European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) Country-Based Support Scheme for Lao PDR 2016-2017

An EU country-based support programme is announced for Lao PDR under the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR). Among the priority areas for project grants are cultural rights and the participation and inclusion of civil society organisations in Lao PDR in policy dialogue.

Potential applicants should consult the guidelines and eligibility rules carefully. The application process is in two stages, with a concept note to be submitted by 28 April 2017.

There are three priority areas for the grants, which cover many sectoral areas, including culture:

A: Enhance and promote the participation and inclusion of civil society organisations in Lao PDR in policy dialogue and build their capacity to actively contribute and ensure that fundamental rights are taken into account in the formulation and implementation of national strategies and sector policies;

B: Improve knowledge about fundamental rights as well as economic, social and cultural rights in Lao PDR through research and analysis and/or raise awareness of Lao citizens regarding rights and access to the justice system and/or legal aid/education;

C: Promote and protect the social, economic and cultural rights of Lao PDR citizens, especially for groups particularly vulnerable to discrimination, such as the poor, women, children, indigenous peoples, migrants and persons belonging to minorities, in particular in relation with the key areas of EU cooperation in Laos (i.e. education and nutrition).