Program Highlights
DRL currently administers approximately 200 programs that exceed $340 million. Through the success of the Human Rights Democracy Fund (HRDF), DRL programming has expanded to reach over 50 countries. Whereas DRL typically funds country-specific programs, a number of programs are regional in focus.
DRL is also supporting a global human rights initiative. Defenders of human rights often risk their own and their families' lives and safety to advocate for universally recognized human rights. In response to increased pressure on human rights and democracy NGOs and human rights activists, Secretary Rice made defending these individuals a priority and established a $1.5 million emergency fund within the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor. This Human Rights Defenders Fund draws upon the bureau's expertise of protecting and assisting human rights defenders who advance democracy and promote human rights, women's rights, fair labor, anti-corruption, independent media and journalism, rule of law and other issues where defense of such issues may result in the risk of safety and/or life.
Further information on the Human Rights Defenders Fund can be found at: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2006/77837.htm.
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