Foreign Operations Appropriated Assistance: Belarus
Fact Sheet
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs
April 1, 2011
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FOR MORE INFORMATION: Coordinator's Office Annual Reports» |
ASSISTANCE GOALS: The goal of U.S. assistance to Belarus is to support the Belarusian people in achieving a government that respects their democratic rights and fundamental freedoms. To advance this goal, the majority of U.S. assistance is targeted to promote the opening of space for the free expression of political views, the development of a civil society and media freedom. In response to the Government of Belarus’ crackdown on civil society, independent media and the political opposition following the flawed December 2010 presidential election, the U.S. announced an additional $4 million to be used in these areas. Other targeted programs support civic engagement indirectly, including through projects in the social sector and those working to empower entrepreneurs, and increase access to independent higher education. Humanitarian assistance programs relieve suffering of the vulnerable and demonstrate our support for the Belarusian people
AREAS OF FOCUS:
Peace and Security (P&S)
- Combat trafficking in persons by increasing non-governmental organization (NGO) advocacy skills, increasing public awareness, building job skills among potential victims, and assisting with victim reintegration
Governing Justly and Democratically (GJD)
- Provide immediate humanitarian and legal assistance to those being repressed
- Enhance civic participation and civil society development
- Increase media freedom and access to objective information
- Support political pluralism
Investing in People (IIP)
- Help implement the World Health Organization’s strategy to prevent and treat tuberculosis
- Increase access to higher education, including support to the European Humanities University and the development of an English language MBA program
- Support the integration of vulnerable populations such as orphans, the elderly and the disabled into society and improve their standards of living.
Economic Growth (EG)
- Strengthen independent business associations, expand the small and medium enterprise sector, and support their with trade potential in order to diversify and strengthen free-market mechanisms
Humanitarian Assistance (HA)
- Provide basic assistance to the most vulnerable populations through the transportation and distribution of humanitarian assistance in the forms of food, clothing, and medical supplies donated by private American citizens and the U.S. Government
RECENT SUCCESSES:
- Supported the efforts of 48 business associations to monitor the business environment, advocate for reforms, and mobilize the business community and broader civil society to influence public policy, leading to an 11 percent increase in membership.
- Helped to reintegrate an additional 70 victims of trafficking back into society.
*This fact sheet does not reflect centrally managed or regional Foreign Operations funding that is not specifically budgeted for Belarus.
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