About

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a project to strengthen community policing practices in Uzbekistan.

This project will both strengthen Uzbek civil society organizations as they engage in community-based advocacy while also helping local government actors, especially the Ministry of Internal Affairs, develop protocols and procedures to be more transparent, responsive, and communicative in their relations with local communities.

Project Goal(s) and Objectives

• Goal 1: Enhance Civil Society Capacity for Community-Based Advocacy 

  • This goal aims to strengthen Uzbek civil society organizations (CSOs) by providing them with the necessary support, resources, and capacity-building opportunities to engage in effective community-based advocacy. By empowering CSOs to mobilize and advocate for better community conditions, this goal seeks to address the lack of social capital and systemic change in Uzbekistan.

  • Objectives include:

    • Provide training and technical assistance to CSOs on advocacy strategies, coalition building, and community engagement.

    • Support the development of networks and partnerships among CSOs to amplify their collective voices and impact.

    • Facilitate knowledge sharing and peer learning opportunities among CSOs to enhance their effectiveness in advocating for reforms and promoting transparency and accountability for local government services.

• Goal 2: Strengthen Government Accountability and Transparency in Local Communities 

  • This goal focuses on supporting local government actors, particularly the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), in improving their protocols and procedures to enhance transparency, responsiveness, and communication with local communities. By promoting accountability and trust-building measures within the security services, this goal aims to address public distrust and allegations of corruption and abuse.

  • Objectives include:

    • Provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to the MIA and other relevant government agencies in developing and implementing transparent and accountable protocols and procedures.

    • Facilitate dialogue and collaboration between government officials and community representatives to foster mutual understanding, trust, and cooperation.

    • Monitor and evaluate the implementation of reforms within the MIA and local government agencies to ensure adherence to transparency and accountability standards.

• Goal 3: Foster Collaboration and Partnership Between Civil Society and Government Actors 

  • This goal seeks to promote collaboration and partnership between civil society organizations and government actors at the local level. By facilitating constructive engagement and dialogue between these stakeholders, the project will help bridge the gap between communities and law enforcement, leading to improved relations, increased responsiveness, and enhanced community safety.

  • Objectives include:

    • Facilitate joint training sessions and workshops for CSOs and government officials to build mutual understanding and trust.

    • Support the establishment of mechanisms for regular communication and consultation between civil society and government actors on issues related to community safety and security.

    • Encourage collaborative initiatives and projects that leverage the strengths and resources of both civil society and government actors to address common challenges and promote positive social change in Uzbekistan.

Funding Information

• Total available funding: $300,000

• Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $300,000 

• Length of performance period: 24 months 

• Anticipated program start date: October, 2024 

• Number of awards anticipated: 1-2 awards (dependent on amounts) 

Project Activities and Deliverables

• Conduct conferences, workshops, and other events to share the experiences and provide training to CSOs involved in supporting community policing initiatives. 

• Guiding law enforcement and key stakeholders in Uzbekistan on how to effectively implement community policing best practices. 

• Support the government in analyzing and addressing ineffective policing practices. 

• Establish and promote mechanisms to foster trust and cooperation between civil society organizations, local communities, and local law enforcement entities.

Participants and Audiences

• Participants could include, but is not limited to, select local communities, local self-government bodies such as mahallas, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. For collaborative platforms to be effective, they must represent the various interests of different groups in the community, including different generational, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.

Priority Region/Country

• Uzbekistan

Eligibility

• The following organizations are eligible to apply: 

  • U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs); 

  • U.S.-based educational institutions subject to section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code or section 26 US 115 of the U.S. tax code; 

  • Foreign-based non-profits/non-governmental organizations (NGOs); 

  • Foreign-based educational institutions.

Post Date: June 05, 2024