Human Rights
$26,590
To raise awareness of human rights abuses, improve access to legal
aid, and encourage increased responsiveness to the needs of victims of
human rights violations. Legal aid will be offered, assistance will be
provided in filing complaints, and efforts to raise awareness of human
rights abuses and political repression will continue.
Activist Network
Freedom of Information
$54,900
To provide independent news and analysis on social, political, and
human rights developments and to develop civic activism among youth. The
organization will maintain a website with reporting and analysis on the
development of democratic norms and competitive politics. A training
and networking program for young activists will also be organized.
Aiding Corruption Investigations
Accountability and Governance
$47,770
To strengthen anti-corruption initiatives that investigate
transborder corruption and to foster cooperation with international
networks of specialists and legal experts. Activists will be connected
to media outlets that can expand the audience for their work, foreign
experts who can assist with investigations, and legal experts familiar
with relevant international legal anti-corruption mechanisms.
Amplifying Independent Media
Freedom of Information
$224,849
To amplify the public’s awareness of and access to high-quality
independent Russian-language media content and investigative reporting,
and to foster the capacity of independent media to effectively promote
and disseminate content digitally. Digital capacity building and
development will be supported in order to broaden the audience and
impact of significant reporting.
Amplifying Independent Media
Freedom of Information
Supplement $16,376
To amplify the public’s awareness of and access to high-quality
independent Russian-language media content and investigative reporting,
and to foster the capacity of independent Russian media to effectively
promote and disseminate content digitally. Digital capacity building and
development for independent media in order to broaden the audience and
impact of significant reporting will be supported.
Building Civic Activism
Civic Education
$51,710
To foster and support civic activism and grassroots initiatives, to
encourage youth activism, and to build activist networks and create
opportunities for knowledge and experience sharing amongst activists.
Workshops, public events, webinars, and a conference will be held, and
trainings and opportunities for activists to network and develop
projects will be provided.
Capacity Building for Activists
Rule of Law
$40,025
To improve the accountability of the government and to promote
respect for the rule of law. A series of trainings will be held for
young activists interested in participating in monitoring violations of
the rule of law. Educational materials about monitoring methods will be
published and analytical reports on monitoring and rule of law issues
will be produced.
Civic Education
Civic Education
$66,840
To promote civic engagement and democratic ideas and values. Seminars
and trainings will be conducted on civic education and the benefits of
activism to local communities. In addition, legal and informational
consultations will be offered to activists who are interested in
protecting their rights. An online educational platform will also be
developed to impart practical organizing and communications skills to
youth activists.
Civic Leadership Training
Civic Education
$92,900
To develop the capacities, skills, and knowledge of aspiring civil
society leaders, and to foster networks and promote new collaborations
among civic activists. To foster public discussion of necessary reforms
in the case of a major political transformation. A leadership education
and development program will be implemented and discussions and public
presentations of reforms by experts will be organized.
Civil Rights Education
Civic Education
$84,311
To raise the capacity of local activists to teach young people and
their families about their rights and to engage with their communities.
Free legal and informational sessions will be provided to young people
and citizens about their civic and human rights and independent digital
discussion platforms for activists and local citizens will be
maintained.
Civil Society Connection
Democratic Ideas and Values
$51,349
To raise awareness of issues concerning human rights, political
freedom, and civil society among international actors. The organization
will organize advocacy missions for activists, experts, and advocates
for democracy issues to meet with policymakers and experts, as well as
solidarity missions demonstrating support for victims whose rights have
been abused.
Combatting Hate Speech
Human Rights
$58,851
To raise awareness of the problem of hate speech and to improve the
effectiveness of legal mechanisms in protecting human rights. Monitoring
into instances of human rights violations will be conducted and a
report will be produced; informational materials will be produced and
published online; and legal assistance will be offered to victims of
human rights violations.
Crimes Against History
Human Rights
$96,095
To increase awareness of and advocate for historians and civil
society actors under pressure for advancing historical narratives
contrary to state-sanctioned propaganda. A report will be published and
disseminated and advocacy efforts to strengthen international
protections for those working on historical memory will be undertaken.
Additionally, legal assistance will be provided to historians and civil
society actors in country facing ongoing persecution for challenging
official dogma.
Curbing Corruption
Accountability and Governance
$85,420
To promote accountability and increase transparency among Eurasian
public officials and to counter the destructive influence of
transnational kleptocracy on European democratic institutions and rule
of law. The organization will research these issues and will continue to
update and improve its website in order to encourage adherence to
anti-corruption and anti-money laundering legislation.
Defending Human Rights
Human Rights
$59,140
To raise the awareness of human rights violations committed in the
region and to lower tensions between minority communities and local
officials. Free legal aid will be provided and a series of roundtables,
press conferences, private meetings will be held with relevant
stakeholders to deepen local understanding of human rights.
Defending Human Rights
Human Rights
$80,000
To counter systemic impunity for perpetrators of human rights
violations by providing legal assistance to victims of human rights.
Legal assistance will be offered to victims of gross human rights
violations and outreach activities will be undertaken to inform the
public about the human rights situation in the region.
Defending Human Rights
Human Rights
$206,054
To defend victims of human rights abuses and raise awareness of human
rights violations. The organization will provide free legal aid to the
victims of rights violations, monitor abuses, conduct national and
international advocacy and awareness-raising campaigns, and organize
seminars to build the legal capacity of activists and human rights
defenders.
Defending Human Rights
Human Rights
$85,080
To defend human rights and raise awareness of gross human rights
violations. Project staff will provide free legal aid to some of the
more vulnerable elements of society, raise awareness about human rights
abuses through press conferences and interviews, organize new
initiatives, and provide support to grassroots activists.
Defending Indigenous Rights
Human Rights
$55,000
To defend the rights of minority populations. The organization will
monitor rights violations, facilitate improved institutionalization and
coordination among activists, raise awareness of the human rights
situation facing these communities, provide free legal consultations,
and develop an online platform to disseminate news and map rights
violations. Activists will also raise these issues with relevant
stakeholders and local and international institutions.
Defending Internet Freedom
Freedom of Information
$220,000
To defend the digital rights of citizens, including their rights to
freedom of expression and association, security, and privacy online, and
to promote public awareness and engagement around significant internet
freedom issues. Strategic litigation, public awareness raising, and
advocacy will be conducted on significant digital rights issues, and
related monitoring and analysis will be regularly published online.
Democracy Network
NGO Strengthening
$203,154
To support the development of a resource hub for civil society
organizations operating from inside and outside the country. The
organization will offer technical resources to help activists continue
their work in increasingly challenging conditions. It will also support
the ongoing development of a hub for democratic civil society activism.
Development and Support of Civic Activists
Civic Education
$63,300
To increase the capacity of civic activists. The program will engage
regional youth in discussions of democratic values and policy. Seminars
will be held to help activists develop outreach strategies and network
with colleagues. Participants in these seminars will receive training to
strengthen the capacity of local initiatives and will also compete for
project support and programmatic guidance.
Digital Investigative Journalism and Training
Freedom of Information
$104,955
To provide the public with accurate information on Russian foreign
and security policy, and to foster the capacity of Russian journalists
and NGOs to utilize new digital tools and research techniques in their
work, along with regional networks among them. In-depth investigative
reporting, coverage of current events, and analysis will be published
online; a regional training and mentorship program will be conducted,
and a resource center will be provided.
Digital Tools And Human Rights
Democratic Ideas and Values
$103,374
To facilitate interest in studying history and to raise greater
public awareness of past political repressions. New technologies will be
used to create interactive educational materials about human rights and
historical events, which will be made available to the public to
facilitate greater discussion of these issues among activists and the
wider population.
Documenting Human Rights Abuses
Human Rights
$50,002
To improve access to information pertaining to the violation of
fundamental human rights and international law. A database of such
violations and instances will be regularly updated with news and
information, and relevant information from the database will be shared
with activists, journalists, and lawyers.
Documenting Repression
Democratic Ideas and Values
$73,747
To develop and expand a unified information platform linking
databases of information on political repression in the former Soviet
Union. The platform will be augmented with new data sources and new
functionality will be incorporated into the platform to allow students,
researchers, and the public easier access to historical materials.
Engaging Regional Activists
NGO Strengthening
$142,213
To increase the professionalism of local civic activists and to
promote cooperation among local activists. Research on local-level civic
activism will be conducted and organizations will be helped to develop
their capacity to conduct information and advocacy campaigns and to
address systemic rights violations and other issues in their
communities.
Fostering Global Solidarity with Russia’s Democratic Movement
Democratic Ideas and Values
$116,572
To foster global solidarity with democratic civil society, and to
strengthen networks among activists and European politicians and opinion
leaders. To provide an independent source of information from credible
in-country sources to counter official propaganda narratives. Awareness
raising and networking activities will be carried out and a series of
analytical reports will be produced.
Human Rights Education
Human Rights
$149,001
To promote the rule of law and the defense of human rights using
legal mechanisms, and to increase the capacity of those striving to
defend them. A training and practical skills program dedicated to a
human rights topic will be conducted, and an online course on human
rights litigation will be developed.
Human Rights Education
Civic Education
$24,964
To promote and explain the practical importance of respect for human
rights and to implement civic education in regional university and
school communities. To provide human rights trainings, including
seminars on human rights pedagogy for school and university teachers; to
organize regional competitions in the practical application of human
rights norms; and to maintain an online presence.
Human Rights Education
Human Rights
$53,328
To raise awareness of the problems facing civil society and to
improve public understanding of the role of political repression. The
organization will develop online outreach tools that relay stories of
individual and collective experiences of past abuse. The organization
will continue educational outreach by digitizing its collection,
responding to public requests for historical information, and hosting
public events.
Human Rights Education
Civic Education
$36,000
To educate and encourage discussion among youth and educators about
the ramifications of political repression and other human rights
violations. The organization will continue to hold seminars for
educators and activists on methods for teaching human rights. A series
of community events will also be held to commemorate historical human
rights abuses.
Human Rights Litigation
Human Rights
$67,000
To defend victims of human rights abuses and to raise the public’s
awareness of systemic human rights issues. The organization will monitor
instances of human rights abuses, provide legal aid to victims, and use
advocacy, monitoring and strategic litigation to challenge government
practices violating fundamental rights.
Human Rights Monitoring
Human Rights
$62,670
To improve knowledge of and respect for international human rights
standards; to raise awareness of individual rights; to improve access to
justice for prisoners; and to build the capacity of civil society
activists. Programs on human rights, legal education, and leadership
will be conducted. Legal assistance will be offered, and a resource
center will be maintained.
Increasing Access to Justice
Human Rights
$149,125
To promote adherence to the rule of law by advocating for compliance
with and implementation of international norms and domestic legislation.
To increase domestic and international awareness about the use of
international mechanisms as a tool to address human rights violations.
Monitoring will be conducted and technical assistance will be offered to
victims of human rights violations. Documentary videos will be produced
to shed light on the experiences of victims.
Increasing Activists’ Digital Communications Capacity
Strengthening Political Institutions
$345,000
To sustain democratic activism, the organization will conduct a
program to increase the capacity of civic activists to engage with
citizens around the principles of democratic governance through online
platforms. The organization will provide customized and tailored
training on best practices for online communication and outreach
strategies to various civic actors.
Increasing Civic Participation
Civic Education
$66,574
To increase civic participation at the municipal level and improve
access to information about human rights violations and environmental
issues. Activities will include monitoring and publicizing public
hearings, building the capacity of citizens to participate in civic
processes, providing legal aid to activists and grassroots initiatives,
publishing a journal connecting environmental problems and human rights
issues, and maintaining a website with information about relevant
legislation, activism, and human rights.
Independent Information
Freedom of Information
$100,000
To provide the public with an independent source of reliable and
accurate information about local events, news, and significant social,
economic, and political developments. News reporting, analysis of local
trends, and information about civil society and human rights related
issues will be collected and will be regularly published online.
Independent Internet Television
Freedom of Information
$97,917
To provide the public with an independent source of reporting in
video format on significant developments in the region. To address the
lack of quality independent reporting on state-controlled TV news
channels, an internet television program to provide viewers with
engaging commentary on and live coverage of significant political and
social developments will be produced and published online.
Independent Livestream Journalism
Freedom of Information
$71,385
To provide an independent source of information on current events and
to increase access for Russian-language audiences to grassroots
movements and civil society actors. Regular video programming that
specializes in reporting on significant events organized by civic
activists, grassroots movements, and human rights defenders will be
produced and published online.
Independent News and Analysis
Freedom of Information
$36,400
To increase the availability of high-quality independent news and
analysis on significant political, economic, and social developments and
to promote open debate and discussion around topics of public interest.
Analytical reporting and commentary on current events will be published
online, and the development of a new generation of Russia analysts will
be fostered.
Independent Video News and Commentary
Freedom of Information
$55,000
To provide an independent source of national news and commentary in
video format to Russian-language audiences, and to strengthen the
network of online video content creators. Video news programs featuring
analysis of current events and reporting on significant social issues
through commentary by influential pro-democratic personalities will be
produced and published online through social media networks.
Independent Video Reporting
Freedom of Information
$47,011
To provide an independent source of national-level news and analysis
of current events to the public. An online video series will be produced
with engaging coverage and analysis of significant developments related
to news and social topics. Investigative reporting and independent
analysis will be conducted and disseminated across social media
platforms.
Investigating Transnational Crime and Corruption
Accountability and Governance
$80,040
To expand understanding of the scope and nature of kleptocracy in the
form of international corruption scandals and of the threat that
corrupt activities pose to democracy. Investigations into specific major
cases will be conducted, research will be undertaken to better gauge
the scope of such activities, and results of the investigations will be
published.
Investigative Journalism and Independent News
Freedom of Information
Novation$189,600
To increase the availability of high-quality Russian-language
investigative journalism and to provide the Russian-language public with
an independent source of news and analysis on significant developments
in Russia and the world. Investigative reporting and analytical articles
on a variety of topics will be published and current events coverage
will be regularly updated online.
Legal Assistance and Human Rights
Human Rights
$100,000
To improve access to justice for the victims of human rights
violations, especially those belonging to ethnic minorities. Activities
will include monitoring hate crimes, offering legal assistance to
minorities, publishing reports, and conducting domestic and
international advocacy campaigns to raise awareness of human rights
violations and the problem of xenophobia in society.
Legal Assistance for Human Rights
Rule of Law
$47,778
To promote the rule of law and adherence to human rights. Specialized
legal training will be provided for a group of lawyers to improve and
coordinate litigation methods and strategies. Expert legal assistance
will be provided by participants to clients seeking justice and respect
for their rights. Following the trainings, participants will defend
citizens’ rights in courts.
Legal Defense of Human Rights
Human Rights
$68,598
To increase access to justice for victims of human rights violations
and build the capacity of lawyers to pursue strategic litigation. Cases
will be brought to international legal bodies, free consultations and
mentoring will be offered to members of the legal community, and
activities will be carried out to raise public awareness of the
mechanisms and methods of human rights and freedoms protection.
Legal Resource Center
Human Rights
$74,140
To improve access to justice and support local activism. Free legal
services will be offered and human rights violations will be monitored
and reported upon. In addition, information about the region’s social
and political situation will be disseminated, and support will be
offered to local civil society groups and initiatives.
Local Media and Civic Education Initiative
Freedom of Information
$25,310
To foster civic awareness and promote engagement around local issues.
An independent online media outlet will be maintained that will provide
objective coverage of regional news. A series of topical roundtables
will also be held to educate citizens on their rights and provide a
platform for public discussion and debate. Legal assistance will be
offered to individuals whose rights have been violated.
Monitoring Online Manipulation
Freedom of Information
$139,127
To defend citizens’ right to free expression and association,
security, and privacy on the internet, and to provide accurate
information and promote public awareness and engagement around
significant internet issues. The organization will maintain
informational resources online to raise public awareness about a
significant digital rights topic, including by monitoring relevant
trends, compiling data, and analyzing related developments.
Multimedia School
Freedom of Information
$52,835
To develop and improve professional capacities of regional
journalists and to cultivate independent journalism networks among
participants and trainers. A comprehensive multimedia training,
including training on digital and personal security, will take place to
train regional journalists and bloggers. Continued engagement through
the creation of an alumni network will strengthen a network of
independent regional journalists.
Promoting Academic Freedom
Freedom of Information
$39,996
To raise awareness of government efforts to limit academic freedom.
The organization will conduct research and carry out advocacy and
awareness raising activities. Laws and regulations impacting academic
freedom will be reviewed, subjects will be interviewed, and publicity
will be generated through press outreach, public events, and
participation in conferences.
Promoting Civic Engagement
Freedom of Information
$57,210
To raise awareness and promote public discussion of local
developments and activism at the neighborhood, municipal, and regional
level and facilitate cooperation between local civil society
organizations. Independent, high quality reporting on news and
corruption investigations will be published on an online platform and
support will be offered to local NGOs to organize civic initiatives.
Promoting Human Rights
Rule of Law
$315,969
To provide legal assistance to victims of human rights violations and
raise awareness of such abuses. Human rights violations will be
monitored and investigated, legal aid will be offered, advocacy efforts
will be undertaken at the national and international level, and a public
awareness campaign will be conducted through numerous online platforms.
Promoting Independent Media
Freedom of Information
$56,700
To promote the independent assessment of significant political and
social developments and to provide the public with an independent source
of information about human rights violations. A publication providing
independent analysis of and information on political, social, and human
rights developments will be regularly produced and distributed to its
readership.
Promoting Regional Journalism and Civic Activism
Freedom of Information
$77,638
To improve the amount of unbiased, locally relevant information
available to the public and to foster the growth of civic activism and
engagement by citizens around significant issues impacting their lives.
An online platform for use by independent journalists and civic
activists will be maintained and information on local developments will
regularly be published.
Protecting Activists
Human Rights
$198,286
To foster the respect of, and adherence to, international norms on
human rights, the rule of law, and democratic values, and to raise
domestic and international awareness of these issues. Legal proceedings
will be monitored and research will be conducted on cases dealing with
human rights abuses and political repression.
Protecting Freedom of Information
Freedom of Information
$80,068
To enhance the legal security of journalists and the capacity of
lawyers working to defend freedom of expression. The capacity of lawyers
to successfully advise and defend their clients will be increased, and
awareness will be raised at both the national and international levels
of infringements on the right to freedom of speech and freedom of
expression.
Protecting Human Rights
Human Rights
$87,960
To reduce the incidence of human rights violations, and to raise
citizens’ awareness and knowledge of their rights and the means
available to protect them. Information will be collected about human
rights violations and legal assistance will be provided to victims.
Regional and international instruments for the protection of human
rights will be promoted and utilized among human rights defenders and
civil society organizations.
Protecting Human Rights
Human Rights
$55,127
To increase access to justice and encourage the development of
democratic values and civic consciousness. Free legal assistance will be
offered, and a resource center will be maintained to coordinate and
support civil society and civic initiatives. The organization will also
plan and carry out public inspections into government malfeasance and
misconduct.
Protecting Human Rights
Human Rights
$152,572
To reduce incidences of human rights violations, to strengthen
compliance with international human rights standards, and to help
citizens understand their rights. Legal support will be provided, and
informational campaigns will be conducted. A special project will
highlight significant cases of human rights abuse and misconduct in two
regions.
Protecting the Right to Information
Freedom of Information
$114,990
To assist citizens in realizing their right to information and to
improve the implementation of laws guaranteeing citizens’ right to
information. A series of activities will be conducted including
strategic litigation and informational campaigns to raise the awareness
of the right among the legal community, government bodies, and the
public. Audits of regional bar associations will also be conducted to
assess the transparency of licensing procedures for legal professionals.
Protecting the Rule of Law for Young People
Human Rights
$66,230
To defend young people and their family members against human rights
abuses and to decrease the frequency of abuse against these groups.
Analytical and educational materials will be produced and distributed.
In-person and online legal assistance will be provided to victims and
strategic litigation will be advanced through domestic and international
legal mechanisms. Public events will be held and engaging multimedia
content will be produced to raise awareness of human rights abuse
against young people.
Protection of Human Rights
Human Rights
$53,938
To enable young people and their families to protect their rights and
to decrease the frequency of human rights abuses. Human rights
seminars, presentations, and consultations will be conducted throughout
the project period. Telephone and online hotlines will be maintained to
offer emergency legal assistance and counsel, and an educational seminar
for human rights defenders will be organized. Educational materials
will be developed and deployed in schools and universities to teach
students about their rights.
Providing Independent Local Reporting and Combating Corruption
Freedom of Information
$48,920
To raise awareness of local issues, to provide accurate information
on local and national news, and to foster government accountability and
combat public corruption. A website covering local news, events, and
civic initiatives will be maintained and an online database to monitor
and combat local public corruption will be updated.
Public Dialogue
Human Rights
$53,730
To support civil society and human rights activists and promote
greater understanding of human rights, respect of legal norms, and
remembrance of victims of political repression. Discussions on history,
human rights, and local issues will be facilitated and supported. A
resource center will be maintained and support will be offered to
activists, local NGOs, and civic initiatives.
Raising Awareness of Civil Society
NGO Strengthening
$78,072
To raise awareness of human rights issues and the benefits that civil
society organizations bring to their community. A series of short
videos profiling victims of human rights abuses and the organizations
that help them will be produced and advertised online to highlight the
work of civil society and raise the profile of featured organizations
Reporting on Civil Society
Democratic Ideas and Values
$36,950
To publish an independent media news site covering local civil
society groups and the sociopolitical environment in which they work.
The organization will regularly update its site with reporting and
analysis on news in its region, with a special focus on the status and
activity of local civil society activists.
School of Change
NGO Strengthening
$52,352
To develop and improve the professional capacities of local
initiative groups. Seminars will be organized to impart lessons on
crafting effective communication strategies, creating coalitions of
stakeholders, and scaling up grassroots initiatives. Mentoring services
from experts will be offered to help local groups realize independent
projects in their home regions.
School of Investigative Journalism
Freedom of Association
$101,125
To strengthen the capacities of regional journalists and to increase
the amount of independent investigative journalism available to the
Russian-language public, while fostering regional and national networks
among journalists. A series of investigative journalism trainings to
improve the skills, capacities, and networks of independent journalists
will continue to be conducted.
Strengthening Freedom of Information
Freedom of Information
$62,970
To contribute to the establishment of a more diverse and professional
independent media landscape, and to increase awareness of women’s
rights. The organization will host trainings, discussions, workshops and
roundtables with journalists on topics related to media freedom and
human rights. Participants will also learn about questions related to
women’s rights.
Strengthening Human Rights Protection
Human Rights
$62,823
To help human rights lawyers enhance their capacity to defend human
and political rights in international courts and to challenge systemic
impunity surrounding human rights violations. Resources addressing these
issues will be created and published online, and a roundtable will be
held discussing groundbreaking new methodologies for defending human
rights.
Strengthening the Capacity of CSOs
Human Rights
$182,252
To provide informational, legal, technical, and financial assistance
to NGOs and initiative groups. Events will be organized focusing on
common problems faced by NGOs and civil society activists. Training will
be provided and legal aid will be given on topics such as legal
challenges, registration procedures, and reporting requirements for
activists and civil society professionals. A small grants competition
will also be held to provide financial and technical support to six
initiatives.
Strengthening Women’s Organizations
Human Rights
$55,506
To raise the civic consciousness of youth and to teach them about
their rights. Trainings will be held to help participants identify and
address pressing social and political issues in the region, and
discussions will then be held on women’s rights. Networking and women’s
rights advocacy events will also be held.
Support for Civil Society
Human Rights
$53,953
To provide emergency support to civil society activists operating in a
restrictive environment and to promote the continued work and
effectiveness of local civil society organizations. Such assistance will
include legal assistance for victims of human rights violations,
emergency assistance to those suffering from politically motivated
persecution, or capacity building support for civil society actors.
Support for Independent Journalism
Freedom of Information
$110,040
To increase the amount of high-quality investigative journalism
available to the public and to provide an independent source of news and
analysis, including in video format, on significant social issues and
developments. Investigative reporting, news coverage, and analytical
commentary will be published online and through social media networks.
Support for Independent Media
Freedom of Information
$103,379
To provide an independent source of news, analysis, and reliable
information to the Russian-language public on significant political and
social topics, in particular the unfolding global health crisis and
related developments. News coverage, original reporting, and analytical
commentary will be regularly published online as well as through social
media networks.
Support for Russia’s Democratic Movement
Democratic Ideas and Values
$224,654
To foster global solidarity with Russia’s democratic movement along
with international networks in support of the country’s democratic
development. Expert analysis on Russian politics and current affairs
will be produced. Objective, fact-based reporting and supporting
evidence will be used to challenge the central narratives of
disinformation campaigns. Publications will be produced and a series of
events, public presentations, meetings will be hosted with the authors
to encourage public discussion of important findings.
Support Human Rights Defenders
Human Rights
$95,094
To provide support to human rights activists and civil society actors
facing risks due to their work. In response to an ongoing authoritarian
crackdown against civil society, activists who have come under pressure
will be offered respite and rehabilitation in order to counter
potential burnout and to help them be more effective in their work.
Support to Civil Society
NGO Strengthening
$365,746
To inform citizens about human rights issues and ecological problems
and to help citizens find democratic methods of resolving such issues. A
website with regularly updated news, information, and events about
these issues will be maintained. Logistical and legal support and
technical assistance will be offered to independent journalists and
civil society activists.
Supporting Accountability
Accountability and Governance
$45,620
To increase the effectiveness of local activists in fighting
corruption and in protecting citizens’ rights. A series of educational
events on anti-corruption topics will be held for activists interested
in fighting corruption and helping their communities. Additional
informational, logistical and legal support on these topics will be
offered to improve the capacity of local activists to address these
problems.
Supporting Activism
Political Processes
$44,522
To support local civic activists in their work. The organization will
conduct research on local civic activism and civic organizations and
will help activists to develop their capacity. A series of trainings for
local activists will also be carried out and online resources will be
made available to local activists.
Supporting Activism
Political Processes
$216,992
To support local civic activists in their work and to engage
activists and the public in local democratic processes. Research on
local-level civic activism will be conducted and assistance will be
provided to help civic organizations and activists develop their
capacities. A series of trainings for local activists will be carried
out in various regions and online resources will be offered.
Supporting Activists
Democratic Ideas and Values
$53,711
To provide support for civil society activists under pressure.
Capacity building and technical support programs for civil society
activists and organizations will be conducted. Legal support will be
provided to activists facing risks due to the nature of their work as
well as émigré activists. In addition, public debates, discussions, and
multimedia events with democratic actors, journalists, and cultural
figures will be organized.
Supporting and Amplifying Investigative Journalism
Freedom of Information
$225,000
To increase the availability of high-quality Russian-language
investigative journalism, and to foster the capacity of independent
media to effectively promote and disseminate content digitally, in
particular in the increasingly popular video and podcast formats.
Investigative journalism and independent analysis will be published, and
digital content to amplify the public’s awareness of this reporting
will be produced.
Supporting Civic Awareness
Democratic Ideas and Values
$46,199
To provide capacity building support and networking opportunities for
activists working on local issues. A training series on topics relevant
to citizen engagement, local governance, accountability, and
anticorruption will be conducted. Additional networking opportunities,
trainings, and informational support will be provided to participants to
strengthen grassroots organizations and initiative groups.
Supporting Civil Society
Human Rights
$182,212
To support civic education and public dialogue on pressing issues of
freedom, democracy, and human rights. Events and trainings will be
organized, including public discussions, seminars, lectures,
roundtables, and film screenings. A space will be provided for civil
society organizations to host public and small group events and display
exhibitions.
Supporting Civil Society
NGO Strengthening
$170,451
To raise awareness of minority rights, to monitor human rights
violations, and to strengthen the capacity of activists in the region.
Informational and logistical support will be offered to civil society
organizations that work on issues related to minority rights, human
rights violations, and freedom of information. Events will be hosted,
news and reports will be written on these topics, and legal assistance
will be offered to activists and to victims of human rights violations.
Supporting Civil Society
NGO Strengthening
Supplement$59,329
To enhance the capacity of civil society and provide space for
regional activists and groups. Public events and civic education
programs will be organized and collaboration among activists will be
supported. A conference space will be open to public to attend organized
daily events and trainings, and similar programs in other cities will
receive technical and financial support.
Supporting Civil Society
NGO Strengthening
$65,619
To enhance the capacity of civil society and provide free open space
for regional activists and groups. Public events and civic education
programs will be organized in a safe space and collaboration among
activists will be supported. A conference space will be open to the
public to attend organized daily events and trainings. Similar programs
in other cities will also receive technical and financial support.
Supporting Civil Society
Civic Education
Supplement$81,421
To support democratic activists. Fellowships will be provided to
activists at risk, and humanitarian and other support will be offered to
political prisoners. Awareness of human rights issues, including the
issue of politically motivated persecution of democratic activists, will
be raised. An international conference dedicated to discussing issues
of civil society will be supported.
Supporting Civil Society
Civic Education
$79,916
To support democratic activists. Fellowships will be provided to
activists at risk, and humanitarian and other support will be offered to
victims of repression. Awareness of human rights issues will be raised
through advocacy campaigns, including domestic and international work on
the issue of politically motivated persecution of democratic activists.
Supporting Civil Society
NGO Strengthening
$193,157
To provide emergency support to civil society activists operating in a
restrictive environment and to promote the continued work and
effectiveness of local civil society organizations. Such assistance may
include emergency relocation support to activists at risk, emergency
assistance to those suffering from politically motivated persecution, or
capacity building support for civil society actors.
Supporting Collaborative Investigative Journalism
Freedom of Information
$89,250
To increase the availability of high-quality investigative journalism
available to the Russian-language and international public as well as
to amplify the public’s awareness of and access to such reporting.
Investigative journalism with a particular focus on collaborative
reporting by regional and international outlets will be published, and
digital content to amplify the public’s awareness of this reporting will
be produced.
Supporting Democratic Institutions
Rule of Law
$68,960
To provide practical trainings to human rights defenders and support
monitoring missions. Expert assistance and coordination efforts will be
organized to enhance cooperation between human rights defenders across
the country and to increase their capacity to represent victims of abuse
and negligence. Legal and technical services will be offered to improve
monitoring capabilities of local activists.
Supporting Freedom of Information and Expression
Freedom of Information
$50,000
To provide an independent source of information on social, political,
and human rights developments and to foster a community of discussion
around these issues. A website will be maintained with regularly updated
news and information relating to the development of democratic norms,
and a platform for civil society voices will be provided.
Supporting Independent Media
Freedom of Information
$55,277
To provide an independent source of information on significant
developments in the region, and to increase the availability of
investigative reporting on topics connected to the former Soviet space.
An independent source of information and analysis on developments in the
former Soviet space and the world will be provided for Russian-language
audiences.
Supporting Independent Media
Freedom of Information
$160,720
To increase the availability to the Russian-language public of
high-quality news reporting and investigative journalism on significant
economic and political issues in order to provide citizens with an
independent source of information on developments in Russia and the
world. News reporting, analytical commentary and investigative
journalism on a variety of topics will be published online on a regular
basis.
Supporting Innovative Civic Processes
Rule of Law
$90,280
To promote the transparency of civic processes by refining innovative
monitoring methods. Technical tools and online resources will be
developed to enable activists, NGOs and professional researchers to
monitor civic processes. Trainings and presentations will be held to
show the effectiveness of both methods in documenting and publicizing
irregularities and fraud.
Supporting Internet Freedom
Freedom of Information
$65,008
To better inform the general public about significant internet
freedom issues along with their importance to the country’s future
democratic development, and to increase the amount of high-quality
independent information and reporting available online in the Russian
language. Reporting on internet freedom issues will regularly be
published in a variety of digital formats, and community-building
activities will be carried out.
Supporting Investigative Journalism
Freedom of Information
$96,985
To increase the availability to the public of high-quality
Russian-language investigative journalism on significant political and
social topics in order to provide citizens with an independent source of
information on developments in Russia and the world. Investigative
reporting on a variety of topics will be published online on a regular
basis.
Supporting Legal Analysis and Regional Media
Freedom of Information
$60,848
To support independent journalism and analysis on issues related to
civil society, human rights, and the rule of law. Articles and analyses
will be published online, a database of information will be maintained
for use by journalists and researchers, and seminars will be conducted
on producing high quality local reporting and assisting civil society
campaigns.
Supporting Local Activism
Civic Education
Novation$53,437
To support civic activists in their work to address systemic issues
at the local level. The organization will carry out a training program
for local activists to develop their skills for civic engagement. A
select group of participants will be offered individual coaching
services to improve organizing and communications skills.
Supporting Long-Form Journalism
Freedom of Information
$42,761
To increase the availability of independent Russian-language
long-form journalism and to provide the Russian-language public with an
independent source of news and analysis on significant developments in
Russia and the world. In-depth reporting and analytical articles on a
variety of topics will be published and current events coverage will be
regularly updated online.
Supporting Regional Activism
NGO Strengthening
$82,500
To improve the capacities of new NGOs and strengthen citizen activism
in Russia’s regions, and to foster networks of engaged citizens around
significant political and social issues. Assistance will be rendered to
help groups develop organizational structure and strengthen public
outreach support. Legal assistance will also be provided to bolster new
regional networks of activists.
Supporting Regional Activism
NGO Strengthening
$54,620
To raise awareness of local governance issues and to strengthen
citizens’ understanding of the role they can play in influencing
decision-making in their communities. A multimedia product that
highlights local governance issues will be developed and published
online, and events will be held that will foster ties for sustainable
grassroots activism.
Supporting Regional Independent Media
Freedom of Information
$66,100
To increase the availability of independent regional journalism, and
to promote public engagement in resolving local problems. A weekly
version of an independent newspaper will be printed, and daily regional
reporting on developments affecting citizens along with analytical
articles and posts from regional experts and journalists will be
published online.
Supporting Regional Journalism
Freedom of Information
$52,070
To support the development of regional journalism in Russia, and to
provide the public with an independent source of news and analysis on
significant political and social issues. Content, including in video
format, focused on topics such political developments affecting the
public and civic activism responding to human rights violations will
regularly be published online as well as promoted on popular social
media networks.
Supporting the Development of Democratic Processes
Strengthening Political Institutions
$53,260
To support the development of democratic governance processes and to
increase the availability of nonpartisan specialized public policy
research. Public policy research will be conducted through an in-depth
collaborative process, and the research on topical issues will be
published online and presented in a series of public events and
discussions.
Understanding Public Opinion
Freedom of Information
$222,900
To provide an independent source of information and analysis about
public opinion on significant issues, in part to counter misleading
propaganda and disinformation narratives presented by state-controlled
media. Research to gauge the perspectives and priorities of targeted
population groups about important developments and trends affecting the
country’s democratic development will regularly be conducted.
Understanding Public Opinion
Freedom of Information
$96,916
To improve understanding of public attitudes and citizens’
relationship with the government. Sociological research regarding major
political and economic trends and developments will be conducted using
focus groups, surveys, and innovative new sociological research methods.
Research findings will be presented to the public through discussion by
experts and their publication of analytical articles in prominent
media.”
[9/20/21, Most of the defeated candidates, are Communists. “Members and supporters of the Russian Communist Party attend a rally to
protest against the preliminary results of the parliamentary election
in Moscow, Russia September 20, 2021. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov/File
Photo]
“The Nobel Committee has yet again awarded a peace prize that violates the will of Alfred Nobel and the purpose for which the prize was created, selecting recipients who blatantly are not “the person who has done the most or best to advance fellowship among nations, the abolition or reduction of standing armies, and the establishment and promotion of peace congresses.”…
The trouble with the Nobel Peace Prize has long been and remains that it often goes to warmongers, that it often goes to good causes that have little direct connection to abolishing war, and that it often favors the powerful rather than those in need of funding and prestige to support good work….
The Nobel Peace Prize is so devoted to awarding powerful officials and avoiding peace activism that it is often awarded to the wagers of wars, including Abiy Ahmed, Juan Manuel Santos, the European Union, and Barack Obama, among others….
War Makers’ Propaganda
The prize has also been used to advance the propaganda of some of the world’s major war makers. Awards like this year’s have been used to denounce violations of human rights in non-Western nations targeted in the weapons-funding propaganda of Western nations.
[In 2016 alone Nobel Peace laureate Obama dropped three bombs every hour, 24 hours a day. Obama authorized 10 times more drone strikes than George W Bush].
This record allows Western media outlets each year to speculate before the prize announcement on whether it will go to favorite propaganda topics, such as Alexei Navalny. The actual recipients this year are from Russia and the Philippines, Russia being the primary target of U.S. and NATO war preparations,
including the primary excuse for the construction of new military bases in Norway….
Violations of the rights of antiwar journalism can be found around the world. The most extreme case of violating the rights of one of the most impactful antiwar journalists is the case of Julian Assange. But there was never any question of the prize going to someone
targeted by the U.S. and U.K. governments.
At a moment when the world’s largest weapons dealer, most frequent launcher of wars, dominant deployer of troops to foreign bases, greatest enemy of the International Criminal Court and the rule of law in international affairs, and supporter of oppressive governments — the U.S. government — is trumpeting a division between so-called democracies and non-democracies, the Nobel Committee has chosen to throw gas on this fire, declaring:
“Since its start-up in 1993, Novaja Gazeta has published critical articles on subjects ranging from corruption, police violence, unlawful arrests, electoral fraud and ‘troll factories’ to the use of Russian military forces both within and outside Russia. Novaja Gazeta’s opponents have responded with harassment, threats, violence, and murder.”
[In 2020 alone, US foreign interference group NED spent $10,778,481 US tax dollars sowing discord on the ground in Russia, a 70% increase from $6,347,976 it spent there in 2018. Instead of defunding NED,
(continuing): “Lockheed Martin, the Pentagon, and U.S. President Joe Biden will be delighted with this selection — Biden far more in fact than with the awkwardness of being ridiculously given the prize himself (as some suggested and was done with Barack Obama).”…
[10/4/1993, U.S. praised Russian Pres. Yeltsin for using violence to remove his political opponents. Yeltsin dissolved Parliament, sent military and tanks, attacked Russian Parliament to remove political opponents, Page One, NY Times:
Image: Oct. 1993, “Tanks firing at the Russian White House,” gwu archives
10/4/2018, “Yeltsin Shelled Russian Parliament 25 Years Ago [in 1993], U.S. Praised “Superb Handling”," National Security Archives, George Washington University, Edited by Svetlana Savranskaya and Tom Blanton, Washington, DC
NY Times image caption: “Part of a column of 40 armored vehicles speeding early this morning into Moscow,” AP photo]
(continuing): Also given the prize this year was a journalist from the Philippines already funded by CNN and by the U.S. government, in fact by a U.S. government agency often involved in funding military coups. It is worth noting that the Nobel Peace Prize was established to help fund peace activists in need of funding….
That there are numerous candidates who plausibly meet the criteria and could have been appropriately awarded a Nobel Peace Prize is established by the list of nominees published by Nobel Peace Prize Watch, and by the War Abolisher Awards which were given out two days ago to highly qualified persons and organizations selected from dozens of nominees. Three awards were presented. The Lifetime Organizational War Abolisher of 2021: Peace Boat. The David Hartsough Lifetime Individual War Abolisher of 2021: Mel Duncan. The War Abolisher of 2021: Civic Initiative Save Sinjajevina….
This year it has been awarded to another good cause that has little direct connection to abolishing war. Although virtually every topic can be tangentially connected to war and peace, the avoidance of actual peace activism intentionally misses the point of the prize’s creation by Alfred Nobel and the influence of Bertha von Suttner….
At times the prize has gone to opponents of some aspect of war, advancing the idea of reforming even while maintaining the institution of war. These awards have come closest to the purpose for which the prize was created, and include the 2017 and 2018 prizes….
This year it was awarded for journalism, last year for working against hunger. In past years it has been awarded for protecting children’s rights, teaching about climate change, and opposing poverty. These are all good causes and can all be connected to war and peace. But these causes should go find their own prizes….
The Nobel Peace Prize has devolved into a prize for random good things that don’t offend a culture dedicated to endless war.“…
………………………………………..
Added: In 2016 alone Nobel Peace laureate Obama dropped 3 bombs every hour, 24 hours a day. Obama authorized 10 times more drone strikes than George W Bush.
“In 2016 alone, the Obama administration dropped at least 26,171 bombs. This means that every day last year [2016], the US military blasted combatants or civilians overseas with 72 bombs; that’s three bombs every hour, 24 hours a day."
Jan. 19, 2017, “Map shows where President Barack Obama dropped his 20,000 bombs,” UK Independent, Harriet Agerholm
“As the world gears up for a seemingly more violent four years, it is worth reflecting on President Obama’s tenure.
According to newly released figures, President Obama had already upped the number of bombs on foreign countries.
US forces dropped over 3,000 more bombs in 2016 than 2015, taking the grand total of strikes for the year to at least 26,171.
This map by Statista shows you where they were….
The figures are likely to be an underestimate, since the only reliable data only comes from a handful of countries, and multiple bombs can be classed as a single “strike” under the Pentagon’s definition.
But of the confirmed bombings, the vast majority (24,287) took place in Iraq and Syria, according to analysis of official data by Micah Zenko, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.”…
[Jan. 5, 2017, “How Many Bombs Did the United States Drop in 2016?” cfr.org, Micah Zenko…"Note: This post was updated to reflect an additional strike in Yemen in 2016 [and one on Jan. 8, 2017], announced by U.S. Central Command on January 12, 2017.”…“The U.S. military conducted strikes…in central Yemen on Dec. 29 and Jan. 8.”]
(continuing): “His research concluded that the US dropped 79 per cent of all 30,743 coalition bombs in 2016.…
Mr. Obama leaves the White House having authorised ten times more drone strikes than George W Bush and having been at war for longer than any President in US history.”
…………………………………………….
Added:
Jan. 9, 2017, “America dropped 26,171 bombs in 2016. What a bloody end to Obama’s reign," UK Guardian, Medea Benjamin
“President Obama…dramatically expanded the air wars and the use of special operations forces around the globe. In 2016, US special operators could be found in 70% of the world’s nations, 138 countries – a staggering jump of 130% since the days of the Bush administration.
Looking back at President Obama’s legacy, the Council on Foreign Relation’s Micah Zenko added up the defense department’s data on airstrikes and made a startling revelation: in 2016 alone, the Obama administration dropped at least 26,171 bombs. This means that every day last year [2016], the US military blasted combatants or civilians overseas with 72 bombs; that’s three bombs every hour, 24 hours a day.
While most of these air attacks were in Syria and Iraq, US bombs also rained down on people in Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia and Pakistan. That’s seven majority-Muslim countries.
One bombing technique that President Obama championed is drone strikes. As drone-warrior-in-chief, he spread the use of drones outside the declared battlefields of Afghanistan and Iraq, mainly to Pakistan and Yemen. Obama authorized over 10 times more drone strikes than George W Bush….
What does the administration have to show for eight years of fighting on so many fronts? Terrorism has spread, no wars have been “won” and the Middle East is consumed by more chaos and divisions than when candidate Barack Obama declared his opposition to the invasion of Iraq.”…
……………………………………….
Added: “Death from Above:”
Jan. 14, 2017, “Obama’s Legacy: Chart Shows Number Of Bombs Dropped On Different Countries," The Federalist Papers