On November 7, a significant announcement revealed a new global call for projects from civil society organizations (CSOs), with a substantial total budget of 36 million euros. This initiative is part of the expanded program on Human Rights and Democracy under the Neighborhood, Development, and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe (NDICI). This funding aims to bolster various global initiatives that promote and protect human rights and democratic principles.
Focus Areas of the Global Call
The present call targets several critical areas:
- Fair, Accountable, and Inclusive Trade and Business: This flagship action emphasizes business and human rights, focusing on eliminating forced and child labor and advocating for Indigenous Peoples’ rights. Projects under this category will target high-risk sectors and value or supply chains. They are expected to contribute to the accompanying measures of the upcoming Corporate Sustainable Due Diligence Directive and Forced Labor Regulation. The goal is to equip CSOs with the necessary tools to monitor, report, and advocate for the implementation of relevant EU and international human rights standards.
- Global Actions on Human Dignity, Non-Discrimination, and Inclusion: This segment focuses on promoting equality and respect for LGBTQ+ persons globally, with a particular emphasis on Sub-Saharan countries where same-sex acts are criminalized. The projects will support advocacy for anti-discrimination laws, social inclusion, and empowerment of CSOs working on LGBTIQ rights. Additionally, projects will aim to promote freedom of religion or belief and combat discrimination and violence based on religion or belief, encouraging intersectionality between these issues and gender.
Project Requirements and Scope
Given the scale of the grants and their geographical scope, the lead applicants for these projects are expected to be international organizations, with at least one local co-applicant. Financial support to local organizations is mandatory. The projects can be global, multi-country, or regional in nature.
This initiative marks a significant step in reinforcing global efforts to uphold human rights and democracy. By focusing on areas like trade, business ethics, LGBTQ+ rights, and religious freedoms, the program aims to create a more inclusive and equitable world. The involvement of CSOs in these projects highlights the importance of grassroots and local actions in driving global change and ensuring sustainable implementation of these crucial initiatives.