USAID DRG_ final final 6-24 3 (1)

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USAID STRATEGY ON DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS AND GOVERNANCErequired to achieve DRG goals. Both state and non-state institutionsmust attain certain levels of capacity if effective,accountable governance, and hence sustainable development, isto be achieved.USAID is uniquely placed to elevate, integrate, and drive forwardthe U.S. Government’s agenda on DRG. In 2012, USAIDcreated the Center of Excellence on Democracy, HumanRights and Governance. The DRG Center is developingstronger partnerships, thoughtful innovations and meaningfulresults.The Agency’s sustained presence around the globeenables Mission staff to forge strong partnerships with stakeholdersacross the development spectrum, from local civicgroups to government institutions to other public and privatedonors, and the private sector, contributing to the developmentand effective oversight of programs adapted to developing conditionson the ground. USAID’s deep relationships in thecountries in which it works also allow the Agency to take alonger term, nuanced view of the development of democraticcapacity, recognizing that it can take many years and creativeapproaches to achieve sustainable change and consolidateddemocratic institutions. Because the advancement of DRG iscentral to U.S. foreign policy and national security, USAID coordinateswith the White House, Department of State,Department of Justice and other departments and agencies inthe U.S. Government in Washington and through embassycountry teams to help achieve common objectives on issuessuch as human trafficking, open government, political development,rule of law and criminal justice reform.Open, democratic governance requires both citizens giving robust feedback on how goverment is performing and constructiveresponse by governments to that feedback. Photo: Panos6
USAID STRATEGY ON DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS AND GOVERNANCE1. USAID’S DEMOCRACY, HUMANRIGHTS AND GOVERNANCESTRATEGYUSAID’s DRG Strategy provides a framework to supportthe establishment and consolidation of inclusiveand accountable democracies to advance freedom,dignity, and development.This strategy lays out USAID’s visionto support democracy, human rights, and governance as vital tothe pursuit of freedom and national security, and as essential toachieve the Agency’s broader social and economic developmentgoals.■ The strategy replaces a 20-year-old set of categories with aframework that says what we are accomplishing, not what weare doing. USAID has revisited its 20-year-old strategicapproach of emphasizing core institutional components ofdemocracy – civil society, governance, elections and politicalprocesses, and rule of law – and designed a new strategywhich focuses on higher level objectives.■ The framework re-focuses traditional DRG activities into objectiveson participation, inclusion, and accountability. USAID’straditional programs on civil society, governance, electionsand political processes, and rule of law are encompassed andreframed under these new objectives.The framework seeksto empower reformers and citizens from the bottom up,while shifting the incentives of the ruling elite by enhancingaccountability systems, so they will support meaningfulreforms.■ The strategy establishes Agency objectives for integration andhuman rights. USAID recognizes that democratic governanceis important to achieve USAID’s broaderdevelopment goals, and therefore prioritizes the integrationof DRG into sectors such as health, economic growth, globalclimate change, and food security. In addition, the strategyemphasizes the integral role of human rights as part ofUSAID’s DRG efforts as well as broader development work.■ The strategy captures a country-based approach with guidanceon transitioning away from DRG assistance. USAID recognizesthat different DRG approaches should be used dependingon whether USAID is providing support in authoritarianstates, hybrid regimes or developing democracies. In addition,certain factors such as whether a country is undergoinga transition or is experiencing conflict will help define thestrategic approach adopted. Finally, USAID recognizes theneed to define the point at which a given country is nolonger in need of DRG assistance.■ The strategy will be followed by additional guidance and supporton implementation. USAID will develop “how - to notes”and supportive tools and guidance to assist Missions andoperating units with implementation of the strategy, includingalignment with existing policies, strategies and countryprograms.7
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USAID DRG_ final final 6-24 3 (1)

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