DRL Program to Promote Youth Engagement in Democratic Processes and the Protection of Human Rights in Bangladesh and Nepal

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 a regional project that enables young people to proactively engage in democratic processes, including policy development and decision-making, and the protection of human rights in Bangladesh and Nepal. DRL’s goal is to increase youth mobilization to foster inclusion and participation in policy development and decision making at all levels of government. The bureau seeks proposals that empower youth to become agents of positive change within their own communities and strengthen young people’s knowledge of basic principles of leadership, transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and civic participation, enabling them to engage more fully with their local governments and communities. The program objectives are: 1) youth and youth-led organizations have increased leadership skills and strengthened networks to engage more meaningfully in decision-making processes and implementation of policies that impact youth and their communities; and 2) youth and youth-led organizations are empowered to advance and protect fundamental freedoms, acting as catalysts to increase awareness of governance issues among young people and other community members.