Signing Ceremony - 2006 Ambassador’s Democracy and Human Rights Fund

Ambassador Roger A. Meece
September 14, 2006 14:00
P.D. Auditorium

There has never been a more important time in the history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  For decades the Congolese people have looked forward to the day when they could vote in free elections.  That dream has now become a reality because of the perseverance of the Congolese people and those who support them. Today marks a special milestone for eight groups of those who support the democratic process in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  These groups are representative of those in this country who are striving improve conditions for the Congolese people by promoting education, elections, democracy and human rights.

The groups represented here today have sought support for strategies to strengthen democratic institutions and democratic values and practices in civil societies.  Across the range of projects presented here today, these organizations will work with all sectors of the population.  Some focus on educating literate and illiterate women to better understand human rights.  Others focus on training the educational, religious and political leaders of this country.  Many of these projects have a strong “multiplier effect,” so that those who are trained will then affect the lives of others in their turn.
 
These funds are intended to support activities that promote political pluralism and human and civil rights. We are assured by the reputation of these groups that they will be successful in carrying out their projects to conclusion, resulting in aiding their communities in not only understanding democratic values and human rights, but also in practicing them on a daily basis.  We wish each group the best of success as it strives to accomplish these goals.