       
  • The commentary to the new constitution has been drafted, adopted, and disseminated which provides clear guidance and assistance in interpreting and clarifying the legal provisions, principles, and intentions underlying the constitutional text.
  • Increased adherence to the principles and provisions of the new constitution leads to a more robust legal framework, fostering greater certainty, predictability, and fairness in the administration of justice and governance processes.
  • Improved capacity of governmental institutions to enforce constitutional mandates results in more effective governance, increased transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to the needs and rights of citizens.
  • Heightened public awareness and understanding of constitutional rights and responsibilities empower citizens to actively engage in democratic processes, advocate for their rights, and hold government accountable for upholding constitutional principles and protecting fundamental freedoms.
  • Alignment of existing laws with constitutional provisions creates a conducive legal environment for economic development, investment, and social progress, fostering stability and prosperity in Uzbekistan.
  • Successful implementation of the new constitution demonstrates Uzbekistan’s commitment to democratic reforms, human rights, and the rule of law, enhancing its standing in the international community and fostering closer partnerships with other nations and international organizations.

Participants and Audiences

• INL Empowering Defense Attorneys
  • Primary beneficiaries for this project will be members of the Chamber of Advocates of Uzbekistan, Center for Professional Development of Lawyers under the Ministry of Justice, judges and prosecutors, lawyers, students, and faculty of Tashkent State University of Law.
•  INL Investigative Journalism to Combat Corruption
  • Journalists: Both investigative journalists and aspiring reporters interested in developing their skills; Media organizations: editors and staff from independent media outlets or newsrooms committed to investigative reporting; Civil society groups: activists and bloggers, citizen journalists, advocates, and NGOs working on issues relevant to investigative journalism, such as human rights, corruption, climate risk and environmental matters, and transparency; Academic institutions: professors, researchers, and students studying journalism, media studies, or related fields; Legal experts: lawyers and legal scholars specializing in media law, freedom of expression, and human rights law; Technologists: professionals with expertise in digital security, data analysis, and information technology relevant to investigative journalism. Engaging a diverse range of participants and audiences ensures that the project has broad support, fosters collaboration, and maximizes its impact in promoting transparency, accountability, and social justice through investigative journalism in Uzbekistan.
•  INL Supporting New Constitution Implementation
  • The Institute for Legislation and Legal Policy (ILLP) under the President of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Justice, Constitutional Court, Anti-Corruption Agency, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), legal aid NGOs, election monitoring groups, advocacy groups, lawyers and legal scholars, judges and prosecutors, general public, citizens of Uzbekistan, beneficiaries of public awareness campaigns and educational programs on constitutional rights and responsibilities, community leaders.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible Applicant
  • The following organizations are eligible to apply:
    • U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs);
    • U.S.-based educational institutions subject to section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code or section 26 US 115 of the U.S. tax code;
    • Foreign-based non-profits/non-governmental organizations (NGOs);
    • Foreign-based educational institutions
• Other Eligibility Requirements
  • In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier.
  • Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. Organizations may form a consortium and submit a combined proposal, however one organization should be designated as the lead applicant and other organization(s) listed as sub-recipient partner(s).
  • To be eligible to receive a federal assistance award, organizations must have a commitment to non-discrimination with respect to beneficiaries and adherence to equal opportunity employment practices. INL is committed to an anti-discrimination policy in all of its programs and activities. INL welcomes applications irrespective of an applicant’s race, ethnicity, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other status.
  • Applicants are reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions with, and the provision of resources and support to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism. It is the legal responsibility of the recipient to ensure compliance with these Executive Orders and laws. This provision must be included in any sub-awards issued under this grant award.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.