The Delegation of the European Union to the Kingdom of Lesotho has awarded three civil society organisations with grants funded under the 'European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights' (EIDHR), which is the EU's key financial mechanism for supporting organisations active in promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The three new projects supported by the EU in Lesotho are as follows:

1) Strengthening the capacity of local civil society organisations and other stakeholders to pursue the promotion of human rights principles, related accountability of public institutions and the democratisation process. This project, implemented by the Lesotho Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (LCN), also supports the drafting of shadow reports on progress made in implementing the UN Human Rights Conventions;

2) A project implemented by the Transformation Resource Centre (TRC) which supports advocacy for the establishment of a Human Rights Commission which is compliant with the UN Paris Principles;

3) Support for a project managed by Women in Law in Southern Africa (WLSA) with a focus on the prevention and elimination of early marriage, discrimination on inheritance of girl children and violence against LGBTI persons.

Signing these contracts on behalf of the EU, Ambassador Michael Doyle stated that "human rights are at the core of the EU's values and we remain committed to supporting efforts to strengthen democracy, respect of human rights and the rule of law in Lesotho." Mr. Seabata Motsamai, Mr. Tšoeu Petlane and Ms. Libakiso Matlho signed the grant contracts on behalf of LCN, TRC and WLSA respectively. 

Background

On 22 June 2015, the EU Delegation in Lesotho launched a Call for Proposals under the 'European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights' (EIDHR) Country Based Support Scheme (CBSS). The key objectives of this thematic funding instrument of the EU, which supports many actions around the world, are to enhance respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and to strengthen the role of civil society in promoting human rights and democratic reform. National calls for proposals launched by the EU Delegation are announced and advertised on the Delegation’s website. The Delegation selects the applicants based on objective and transparent criteria, which are also published on its website.

For more information please contact:

Name: Ms Liatile Putsoa, Press & Information Officer, EU Delegation

Telephone: 22272200, MOB: 62310193

E-mail: Liatile.Putsoa@eeas.europa.eu