The global objective of this call for proposals is to empower CSOs and to support their efforts to promote, advance and defend human rights and democracy in Montenegro.

The specific objective(s) of this call for proposals are threefold: firstly, to support CSOs working in the area of protection of social, economic and cultural rights, especially for groups particularly vulnerable to discrimination. Secondly, it will support CSOs in promoting active citizenship in public and political life and in fostering the role of civil society in oversight and accountability mechanisms in the area of justice and rule of law. Thirdly, it also seeks for the proposals aimed at harnessing the opportunities and addressing the challenges of digital communication technologies, taking into account the fact that such technologies can empower people, widen access to information and knowledge, but at the same time, can also be used in ways that violate human rights.

This call for proposals is divided in three lots, each with its own specific objectives and priorities.

• Lot 1: Protection of social, economic and cultural rights, especially for groups particularly vulnerable to discrimination.
• Lot 2: Active citizenship in public and political life.
• Lot 3: Harnessing the opportunities and addressing the challenges of digital and new technologies.

Background

Human rights and democracy are founding values of the European Union and a cornerstone of the EU external action. The international human rights framework sets norms and standards for everyone in all cultures, with no exception. Human rights and democracy is also a precondition for sustainable development and for building more inclusive, open and resilient societies.

The EU launched the Global Europe Human Rights and Democracy programme in 2021. This programme steps up EU support in promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law and the work of civil society organisations and human rights defenders around the world during the period 2021-2027. The programme will promote and protect the universality of human rights, strengthen the rule of law and accountability for human rights violations and abuses and defend the full and effective exercise of fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of expression, supporting independent journalism and media, while seizing the opportunities and countering risk associated with digital and new technologies.

The Neighbourhood Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) Global Europe – Human Rights and Democracy (HR&D) Thematic Programme (2021-2027) is the EU’s main tool to support civil society to become an effective force for defence of human rights and promotion of democracy worldwide. It complements the Civil Society Facility of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), which is focussed specifically on civil society in the enlargement region.

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