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The European Commission is now seeking grant applications to promote and protect human rights, strengthen the rule of law, and democratic governance in Lesotho.

The global objective of this call for proposals is to promote and protect human rights, strengthen the rule of law, and democratic governance in Lesotho. The specific objectives are under Lot 1 HR & D: Protection: Support to human rights defenders and Civil Society Organisations in advocating or promoting for whistleblowing mechanisms against corruption, economic offences, violation of human rights and liberties in Lesotho, thereby exercising the right to free speech. Under Lot 2 – Support to CSO in Partner Countries: Strengthen the enabling environment and operational capacity of CSOs and grassroots actors to addressing democratic culture and fight against corruption, focusing on institutional accountability and fostering public trust through rights-based reforms.

The priorities under Lot 1 HR & D: Protection include strengthening access to justice and protection mechanisms for human rights defenders, witnesses and whistleblowing, eradication of all forms of torture and all forms of cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment or punishment, eradication of child and forced labour, full compliance with environmental standards, eradication of all forms of corruption, and data protection, cybersecurity and media freedom, including promoting legal reforms and building awareness and institutional capacity for rights-based digital governance. The main outputs under Lot 1 are access to justice, whistleblowing mechanisms and anti-corruption frameworks strengthened and actively utilized to hold perpetrators accountable, evidenced by increased cases identified and addressed by CSOs and mechanisms for information sharing and addressing corruption cases.

Under Lot 2 – Support to CSO in Partner Countries: Engagement, the priorities include support to CSOs and media addressing democratic culture and fight against corruption, focusing on institutional accountability and fostering public trust through rights-based reforms aligned with EU values. The main outputs under Lot 2 include reinforced participation of CSOs, including youth and women’s organisations and independent media, in domestic policies of Lesotho in the domain of governance and fight against corruption, and strengthened operational capacity of CSOs and grassroots actors to effectively participate in democratic processes and monitor government actions and level of corruption through training, resources, and tools necessary for accountability and transparency. The programme also integrates key themes including gender equality, disability, human rights-based approach, business and human rights, and youth participation.

The European Union is providing financial support of EUR 1,419,000.00 under this call for proposals, divided into two lots. Lot 1 – HR & D: Protection is allocated a total of EUR 670,000, with grants ranging between a minimum of EUR 600,000 and a maximum of EUR 670,000. Lot 2 – Support to CSO in Partner Countries: Engagement has an allocation of EUR 749,000, with grants ranging between EUR 680,000 and EUR 749,000.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must be legal, non-profit-making civil society organisations such as non-governmental organisations, organisations representing indigenous peoples, women’s and youth organisations, local traders' associations, citizens' groups, cooperatives, trade unions, organisations promoting good governance, civil rights, or combating discrimination, and various research, teaching, or media organisations. Applicants must be effectively established in a Member State of the European Union, the Kingdom of Lesotho, or in countries referred to under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI-Global Europe). International organisations are exempt from the establishment requirement due to their legal status.

Through this initiative, the programme aims to build a stronger civil society capable of defending human rights, promoting transparency, and fostering democratic accountability. It encourages collaborative efforts among organisations to develop inclusive governance systems that uphold justice, equality, and rule of law.

Post Date: November 03, 2025