U.S. Assistance to Belarus - Fiscal Year 2003

Our assistance program in Belarus focuses on sustaining independent civil society groups and media struggling to operate under the authoritarian regime. We also work with the next generation leaders and seek to expose them to democratic principles and practices through Internet access programs and training provided by U.S. political party institutes. Through such programs, the U.S. Government is laying the foundation for the day when Belarusian norms and practices are no longer out of step with the rest of Europe.

The $9.5 million budgeted by all U.S. Government agencies for assistance programs in Belarus in Fiscal Year 2003 is allocated roughly as follows:

Democracy Programs	$ 8.9 million
Economic & Social Reform	$ 0.1 million
Security & Law Enforcement	$ 0.0 million
Humanitarian Assistance	$ 0.5 million
Cross Sectoral Initiatives	$ 0.0 million

Democracy programs in Belarus focus on supporting civil society, fostering the development of political parties, assisting independent media, and promoting human rights. Grants and technical assistance build the capacity of local NGOs with the aim of increasing citizen participation in solving community problems. Political party training for pro-democracy groups concentrates on party governance, strategic planning, membership recruitment and retention, and message formulation. Journalism and management training, legal defense, and on-site business consultations will help strengthen independent print and broadcast media outlets and increase their capacity to provide the public with objective, fact-based information. Training for local lawyers, activists, NGOs, and citizens to advocate for greater respect by Belarusian authorities will continue as will support to the network of Legal Advice Centers.

Small grant-making programs administered by the Eurasia Foundation, National Endowment for Democracy, and U.S. Embassy in Minsk support the work of indigenous NGOs to foster civil society, human rights, private enterprise development, independent media, and other initiatives to promote democracy in Belarus.

Training and exchange programs continue to be an assistance priority, reaching out to the next generation of Belarusian leaders and giving them first-hand experience with the day-to-day functioning of a market-based, democratic system. Since 1993, the U.S. has funded the travel of almost 2,510 Belarusian citizens to the United States on academic and professional exchange programs in fields such as management, social service provision, and NGO development. Increased funding for the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program will bring some 50 students from Belarus to live with U.S. host families and attend U.S. high schools this year. Access to information is promoted through programs like the Internet Access and Training program supports nine public access facilities in seven cities throughout Belarus. The Mission’s newest activity is the women’s economic empowerment program which will aid the Mission in its anti-trafficking efforts.

Current humanitarian assistance programs in Belarus include the provision of commodities through the Department of State humanitarian transport program. The main commodities shipped and distributed to the most needy individuals, families, and institutions are medicines, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and supplies, food and clothing. The U.S. humanitarian programs in Belarus are specifically designed to assist the most vulnerable populations and are executed through grants to Private Volunteer Organizations.