ANE Regional Activities

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ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Asia and the Near East Regional TITLE AND NUMBER: South Asia Democracy, 498-014 STATUS: Continuing PLANNED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: None. PROPOSED FY 2002 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: None. INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1998    ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2001 Summary: The South Asia Regional Democracy Fund (RDF) was created in 1998 to further the U.S. national interest of consolidating and strengthening democratic systems, respect for human rights, and the rule of law throughout South Asia. The United States has a vital interest in maintaining stability and strengthening the democratic form of government in a region where nuclear weapons have entered the stage and where political unrest could close the door to Western investment and economic development critical to improving the quality of life in one of the poorest regions of the world. South Asia, home to over one-fifth of the world's population, is becoming increasingly unstable. In addition to the India/Pakistan nuclear dimension, several countries in South Asia face armed resistance in the form of separatist movements. Democratic development is incomplete. Human rights abuses, demonstrated by the low status of women and widespread exploitation of child labor, abound in each country. Accountability is poor and corruption is high, undermining investment potential and public confidence in government institutions. Key Results: This program is designed to work toward the following, key results: Elements of democratic systems strengthened: While elections do take place in South Asia, and the basic institutions of democracy do exist--parliaments, judiciaries, and executive agencies--these institutions are often weak and ineffective. RDF programs are oriented to address the substance of needed democratic reforms. Growth with equity: The low status of women, the plight of ethnic and religious minorities and the region's impoverished masses all contribute to a dangerous cynicism that threatens regional stability. Reducing the gender gap and equitable treatment of minorities are the minimum standards necessary to ensure that disillusionment does not eclipse economic and political gains. Confidence building: There are compelling economic and global issues that are galvanizing certain groups in the region to advocate for the difficult but necessary work of regional cooperation. While the strong emotions generated by the nuclear issue have overshadowed these nascent efforts a regional cooperation, these groups are making inroads on important but less volatile issues such as water sharing, free trade and joint ventures, anti-corruption, and cooperation in the energy sector. Supporting these efforts is an essential step toward building the basic level of confidence among nations of South Asia necessary for tackling the more incendiary issues of nuclear proliferation and ethnic/religious conflict. Performance and Prospects: The RDF supports efforts to strengthen democratic systems throughout the region, complimenting and reinforcing bilateral activities. These efforts focus on but are not limited to: Sri Lanka--assist human rights and legal aid organizations in their efforts to protect and represent the victims of violent conflict. Bangladesh--work with the Parliament to reduce tension and clarify member of parliament roles and responsibilities. Nepal-- strengthen the outreach of political parties and enhance the capacity of legal officials to implement the government's ambitious decentralization agenda. In addition, the RDF supports efforts to address human rights abuses, particularly trafficking of women and girls and child labor. Possible Adjustments to Plans: In FY 2001, regional democracy activities will fall under strategic objective 498-037, "Improve South Asia Regional Stability through Democracy and Human Rights." Other Donor Programs: A number of bilateral and multi-lateral donors are engaged in human rights and democracy issues in the region. U.S. Government programs are carefully coordinated. Other major donors include: European Union, United Nations Development Program, the World Bank, and Canada. Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: The Asia Foundation; Aga Khan Foundation; International Foundation for Election Systems; National Democratic Institute; International Republican Institute; and other contractors and grantees to be determined. Selected Performance Indicators: Performance information for this strategic objective will be reported under the new strategic objective, 498-037. Indicators may include: increased number of human rights violations reported to authorities in Sri Lanka; best practices in combating trafficking of women and children identified, disseminated and replicated; increased number of manufacturers participating in child labor-free labeling program. U.S. Financing (In thousands of dollars)   Obligations   Expenditures   Unliquidated   Through September 30, 1999    0 DA 0 DA 0 DA 0 CSD 0 CSD 0 CSD 2,700 ESF 1,000 ESF 1,700 ESF 0 SEED 0 SEED 0 SEED 0 FSA 0 FSA 0 FSA 0 DFA 0 DFA 0 DFA Fiscal Year 2000 0 DA 0 DA   0 CSD 0 CSD 8,000 ESF 1,700 ESF 0 SEED 0 SEED 0 FSA 0 FSA 0 DFA 0 DFA Through September 30, 2000 0 DA 0 DA 0 DA 0 CSD 0 CSD 0 CSD 10,700 ESF 2,700 ESF 8,000 ESF 0 SEED 0 SEED 0 SEED 0 FSA 0 FSA 0 FSA 0 DFA 0 DFA 0 DFA Prior Year Unobligated Funds 0 DA   0 CSD 0 ESF 0 SEED 0 FSA 0 DFA Planned Fiscal Year 2001 NOA 0 DA   0 CSD 0 ESF 0 SEED 0 FSA 0 DFA Total Planned Fiscal Year 2001 0 DA   0 CSD 0 ESF 0 SEED 0 FSA 0 DFA       Future Obligations   Est. Total Cost   Proposed Fiscal Year 2002 NOA 0 DA 0 DA 0 DA 0 CSD 0 CSD 0 CSD 0 ESF 0 ESF 10,700 ESF 0 SEED 0 SEED 0 SEED 0 FSA 0 FSA 0 FSA 0 DFA 0 DFA 0 DFA The FY 2001 and future activities and funding related to this SO have been moved to SO 498-037.

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