Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance

Description

Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) programs are foundational to building a peaceful, rights-abiding, and prosperous world. Investment in programming advances human dignity and prosperity, lessening a need for other forms of assistance to mitigate conflict or violence.

Use of Funds

Funding supports a range of issues such as: combating corruption and strengthening the rule of law, supporting free and fair elections, strengthening independent media, countering dis/misinformation, defending human rights, countering authoritarian influence, strengthening civil society and preserving civic space, increasing political and civic participation, promoting labor rights, empowering marginalized voices, and strengthening democratic governance and institutions.

Justification

• In 2020, President Biden held the Summit for Democracy, convening governments, civil society, and the private sector to set forth an agenda for democratic renewal and collective action. The ensuing Year of Action ahead of a second summit in 2022 is premised upon participating countries implementing pledged commitments that advance anti-corruption, defend against authoritarianism, and promote human rights, with oversight from local civil society.
• The DRG sector leverages evidence-based technical assistance, research, best-practice dissemination, and knowledge exchange to advance its mission. DRG funding is also used to rapidly respond to emerging political developments around the world.
• 75% of people now live in countries where freedom is declining. Democracies are more reliable allies and trading partners, and they serve as the cornerstone of a stable and peaceful international order.
• Previous and new public grievances—due in part to the pandemic and its follow-on effects (e.g., economic downturns or government mismanagement of the crisis)—brought a record number of protests in 2019 alone.