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I. Public Benefit
Voters emerge from a polling station in Kirkuk, Iraq. USAID has been supporting the democratic process in Iraq, with nearly $150 million going toward the constitutional referendum. Photo: USAID/Scott Jeffcoat |
In his second National Security Strategy, in March 2006, President Bush affirmed the conviction that promotion of democracy is the best long-term strategy for ensuring stability and prosperity in the U.S. and abroad. Nations that respect human rights, respond to the need of their people, and govern by rule of law are also responsible partners in the international community.
Protecting human rights and building democracy are thus cornerstones of a U.S. foreign policy that seeks to end tyranny, combat terrorism, champion human dignity, and enhance homeland security. As President Bush affirmed in his 2006 State of the Union Address, “Democracies replace resentment with hope, respect the rights of their citizens and their neighbors, and join the fight against terror. Every step toward freedom in the world makes our country safer.”
In order for democratization to be successful and sustainable, the process must be driven by the people. The Department and USAID take a holistic approach to democracy promotion, engaging both governments and civil society, and exemplifying Secretary Rice’s goal of transformational diplomacy: “Using America’s diplomatic power to help foreign citizens to better their own lives, and to build their own futures.”
We bolster and support human rights defenders and pro-democracy non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in countries that routinely ignore or violate international human rights. We reach out to all aspects of civil society – NGOs, the private sector, labor, media, and religious and community leaders – to encourage their activism in ensuring their governments are responsive to their needs. We persist in a dialogue with foreign policy makers to persuade them to enact necessary changes to strengthen democracy and respect human rights.
II. Selected Performance Trends
Freedom House "Freedom in the World" Index
| |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
| Number of Countries Rated Free |
86 |
85 |
89 |
88 |
89 |
89 |
| Number of Countries Rated Partly Free |
58 |
59 |
55 |
55 |
54 |
58 |
| Number of Countries Rated Not Free |
48 |
48 |
45 |
49 |
49 |
45 |
Number of USAID-Sponsored Justice Centers
| |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
| Number of USAID-Sponsored Justice Centers |
47 |
49 |
68 |
III. Strategic Context
Shown below are the performance goals, initiatives/programs, and the major resources, bureaus and partners that contribute to accomplishment of the Democracy and Human Rights strategic goal. Acronyms are defined in the glossary at the back of this publication.
STRATEGIC GOAL: DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS
(Components that Contribute to Goal Accomplishment)
Performance Goal
(Short Title) |
Initiative/Program |
Major Resources |
Lead Bureau(s) |
External Partners |
| Democratic Systems and Practices |
Engagement to Advance Democracy |
ACI, DA, D&CP, ESF |
DRL, DCHA, AFR |
DoD, DOJ, NGOs, UN, other int’l orgs, NGOs |
| Democratic Stability in South Asia’s Frontline States |
D&CP |
DRL, SCA, DCHA |
NGOs, UN, other int’l orgs, NGOs |
| Democracy and Governance in the Near East |
D&CP, ESF |
NEA, DCHA |
DOJ, NGOs |
| Support of Women’s Political and Economic Participation |
D&CP, ESF, DA |
DRL, G/IWI, DCHA, AFR |
NGOs |
| Universal Human Rights Standards |
Bilateral and Multilateral Diplomacy |
CIO, D&CP, IO&P |
DRL, IO |
UN, other int’l orgs, NGOs |
| Promote International Religious Freedom |
D&CP |
DRL |
NGOs, other int’l orgs |
| Labor Diplomacy and Advocacy for Workers’ Rights |
CIO, DA, D&CP |
DRL, DCHA |
DOL, USTR, OPIC, DOC, NGOs, IFIs, ILO, other int’l orgs |
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