Promoting Rights and Accountability

Promoting Rights and Accountability is sponsored by U.S. Department of State. Advances accountability, anti-corruption, and rights; for nonprofits.

I. Requested Objectives for Statements of Interest The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) seeks Statements of Interest (SOI) from organizations interested in implementing programs to advance human rights and fundamental freedoms in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea). **PLEASE NOTE:**Applicants should immediately access **MyGrants** or **www.

grants. gov** to set up a username and password. For instructions on how to register with MyGrants for the first time, please refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions for Statements of Interest at: **https://2021-2025.

state. gov/bureau-of-democracy-human-rights-and-labor/programs-and-grants/**. The SOI process, which is a two-step process, allows applicants to submit program ideas for DRL to evaluate before requiring a full proposal.

As a first step, applicants must submit a brief, three-page concept note that clearly explains a program idea and its objectives before developing a full proposal application. After reviewing eligible SOIs, DRL will invite selected applicants to expand on their program ideas by submitting a full proposal application.

Full proposals will go through a second review before funding recommendations are submitted to the DRL Assistant Secretary for approval, depending on funding availability. This solicitation includes two (2) categories under which applicants may submit SOIs. **Organizations may submit no more than two (2) SOIs total, limited to one (1) SOI per category.

The applicant must explicitly identify the category for each SOI submitted. ** If a SOI fits within more than one category, the organization must explicitly identify which category they determine is the best fit for the work proposed. **If a category is not explicitly identified on the first page of the SOI, it may be deemed technically ineligible and not be forwarded to the review panel for consideration.

** All SOIs must be grounded in a survivor-centered, ‘Do No Harm’ approaches and therefore must be led by or include consultation and/or engagement with the North Korean defector and escapee community as experts or partners.

Applicants should clearly articulate a strong understanding of the current operating environment and describe measures that may be taken to mitigate risks to project implementation, staff, and beneficiaries, including Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)[[1]](https://2021-2025. state.

gov/drl-promoting-human-rights-and-accountability-in-the-democratic-peoples-republic-of-korea-dprk-or-north-korea/#post-605294-footnote-1) policies and enforcement mechanisms or standard operating procedures (SOPs). Applicants must also demonstrate an ability to localize project activities by leveraging the expertise of North Korean human rights organizations, activists, and defector and escapee communities.

Applicants are highly encouraged to form consortia and submit a combined SOI. However, one organization should be designated as the lead applicant with the other members as partners. **FOSTERING ACCOUNTABILITY FOR SERIOUS HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES AND TRANSNATIONAL REPRESSION.

**The long-term goal under this category is that North Koreans have improved human rights, including fundamental freedoms, and the DPRK government is held accountable for egregious human rights violations, including transnational repression.

Projects under this category must support at least one of the following objectives: the North Korean human rights community collectively and collaboratively implements survivor-centered judicial and non-judicial accountability actions; governments and multilateral institutions take concrete steps and actions to push for accountability in the DPRK; and governments and multilateral institutions increasingly incorporate human rights abuses and crimes against humanity within broader DPRK policy development and diplomatic engagements.

Project activities may include: * Sustaining international attention and commitment to promoting human rights in the DPRK through advocacy and/or awareness-raising with governments and multilateral institutions. Competitive applications will leverage opportunities to engage non-traditional governments and/or further the implementation of recommendations of the UN Commission of Inquiry report or the mandated 2025 follow-on report.

* Leveraging documentation and research to hold perpetrators accountable for gross human rights abuses committed within and/or outside the DPRK. Efforts could include exploring avenues for criminal justice to hold perpetrators accountable, supporting redress for victims and survivors through civil liability suits in domestic courts, and/or recommending sanctions of individuals or institutions.

* Supporting survivor-driven and trauma-informed approaches to accountability.

Proposed activities may include empowering North Korean defectors and escapees to engage and implement judicial and non-judicial accountability measures such as, but not limited to, truth-telling, memorialization, and reparations, and/or strengthening defector and escapee awareness and understanding of various accountability mechanisms, transitional justice, and/or international standards for human rights.

* Strengthening collaboration among civil society and the North Korean defector and escapee community to advance efforts to address human rights abuses in the DPRK. * Elevating and integrating human rights within broader government and multilateral efforts to address the threats the DPRK poses to global peace and security.

* Documenting human rights abuses and violations experienced by forced laborers within the DPRK for the purposes of awareness raising, including with the private sector, and accountability measures.

**ADVANCING THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF VULNERABLE POPULATIONS:**The long-term goal of programs under this category is that vulnerable populations of North Koreans, including women, children, and persons with disabilities, within and outside the DPRK have increased access to rights and services enshrined under domestic and international law.

Projects under this category must support at least one of the following objectives: the North Korean human rights community collectively and collaboratively advocates for human rights improvements for vulnerable populations, and, governments and multilateral institutions take concerted actions to influence the DPRK government to implement accepted Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations and to meet international human rights standards, including its obligations under ratified human rights treaties.

Project activities may include: * Documenting cases of human rights violations against women, children, and/or persons with disabilities to raise international awareness, contribute to civil society shadow reporting on implementation of international conventions and treaties and/or foster accountability.

Applicants should demonstrate meaningful inclusion of women, children and parents, and/or persons with disabilities as key partners for activity design and implementation.

* Advocating to governments and multilateral institutions to take actions that encourage the DPRK to safeguard the rights of vulnerable populations through improved implementation of ratified UN Conventions, amendments to domestic laws in line with the international human rights treaties to which it is a party, and/or the consideration of ratification of other international human rights treaties.

* Capacitating and empowering defector and escapee women and persons with disabilities to constructively engage in advocacy and accountability efforts that advance the human rights of vulnerable populations of North Koreans. * Integrating human rights within humanitarian and development efforts to further protect the human rights of women, children, and persons with disabilities.

* Exploring opportunities to improve conditions for workers representing vulnerable populations, including the abolishment of forced labor. This may include efforts to encourage consideration of ILO membership and ratification of core ILO Conventions.

**Competitive SOIs under either category will:** * Exhibit a strong understanding of documentation, advocacy, and/or accountability efforts undertaken by civil society since the introduction of the 2014 UN COI report.

* Clearly articulate at least one of the following: 1) how activities are unique and not duplicative of current or prior initiatives, 2) how activities build upon past lessons learned, and/or 3) how activities respond to new opportunities or developments. * As applicable, build upon existing documentation efforts and system, rather than creating new structures, databases, or processes.

* As applicable, strongly justify collection of defector and escapee testimony, including how it will be utilized and the applicant’s approach to survivor-centered, trauma-informed documentation. * As applicable, exemplify an understanding of the data thresholds necessary for the pursuit of judicial accountability measures and/or the use of sanctions regimes.

All programs should aim to have impact that leads to reforms and the potential for sustainability beyond DRL resources. Programs should be driven by local needs and led by local communities to the extent possible.

DRL will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

Activities that are **not** considered competitive include, but are not limited, to: * Activities that repeat or significantly overlap with existing activities without providing a clear, additional benefit to program beneficiaries; * Provision of humanitarian aid; * English language instruction; * Purely academic exchanges or fellowships; * External exchanges or fellowships lasting longer than six months; * Activities conducted outside the target country that are not clearly connected to local initiatives and impact, or are not necessary due to security concerns; * Theoretical studies of human rights or democracy issues, including programs focused mainly on research and evaluation without training or capacity-building for local civil society; * Micro-loans or similar small business development initiatives.

II. Eligibility Information [](https://2021-2025. state.

gov/drl-promoting-human-rights-and-accountability-in-the-democratic-peoples-republic-of-korea-dprk-or-north-korea/) The following organizations are eligible to apply: * Foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO); * U.S.-based non-profit organizations/NGOs with or without 501(c)(3) status; * Public International Organizations; * Private, public, or state institutions of higher education; * For-profit organizations or businesses.

Applicants should have, or be able to develop, active partnerships with thematic or local partners, entities, and relevant stakeholders, including private sector partners and NGOs. Applicants should also have **proven experience** in managing successful and preferably similar projects. DRL encourages applications from foreign-based NGOs located in the regions or countries relevant to this Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI).

Applicants may **form consortia** to combine different expertise into one comprehensive proposal. However, only one organization can be designated as the prime applicant, while the remaining organizations must be designated as partners or sub-awardees. The prime applicant must meet the eligibility criteria listed above.

DRL may ask for more background information from applicants without previous federal grant experience, and these applicants might receive limited funding on a trial basis. DRL is committed to an **anti-discrimination** policy in all its programs and activities. DRL welcomes applications regardless of race, ethnicity, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other status.

DRL looks for applications that show the recipient does not discriminate against any beneficiaries when implementing a potential award. This means not withholding, negatively affecting, or denying equitable access to the benefits of the award based on any factor not stated in the award.

This includes race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity,gender expression, sex characteristics,sexual orientation, and pregnancy),national origin, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, political affiliation, or veteran status. The recipient should insert this provision, including this paragraph, in all sub-grants and contracts under a potential award.

Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System in the System for Award Management (SAM. gov) (www. sam.

gov) or who has a current debt to the U.S. government is not eligible to apply for an assistance award, according to OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, “Debarment and Suspension. ” Additionally, no entity or person listed on the Excluded Parties List System in SAM. gov can take part in any activities under an award.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Excluded Parties List System in SAM. gov to make sure no ineligible entity or person is included in their application. Organizations do not need a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) or an active SAM.

gov registration to apply for this solicitation in MyGrants. **However, if a SOI is approved, they will need to get these before submitting a full application. Therefore, we recommend starting the process of obtaining a UEI and SAM.

gov registration as soon as possible. **Please note that there is no cost associated with UEI or SAM. gov registration.

III. Application Requirements, Deadlines, and Technical Eligibility All SOIs must follow DRL’s posted Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for Statements of Interest, as updated in December 2024, available at **https://2021-2025. state.

gov/bureau-of-democracy-human-rights-and-labor/programs-and-grants/**. Complete SOI submissions **must** include: 1. Completed and signed **SF-424** and **SF-424B** forms, as directed on MyGrants or Grants.

gov (refer to DRL’s PSI for SOIs for guidance on completing the SF-424); and, 2.

A **program statement** (no more than three pages in Microsoft Word) that includes: * Name of the organization; * Target country/countries; * Total amount of funding requested from DRL, total amount of cost-share (if any), and total program amount (DRL funds + cost-share); and, * A brief summary of the program, including how it will have a demonstrated impact and engage relevant stakeholders. Identify local partners if appropriate.

* A clear breakdown of the program’s objectives, activities, and expected results for each objective. * A brief description of the applicant(s) that shows their expertise and ability to implement the program and manage a U.S. government award. **Primary applicants can submit two (2) SOIs in response to the RSOI, limited to one (1) SOI per category.

** If an applicant chooses to submit more than one application, they must demonstrate that each application is competitive and unique. **SOIs that request less than $100,000 or more than $1,000,000 may be deemed technically ineligible. ** Technically eligible SOIs must: 1.

Be submitted electronically via MyGrants or Grants. gov by **11:59 PM EST on January 10 th, 2025 under the announcement titled “**DRL Promoting Human Rights and Accountability in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea)**,” funding opportunity number DFOP0017071**; 3. Follow all instructions and not break any guidelines stated in this solicitation and the PSI for Statements of Interest.

1. All pages are numbered; 2. All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper; and, 3.

All documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with 1-inch margins. DRL is not responsible for disqualification due to applicants not being registered before the due date, system errors in MyGrants or Grants. gov, or other errors in the application process.

Applicants must save a screenshot of the checklist showing all documents submitted in case any document fails to upload successfully. DRL encourages organizations to **submit applications during normal business hours** (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM EST). IV.

Review and Selection Process [](https://2021-2025. state. gov/drl-promoting-human-rights-and-accountability-in-the-democratic-peoples-republic-of-korea-dprk-or-north-korea/) The warranted Grants Officer will determine technical eligibility for all applications.

A review panel will evaluate all eligible SOIs based on the same criteria: quality of program idea, program planning/ability to achieve objectives, institution’s record and capacity, and addressing barriers to equal participation. DRL may also take into consideration the balance of the current portfolio of active projects, including geographic or thematic diversity, if needed.

In most cases, the DRL review panel includes representatives from DRL policy and program offices. All panelists must sign non-disclosure agreements and conflicts of interest agreements. Once a SOI is approved, selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposal applications based on their SOIs.

Unless directed otherwise by the applicant, DRL may also refer SOIs for possible consideration in other U.S. government funding opportunities. DRL’s review panel may give conditions and recommendations on SOIs to improve the proposed program. These must be addressed in a full proposal application.

To use DRL funds effectively, conditions and recommendations may include requests to increase, decrease, clarify, or justify costs and program activities. DRL’s Front Office has the final determination on all funding decisions, depending on the availability of funds.

SOIs should align with the program framework and policy objectives in the NOFO; be suitable for the country/region; and show originality, substance, precision, and relevance to DRL’s mission of promoting human rights and democracy. Programs should aim for immediate impact leading to long-term, sustainable reforms.

DRL prefers new approaches that do not duplicate efforts but will consider programs that improve or expand existing successful programs in a new way. In countries where similar activities are already happening, explain how new activities will not duplicate or just add to existing ones and how these efforts will be coordinated. Proposals that offer creative solutions to ongoing challenges are encouraged.

DRL prioritizes programs with inclusive approaches for advancing these rights. Addressing Barriers to Equal Participation DRL aims to advance the rights and dignity of all persons. As the U.S. government’s lead bureau dedicated to promoting democratic governance, DRL requests program approaches dedicated to strengthening inclusive societies as a necessary pillar of strong democracies.

Discrimination,violence, inequity, and inequality targeting any members of society undermines collective security and threatens democracy. DRL prioritizes programs that assess and address barriers to access for individuals and groups based on race, ethnicity, religion, income, geography, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability.

The proposal should show how the program will further engagement in underserved communities and with individuals from these communities. This approach should be included in the program concept and design, as well as in implementation of all proposed activities, objectives, and monitoring. Strong proposals will provide specific analysis, measures, and targets to enhance programmatic impact by including all people in society.

The goal of this approach is to bring communities and those in power together in support of more stable and secure societies. A strong SOI will show how the proposed activities contribute to the overall program goal and objectives, with each activity included. Objectives should be ambitious yet measurable, results-focused, and achievable within a reasonable timeframe.

SOIs should address how the program will engage relevant stakeholders and should identify local partners as appropriate. If local partners are identified, applicants should describe the division of labor among the prime applicant and any local partners. Institution’s Record and Capacity DRL will consider the past performance of prior recipients and the demonstrated potential of new applicants.

SOIs should show a record of successful democracy and human rights programs, responsible fiscal management, and compliance with reporting requirements. Programs should have potential for continued funding beyond DRL resources. **For additional guidance, please see DRL’s posted Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for Statements of Interest, as updated in December 2024, available at****https://2021-2025.

state. gov/bureau-of-democracy-human-rights-and-labor/programs-and-grants/****. ** V.

Additional Information DRL will not consider SOIs that include support for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organization. For more information, refer to the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations: https://2021-2025. state.

gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/ Program activities that directly benefit foreign militaries or paramilitary groups or individuals will not be considered for DRL funding due to funding restrictions. According to Department of State policy on terrorism, applicants are advised that successful passing of a vetting process to evaluate the risk that funds may benefit terrorists or their supporters is a condition for receiving an award.

If selected for an award, applicants will need to provide information required by DS Form 4184, Risk Analysis Information about their company and its principal personnel. Vetting information is also required for all sub-award performance on assistance awards identified by the Department of State as having a risk of terrorist financing. Vetting information may also be requested for program beneficiaries and participants.

Failure to provide the requested information or to pass the vetting process may result in the proposal being rejected. The Leahy Law prohibits Department of State foreign assistance funds from supporting foreign security force units if the Secretary of State has credible information that the unit has committed a gross violation of human rights.

Per 22 USC §2378d(a) (2017), “No assistance shall be furnished under this chapter [FOREIGN ASSISTANCE] or the Arms Export Control Act [22 USC 2751 et seq.] to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country if the Secretary of State has credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights. ” Restrictions may apply to any proposed assistance to police or other law enforcement.

Among these, pursuant to section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA), no assistance provided through this funding opportunity may be furnished to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country when there is credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights.

In accordance with the requirements of section 620M of the FAA, also known as the Leahy Law, program beneficiaries or participants from a foreign government’s security forces may need to be vetted by the Department before the provision of any assistance. If a proposed grant or cooperative agreement will provide assistance to foreign security forces or personnel, compliance with the Leahy Law is required.

Applicants should be aware that DRL understands that some information contained in SOIs may be considered sensitive or proprietary and will make appropriate efforts to protect such information. However, applicants are advised that DRL cannot guarantee that such information will not be disclosed, including pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or other similar statutes.

Organizations should also be aware that if ultimately selected for an award, DRL requires all recipients of foreign assistance funding to comply with all applicable Department and Federal laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 89 FR 30046 on April 22, 2024, and the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

The information in this RSOI and “Proposal Submission Instructions for Statements of Interest” is binding. Explanatory information provided by DRL that contradicts this language will not be binding. Issuance of this RSOI does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals.

Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received. Background Information on DRL and DRL Funding Background information on DRL and its programs can be found on https://2021-2025. state.

gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-civilian-security-democracy-and-human-rights/bureau-of-democracy-human-rights-and-labor/. For **technical submission questions** related to this NOFO, please contact DRL-EAP-Programs@state.

gov. Except for technical submission questions, during the RSOI period U.S. Department of State staff in Washington and overseas shall not discuss this competition with applicants until the entire proposal review process has been completed and rejection and approval letters have been transmitted.

For assistance with **MyGrants** accounts and technical issues related to the system, please contact the ILMS help desk by phone at +1 (888) 313-4567 (toll charges apply for international callers) or through the Self Service online portal that can be accessed from https://afsitsm. servicenowservices. com/ilms.

Customer support is available 24/7. For assistance with **Grants. gov** accounts and technical issues related to using the system, please call the Contact Center at +1 (800) 518-4726 or email support@grants.

gov. The Contact Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except federal holidays. 1. Additional information on Do No Harm and PSEA can be found in DRL’s Proposal Submission Instructions, available at: https://2021-2025.

state. gov/bureau-of-democracy-human-rights-and-labor/programs-and-grants/↑