Ambassador Nolan, Mrs. Nolan and the group of DHRF recipients

U.S. Embassy awards Democracy and Human Rights Funds (DHRF)

On Wednesday 16^th September, 2009, the U.S. Ambassador to Lesotho, His Excellency Robert B. Nolan awarded grants to grantees as part of the U.S Embassy’s strategy to support democracy and respect for the rule of law in Lesotho. The DHRF monies are meant specifically to support activities that promote political pluralism and human and civil rights, rather than longer-term development-oriented activities.

The Lesotho Council of Non-Governmental Organizations (LCN) received $25,230 to carry out voter education campaigns; the Tsepong Counseling Center  received $8,000 to continue empowering women on their rights and help prevent gender-based abuse; the Child and Gender Protection Unit (CGPU) received $6,770 for provision of training, printing and dissemination of information, education, and communication materials on how to recognize traffickers and victims of trafficking; while Women and Law in Southern Africa Research Trust (WLSA) received $3,000 for training of officials in various sectors to identify and support victims of trafficking.

DHRF provides grants for small, short-term (one-year) activities which support the process of democratization and the strengthening of civic society in Lesotho.  Proposals are sought which will advance the protection of human rights and strengthen a democratic political culture that values civic engagement and empowers citizens to participate in decision-making.