DRL Promoting Civil Society in Maldives

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that promote human rights in Maldives. DRL’s objective is to reinforce the capacity of Maldives civil society groups to work together with the government to promote freedom of assembly and association, increase citizen engagement with local elected leaders, and address popular areas of mutual concern. Program activities will include working with community groups and engaging them in activities which may include but are not limited to: • Creating opportunities for dialogue between civil society and citizen groups and government representatives; • Support for Maldivian civil society organizations that includes organizational development, management, and other forms of capacity building, in addition to technical program support; • Identifying societal and legal issues of mutual concern between community and government representatives; • Advocating for collective concerns which may include social respect or reform of government policies or practices; • Increasing capacity of civil society groups to more effectively advocate to support the rights of vulnerable and marginalized groups; • Advocating for changes in government policies or practices in response to community concerns; • Supporting public awareness and broader community engagement of advocacy efforts and results of civic- government engagement.