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Australian High Commission
Colombo
MEDIA RELEASE
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10 December 2009
Australia supports human rights youth empowerment program in the Maldives
Marking Human Rights Day on 10 December, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith, announced that Australia will provide A$37,915 to Hoadedhddhoo Association for Development (HAD for a program designed to empower youth human rights organisations in the Maldives.
The funding is being provided under Australia’s Human Rights Small Grants Scheme (HRSGS). A total of 36 projects valued at almost A$3 million were selected for funding this year through the Scheme from countries across the Asia-Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean.
HAD’s mission is to support rural socio-economic development by strengthening civil society organisations, promoting good governance and highlighting the benefits of active civic participation. HAD’s project will focus on capacity building in local organisations and training community leaders particularly among youth (17-35 years). As part of the year long project, HAD will conduct a series of workshops on the southern atolls covering important topics like international human rights law and mechanisms, rights granted under the Maldives 2008 Constitution and human rights in respect of women, employment and climate change.
Australia has a strong record of promoting human rights internationally and was one of 47 original signatories to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was first signed 61 years ago today. Australia has been a leading proponent of the Declaration's consistent and comprehensive implementation.
Media contact : Surovi Abeyratne on 011-2463242