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