PRESS RELEASE
Phnom Penh, 19 April 2010 – The Delegation of European Union to Cambodia has today launched its new call for proposals for human rights projects with a total allocation of €1.2 million (over $1.6 million). The funds are drawn from the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) and aim to finance Cambodian NGOs whose work contributes to the development and consolidation of democracy and respect for all human rights in Cambodia..
"The European Union values the expertise that many Cambodian NGOs possess, and notably the role that they can play in the field of strengthening human rights and democracy. This is why we are very keen in continuing our support to human rights defenders in Cambodia," said Mr. Rafael Dochao Moreno, Chargé d' Affaires a.i. of the Delegation of the European Union to Cambodia.
Funding is available for projects in very diverse areas: to promote the rights and empowerment of indigenous people and their communities, to enhance the role of women in society and politics, and to address human trafficking, to prevent torture and improve prison conditions, to ensure the respect for the rights of detainees and convicts, as well as to promote land security and tenure for the most vulnerable and marginalized groups.
The EU has published this call for proposals every year since 2004, and it has awarded a total of € 10.5 million (about $ 14 million) in grants since then. The EU is currently funding 33 human rights projects, which are implemented by 26 national and international NGOs.
