DUSHANBE, April 20, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- The Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan is seeking proposals for supporting actions in the Republic of Tajikistan with financial assistance from the Program, European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights.

The general objectives of the new financing instrument are to contribute to the development and consolidation of democracy and the rule of law, and respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms, within the framework of the Community’s policy on development cooperation, and economic, financial and technical cooperation with third countries, and consistent with the EU’s foreign policy as a whole.

The deadline for submission of proposals is July 16, 2010, 17:30 Dushanbe time.

Launched in 2006, the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) replaces and builds upon the European Initiatives (2000-2006).  The EIDHR is designed to help civil society to become an effective force for political reform and defense of human rights.  It also supports regional and international organizations in this field, such as the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.