Ambassador Eastham and one DHRF receipients

Six Local Projects Receive Funding From The Democracy and Human Rights Fund

The United States Ambassador to Malawi Alan Eastham says the Democracy and Human Rights Fund (DHRF) is an important program in supporting and strengthening democratic institutions and increasing awareness of the principles of democracy and human rights through grassroots level activities.  The Ambassador was speaking in Lilongwe Tuesday, when he signed DHRF grant agreements with six local organizations worth a total of $85,000 (MK10.2 million).  “In Malawi we are proud to be able to assist in the promotion of the rule of law and the protection of civil and political rights,” said Ambassador Eastham.   He paid tribute to the grantees’ dedication and motivation to create and carry out a plan of action that will improve the lives of people in local communities.
 
The organizations will carry out locally initiated development projects in Lilongwe, Ntchisi, Ntcheu, Zomba, Mangochi, Balaka, Machinga and Blantyre. 
 
The grantees include Women’s Voice, Paralegal Resource Centre, Mauatherenji Vocational Training & Rural Development Center, Channel for All Nations Radio, Chancellor College Human Rights Society and the Catholic Commission for Peace and Justice in Lilongwe.
 
The DHRF has operated in Malawi since 1988.  Its objectives are to support and strengthen democratic institutions, values and practices; increase civic and political awareness and promote the development of Malawian organizations’ capabilities.
 
Projects that receive funding from the DHRF are those that promote “first generation rights,” such as rule of law, civil or political rights as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and projects that result in change in democratic and/or human rights practices or laws.