“The belief in the equal worth of each human being, and the desire for people to have sovereignty over their own lives is not only enshrined in the Universal Declaration of human rights, it is lived out in all corners of the world.” Rt Hon David Miliband MP, Foreign Secretary (February 2008).

SPF’s main objectives are:

• To promote human rights through contributing to progress on strengthening national and international HR institutions, criminal justice, equality and abolition of the death penalty.
• To support democratic governance and accountability processes.

The purpose of the Human Rights and Democracy Strategic Programme Fund (HR & DSPF) is to promote human rights through contributing to progress on strengthening international HR institutions, criminal justice, freedom of expression, child rights, abolition of the death penalty and engagement and stakeholder outreach

What is the programme for?

Project work is focused on a number of key themes:

Human rights:

• Strengthening international regional and national human rights mechanisms
• Criminal justice
• Equality
• The abolition of the death penalty

Democracy and accountability:

• Improving electoral processes
• Promoting civil society’s ability to influence
• Monitor and hold accountable state institutions
• Freedom of expression

Supported projects

• In Cambodia these monies have been used to support a project implemented by the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO) since August 2007. This two year project aims to increase the recognition of the role of media as human rights defenders developing civil society, and to increase their capacity to protect their rights alongside with NGOs and others advocating for international standards of freedom of expression in Cambodia.  Licadho has carried out research on and dissemination of analysis of the current threats faced by the media producing a report specific to the Cambodian context.  The report is available in either Khmer or English. It has been converted into an audio report available to Cambodian journalists through LICADHO's website. It will also be broadcasted on 10 Khmer radio stations.
  
• SPF HRD monies are also supporting a project in Cambodia to enhance democracy implemented by the Advocacy and Policy Institute (API).  The three year project,  running from 1 October 2008 to 31 December 2010, will support a dialogue between the National Assembly and the public, including civil society organisations.  It aims to improve communication and policy discussion on important areas of legislation, such as the Anti-Corruption and Access to Information laws.  API will organise a series of national and provincial forums to provide a focus for this discussion.