Advancing Freedom of Expression (Tanzania)

• Eligibility Criteria:
  – U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO) and public international organizations; private, public, or state institutions of higher education; and for-profit organizations or businesses.
• Type of funding: Programmatic
• Target country: Tanzania
• Application language: English

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that encourage the Government of Tanzania to reduce restrictions on freedom of expression for the public and the media.

DRL’s goal is for reduced legal restrictions on freedom of expression for citizens and the media in Tanzania.

In support of this goal, programs should work towards the following programming objectives:

• Media and Civil Society Actors Actively Advocate for their Right to Free Expression

Activities to support this objective should focus on improving coordination and the capacity of civil society and the press to effectively advocate for their right to freedom of expression.

Approaches can include training members of the press on their rights under the law; raising awareness of fundamental press freedoms and freedom of expression among the public through both traditional and social media and public discussions; increasing advocacy capacity among relevant stakeholders; and providing legal aid to journalists and civil society actors who find themselves at risk for exercising their right to free expression. Applicants may propose new structures or to build on existing networks and institutions for their interventions. Beneficiaries of trainings can include lawyers, human rights defenders, the press, civil society actors, activists, as well as law professors and students. Applicants should note which groups they will prioritize with each activity and demonstrate why that investment will lead to the greatest impact.

• Improved Legal Framework and Regulatory Environment for Free Expression

Activities under this objective should work to ensure a stronger legal framework and a more permissible legal environment for ensuring free expression.

When possible, activities should include relevant government actors and members of the legal community outside of government. Approaches should center around building the capacity of legal stakeholders to develop effective litigation strategies needed to pursue public interest litigation, with the goal of achieving legal, policy and institutional reforms. Additional strategies can include facilitating constructive dialogue between lawmakers and stakeholders; facilitating technical assistance for the drafting of new
legislation; and training judges and lawyers on how to litigate and adjudicate cases related to press freedom. Strategic litigation can be employed alongside advocacy campaigns, if prudent. Applicants may propose specific legislation for reform but should remain flexible based on evolving contexts.

DRL does not require applicants to propose all of these activities, but proposals should demonstrate how their approach will lead to the goal of reduced legal restrictions on freedom of expression for citizens and the media.

See here to learn more and apply.

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