UK's human right funding up for grasp

The UK government has launched the Human Rights and Democracy Programme (2013/2014), to promote human rights and democracy work overseas.

The programme aims to make a difference to people's lives, helping to build the capacity of governments and civil society to promote and protect human rights. In 2012/13, we supported over 70 projects worldwide.The HRDP targets areas that are both important to the UK and where it considers it can make the greatest impact in delivering the overarching purpose to "pursue an active and activist foreign policy, working with other countries and strengthening the rules-based international system in support of our values".

Deadline for submitting project bids is February 8.

The thematic areas for 2013/14 are:

- global torture prevention

- abolition of the death penalty

- promotion and protection of freedom of expression

- upholding freedom of religion and belief

- combating discrimination against women

- business and human rights

- strengthening democratic processes