U.S. Assistance to Belarus - Fiscal Year 2004

United States (U.S.) assistance programs in Belarus promote Belarusian efforts to develop civil society, including media and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as an open market-oriented economy. The U.S. works with all elements of Belarusian society through educational and professional exchanges to the United States, as well as training in democratic principles and practices. The U.S. sees it in its long-term national interest to promote Belarus’ integration into the wider trans-Atlantic community of democracies, while respecting Belarusian independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Assistance programs continue to respond to humanitarian needs in Belarus as well as develop dialogue and expertise on security and social issues, such as trafficking in persons.

The estimated $10.14 million budgeted by all U.S. Government agencies for assistance programs in Belarus in fiscal year 2004 is allocated roughly as follows based on information available as of the date of this fact sheet:

Sector	FY 2004
Democracy Programs	$7.78 million
Economic and Social Reform	$0.10 million
Security and Law Enforcement	$1.75 million
Humanitarian Assistance	$0.50 million
Cross Sectoral Initiatives	$0.01 million
Total	$10.14 million

Democracy programs in Belarus focus on civil society, political parties, independent media, and the rule of law. 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 focuses on party governance, strategic planning, membership recruitment and retention, and message formulation.

Journalism and management training, legal defense, and on-site business consultations strengthen independent print and broadcast media outlets while increasing their capacity to provide objective, fact-based information. Legal training for local lawyers, activists, NGOs, and citizens is also provided, in addition to support for Legal Advice Centers. In 2003, a women’s economic empowerment program was initiated in Belarus to fight against trafficking in persons. Moreover, the Eurasia Foundation, National Endowment for Democracy, and U.S. Embassy administer small grants for indigenous NGOs to foster civil society, human rights, independent media, and other initiatives to promote democracy in Belarus.

Training and exchange programs reach out to future Belarusian leaders to provide first-hand experience with the day-to-day functioning of a market-based democracy. Since 1993, approximately 2,700 Belarusians have come to the U.S. on academic and professional exchange programs in fields such as management, social service provision, and NGO development. The Future Leaders Exchange program brought 50 Belarusian students to the U.S. to attend high school in 2003.

Security and law enforcement assistance in Belarus has faced many obstacles over the years. Belarus has not received the Defense Department's Cooperative Threat Reduction assistance since 1997, when it was decertified due to its poor human rights record. Although the government states its willingness to support the War on Terrorism, credible allegations of the transfer of arms and dual-use equipment to states of concern justify continued restrictions on bilateral security assistance. Belarus participates in some North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Partnership for Peace programs, and in the past, a small number of military officers and civilians attended Marshall Center programs, which promote military reform and civilian control of the military. Funding for these programs will continue with approximately $60,000 through the Warsaw Initiative Program.

The humanitarian program in Belarus consists of the transportation, distribution, and monitoring of donated humanitarian commodities through the State Department Humanitarian Transport Program. Medicines, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and supplies, emergency shelter items, food, and clothing are the main commodities shipped and distributed to the most needy individuals, families, and institutions. The U.S. humanitarian programs in Belarus are specifically designed to assist the most vulnerable groups and are executed through grants to private volunteer organizations. The total value of U.S. humanitarian commodities provided in FY 2004 is estimated to be in excess of $5 million.