Discussion on Human Rights and Gender Equality

The German Foreign Office has announced a new funding concept aimed at promoting projects in the field of human rights, particularly in developing and emerging countries, crisis regions, and other eligible regions.

The standard funding form for these projects is shortfall financing. Eligible applicants include owners of self-used single-family homes, owners of multi-family houses, condominium associations, owners of rented or non-self-used single-family houses, and owners of condominiums in condominium associations, provided the building is older than 5 years and the new heating system uses at least 65% renewable energy. Additionally, companies authorized to train apprentices under vocational training laws and families with children under 18 years with income limits can apply for specific funding, and vocational-related funding is available for these entities. However, state actors are excluded from funding.

The application process involves the local implementer in the target country submitting the application to the locally responsible German foreign representation. The contact for the application is auswertiges-amt.de, with the email address [email protected]. The application deadline for projects is typically at the end of August of the previous year.

The focus of the project support is on actors in local civil society, with the aim of disseminating knowledge about human rights, ensuring and enforcing equal rights, eliminating discrimination, strengthening disadvantaged groups, improving the legal and political environment for human rights defenders, further development of human rights in international forums, and strengthening the full and effective participation of women in conflict prevention, peace processes, and reconstruction. A gender-transformative approach is desirable, which aims to strengthen the rights, resources, or representation of women fundamentally.

Projects should be completed within a fiscal year, and certain types of expenses, such as core personnel and infrastructure costs of the beneficiary, are excluded from funding. Certain measures are also excluded from funding, such as institutional funding, construction measures, equipment and investments, measures that could be more appropriately funded by another title, or have already been funded. Expenses for evaluations are eligible for funding upon agreement.

The spectrum of project themes and goals corresponds to the 24 priorities of the federal government's action plan on human rights. Generally, there are no guidelines for the approval amount. The Foreign Office encourages applicants to base their projects on a gender-sensitive analysis that considers the situation and needs of all genders equally.

For more information and to apply, visit auswertiges-amt.de or email [email protected].