UN Democracy Fund

In News

• India, a founding member of UNDEF, has no objections to the Fund giving grants to NGOs funded by George Soros, while he is put on the watchlist in India.

UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF)

• About:
  • UNDEF was created by UN Secretary-General Kofi A. Annan in 2005 as a United Nations General Trust Fund to support democratization efforts around the world.
  • It was welcomed by the General Assembly in the Outcome Document of the 2005 World Summit.
  • UNDEF subsists entirely on voluntary contributions from Governments.
• Functions:
  • UNDEF funds projects that empower civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes. 
  • The large majority of UNDEF funds go to local civil society organizations. 
• Composition:
  • The Advisory Board, constituted by the Secretary General, includes eight largest Member State contributors and six other states to reflect diverse geographical representation.
  • India has been a member of the Board since the beginning.
• Providing Grants:
  • Ranging from US$100,000 to US$300,000 support initiatives in the areas of: 
    • Support for Electoral Processes
    •  Women’s Empowerment
    • Media and Freedom of Information
    • Rule of Law and Human Rights
    • Strengthening Civil Society Interaction with Government
    • Youth Engagement

India’s Contribution to the Fund

• India and the US were instrumental in the establishment of the UN Democracy Fund in 2005, with India contributing $5 million to the fund in its early years. However, India’s funding for the UNDEF has dwindled since 2012. 

Source: IE