# U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

# [Office of the Spokesman]{.underline}

# [For Immediate Release      December 14, 2006]{.underline}

# [2006/1114]{.underline}

# [[Fact Sheet]{.underline}]{.smallcaps}

**[International Human Rights Week Initiatives:
]{.underline}["]{.underline}[Defending the
Defenders]{.underline}["]{.underline}**

[The United States maintains its strong commitment to support those
courageous individuals who are fighting for freedom and liberty around
the world. ]{.underline}

# [In commemoration of President Bush's proclamation of December 10 as Human Rights Day and in recognition of Human Rights Week, today Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced three new initiatives advancing U.S. Government efforts on democracy and human rights, and responding to a global trend of government crackdowns on non-governmental organizations and human rights defenders. ]{.underline}

# ***[1) Human Rights Defenders Fund]{.underline}***[ ]{.underline}

[In countries where tyranny persists, and even in states with some
semblance of democratic institutions, human rights defenders are
frequently put in jeopardy by the nature of their work. They are
harassed, physically threatened or harmed, and many times detained and
imprisoned. The creation of a global Human Rights Defenders Fund will
enable the U.S. government to respond to human rights defenders'
emergency needs quickly by providing assistance to activists who are
facing extraordinary financial, legal or medical needs as a result of
government repression. The Fund will begin with \$1 million and will be
replenished as needed.]{.underline}

# [2) NGO Principles]{.underline}

[Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are essential to ensuring
government transparency and accountability. When NGOs are under siege,
freedom and democracy are undermined. The U.S. government is advancing
ten core NGO Principles which guide our own treatment of NGOs and which
we urge other governments to respect. These principles will be an
important tool for the U.S. and other governments in measuring
governmental treatment of NGOs. The Principles distill and complement
existing United Nations and European Union documents. We hope they will
also be a useful tool for civil society groups and the media as they
monitor the treatment of NGOs across the globe. ]{.underline}

# ***[3) Freedom Awards]{.underline}***[ ]{.underline}

[Beginning in December 2007, The Secretary of State will present two
awards annually to recognize those striving to advance human dignity.
The ]{.underline}*[Freedom Defenders Award]{.underline}*[ will be
awarded to a foreign activist or NGO which has demonstrated outstanding
commitment to advancing liberty and courage in the face of adversity.
The ]{.underline}*[Diplomacy for Freedom Award]{.underline}*[ will honor
the U.S. Ambassador who best advances the President's Freedom Agenda by
working to end tyranny and promote democracy using the full array of
political, economic, diplomatic, and other tools. The Ambassador will be
recognized not only for individual achievement, but for his or her
leadership in engaging the entire Embassy on implementing the Freedom
Agenda. ]{.underline}

[In order to strengthen the impact of these three initiatives and other
policies supporting those that work for freedom and liberty, the United
States will take additional steps, including strengthening our
partnership with other like-minded governments, to further strengthen
and institutionalize the Freedom Agenda. ]{.underline}

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