OpportunityTitle: DRL Strengthening LGBTQI+ Human Rights in Francophone West and Central Africa
CategoryExplanation: Democracy Fund / Human Rights Democracy Fund (DF/HRDF)
AdditionalInformationOnEligibility: DRL welcomes applications from U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernmental organizations (NGO) and public international organizations; private, public, or state institutions of higher education; and for-profit organizations or businesses.  DRL&#8217;s preference is to work with non-profit entities; however, there may be some occasions when a for-profit entity is best suited.
Description: Civic space continues to rapidly shrink around the world with human rights defenders and civil society organizations facing increasingly hostile environments in which to operate and hold governments accountable. Francophone West and Central Africa are no exception to this global trend. In addition to coups and extraconstitutional changes in government, the people of West and Central Africa have faced widespread restrictions on fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, of association, and of peaceful assembly. Repressive cybercrime and NGO laws, crackdowns on peaceful protests, and increased government monitoring have made it more difficult for civil society and independent media to operate and demand accountability for human rights violations and corruption. Members of marginalized populations face compounded challenges as they are targets of social stigma and discrimination because of their identities.
GrantorContactText: globalequality@state.gov