Uzbekistan

In FY 2005, the Endowment made seven grants for democracy-building programs in Uzbekistan totaling $239,478. These grants covered the following fields of activity:

A) Freedom of Information

$92,830*
To provide independent sources of news and information. NED-funded programs include publication of an independent quarterly journal, a twice-weekly electronic newsletter, and public opinion polls. These publications expose human rights abuses and censorship. The programs also support a network of regional correspondents who provide regular reporting from all parts of the country with a particular focus on NGO activity, civil society, freedom of speech, and human rights.

B) Human Rights

$112,298*
To defend the rights of vulnerable persons against government repression. NED sponsored programs provide assistance to individuals, monitor trials, transcribe court proceedings, provide legal advice to victims of human rights abuses, and represent victims before various courts, tribunals, and other institutions. The programs maintain a nationwide network of human rights activists who report regularly about conditions in their region. NED grantees also advocate measures for penal and judicial reform in Uzbekistan.

C) NGO Development

$34,350*
To promote networking among NGOs. NED programs help to circulate information about legislation pertaining to NGOs and help NGOs to share information and elaborate common strategies to counteract the increasingly hostile regulatory environment.