ANTANANARIVO'S INPUT TO THE PRESIDENT'S HUMAN RIGHTS

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ANTANANARIVO 000919 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR UNDER SECRETARY DOBRIANSKY DEPARTMENT FOR AF/E - MBEYZEROV AND RMEYERS PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER D'ELIA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL MA CN SUBJECT: ANTANANARIVO'S INPUT TO THE PRESIDENT'S HUMAN RIGHTS ROUNDTABLE AT 2007 UNGA REF: STATE 125456 ¶1. SUMMARY: Post is pleased to respond to Reftel with the following brief summary of Post's programs and activities to promote human rights and protect human rights defenders. END SUMMARY. Promoting Human Rights and Protecting Human Rights Defenders - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶2. Post has a modest (USD 70,000 in Madagascar, USD 20,000 in the Comoros) Democracy and Human Rights Fund with which it works with NGOs who defend human rights. Embassy Officers meet routinely with all representatives of the political spectrum to seek their perspectives. With regard to politicians charged with crimes, Post encourages the GOM and GOC to guarantee due process. ¶3. In late FY 2006, the USG (USAID/Madagascar) signed a two-year Cooperative Agreement with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in order to contribute to the fight against Trafficking in Persons (TIP) in Madagascar. The TIP program seeks to increased public awareness about anti-trafficking and to improve social services for trafficked victims and high-risk population in three targeted zones. CRS has created four social centers that are fully operational. Promoting Guiding Principles on NGOs and USG-Funded Projects with NGO and Host Government Partners - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶4. The Embassy hosts a monthly Human Rights Working Group (HRWG) as a forum for discussion on all guiding principles. The HRWG is regularly attended by over 50 representatives from around Madagascar. Since late 2006, the Embassy has funded (with over USD 1 million) the National Democratic Institute's (NDI) work in Madagascar building a civic coalition on elections and voter responsibility. Their partner, the National Coalition of Elections Observers (CNOE),successfully monitored the December 3, 2006 presidential election. CNOE also maintained momentum and public support for electoral code reform in Madagascar. ¶5. Since late 2006, under the Anti-Corruption Initiative, USAID is working with Malagasy civil society organizations (Transparency International/Madagascar; Justice and Peace Episcopal Council, PLADDICC),to increase public understanding of corruption and anti-corruption mechanisms, and facilitate civic and private sector participation in the Madagascar's anti-corruption measures. Public Diplomacy Initiatives - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶6. Strategic Speaker Initiative - Ned McMahon conducted roundtable presentations on democracy and elections in the Madagascar cities of Antananarivo, Mahajanga, and Toliara. Private sector, GOM officials, politicians, university students, and journalists attended. Mr. McMahon also met with key election personalities. ¶7. PAS sponsored weekly civic education programs on National Radio based on Jessica Newby's "Guide to Civic Education" from July to October 2006. PAO delivered opening remarks for the first radio program in the series. Through a project begun in early 2006, PAS translated the French version to Malagasy and funded an edition of 10,000 copies. ¶8. TV Ravinala, inspired by Jessica Newby's "Guide" conducted daily call-in programs on civic education featuring the promotion of democratic institutions and practices, rule of law, good governance, and the role of the citizen in a democratic society. ¶9. PAS sponsored a series of book discussions utilizing ARS Nouveux Horizon book "L'Integrite morale et la vie publique" at the American Cultural Center, led by Mr. Mamy Raboanarijaona, Directeur de la Strategie Nationale, Conseil Superieur de l'Integrite. Coordination with Regional Organizations - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶10. On elections, the diplomatic corps meets regularly under the auspices of UNDP to coordinate activities. Fostering Dialogue Between Government and Civil Society - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶11. NDI and CNOE hosted several elections round tables with civic leaders and representatives of the Ministry of Interior, National Electoral Commission, High Constitutional Court, and political parties. ¶12. USAID provides sub-grants to a number of civil society organizations under the anti-corruption program, in order to have ANTANANARI 00000919 002 OF 002 greater involvement of the business community in the fight against corruption, and to increase dialogue between GOM and the private sector on anti-corruption measures. Madagascar's Democracy and Human Rights Priorities - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶13. The GOM joined SADC in 2006, implicitly subscribing to SADC's democracy and human rights principles. MARQUARDT