DUSHANBE RESPONSE TO THE GLOBAL INTERNET FREEDOM TASK FORCE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 DUSHANBE 001700 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR NICOLAS FETCHKO, EB/CIP/BA STATE FOR SCA/CEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID EINT SUBJECT: DUSHANBE RESPONSE TO THE GLOBAL INTERNET FREEDOM TASK FORCE REQUEST REF: STATE 142147 ¶1. Embassy Dushanbe provides the following information in response to the request by the Secretary's Global Internet Freedom Task Force Request (REFTEL). Internet availability in Tajikistan remains extremely limited, particularly in remote areas. Programs that provide Tajik youth access to the Internet are particularly valuable as a way to keep youth positively engaged in society. Through USAID, Embassy Dushanbe supports the following 12 existing or planned projects that promote access to, and use of, the Internet in Tajikistan. Project Name: Central Asian Program on AIDS Control in Vulnerable Populations Recipient: Republican AIDS Center and the National Coordinating Committee Project Description: To develop and test approaches and models for increasing coverage of vulnerable HIV/AIDS populations. IT Component: Provision of 3 computers for the Republican AIDS Center and web design for the National Coordinating Committee on AIDS, TB, and Malaria. FY 06 Funding: 4,600 USD Project Name: Zdrav Plus II Recipient: Six Central Rayon Hospitals under the Khatlon Health Department Project Description: To improve internal hospital management, statistic reporting, and implementation of health finance reforms. IT Component: Provision of 6 computers and printers as well as 3 trainings on data analysis and computer programming. FY 05 Funding: 8,000 USD FY 06 Funding: 1,000 USD Project Name: Zdrav Plus II Recipient: Tajik State Medical University Project Description: To improve the quality of medical care by promoting Evidence Based Medicine amongst medical students and teachers. IT Component: Provision of 6 computers, 2 printers, 1 scanner and internet connectivity. FY 06 Funding: 7,000 USD Project Name: Zdrav Plus II Recipient: PGMI Project Description: Retraining family medicine specialists. IT Component: Provision of 2 computers, 1 copy machine, 1 printer, and 1 LCD projector. FY 06 Funding: 4,300 USD. Project Name: Project HOPE Recipient: National TB Center Project Description: Project HOPE provided management to a Gifts-in-Kind program to increase the capacity of the National TB Center. Direct funding came from State, but USAID funding allowed for project management. IT Component: Provision of 7 computers as well as computer training for 14 people. FY 05 Funding: 3,500 USD Project Name: Alternatives to Conflict in Tajikistan Recipient: Economic Opportunity Centers (local NGOs) Project Description: Prevention of conflict by improving employment opportunities. IT Component: Provision of basic computer training and internet access and design for unemployed youth. FY 05 Funding: 550,000 USD (project total) FY 06 Funding: 550,000 USD (project total) Project Name: Local Governance Initiative - II Recipient: Regional and district governments Project Description: Improving the professional level and management capacity of local authorities. IT Component: Provision of computers, basic computer training, accounting and spreadsheet software. FY 05 Funding: 1,150,000 USD (project total) FY 06 Funding: 1,150,000 USD (project total) Project Name: Media and Information Support Initiative Recipient: Independent TV Stations Project Description: Support to independent TV and radio stations IT Component: Installation of internet equipment and access to online international news and information. FY 05 Funding: 860,000 (project total) FY 06 Funding: 648,000 (project total) Project Name: Participation, Education, and Knowledge Strengthening Project (PEAKS) Recipient: Several schools and learning centers throughout the country. DUSHANBE 00001700 002 OF 002 Project Description: Increasing awareness of teachers and educators to computers, and ultimately to improve teaching materials. IT Component: Provision of computers. FY 05 Funding: The project was fully funded with FY 2002 and 2003 supplemental funding. FY 06 Funding: The project was fully funded with FY 2002 and 2003 supplemental funding. Project Name: Commercial Law Project Recipient: Supreme Court and High Economic Court Project Description: Support and Development of the Commercial Legal Environment IT Component: Purchase and installation of computer and other automation equipment, as well as training of all users and purchase of software. FY 05 Funding: 220,000 USD Project Name: Commercial Law Project Recipient: Ministry of Justice Project Description: Support and Development of the Commercial Legal Environment IT Component: USAID provided the registry with all necessary equipment and technical assistance needed in order to establish the registry office. FY 06 Funding: 240,000 USD Project Name: Commercial Law Project Recipient: Ministry of Justice Project Description: Support and Development of the Commercial Legal Environment IT Component: Development and support of a legal database (Adliya) FY 00-05 Funding: 45,000 USD FY 06 Funding: 20,000 USD JACOBSON