Introduction

USAID is committed to development that is inclusive of disadvantaged groups and to human rights. These commitments are expressed in part via a set of social policies, strategies and visions for Agency programming.

These policies, strategies and visions inform the Agency’s understanding of and response to potential to social impacts in its development programming. 

(See https://www.usaid.gov/results-and-data/planning/policy for general information about USAID policies, strategies and visions, and access to the USAID Policy Registry.)

Disabilities

USAID Disability Policy Paper (1997)

Gender

Gender Equality and Female Empowerment Policy (2012)

ADS Chapter 200, Introduction to Programming Policy (Partially revised 2014. Effective date 2012)

ADS Chapter 205, Integrating Gender Equality and Female Empowerment in USAID’s Program Cycle (Partially revised 2013. Effective date 2012)

Health and Safety/Human Rights

USAID Global Health Vision FY 2012-2016

Maternal Health Vision Action Plan (2014)

ADS Chapter 204, Environmental Procedures (Partially revised 2013. Effective date 2006)

USAID Strategy on Democracy Human Rights and Governance (2013)

Involuntary Resettlement - Regulation 216 (22 CFR 216.2(d)(vii)) (1980)

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender

LGBT Vision for Action: Promoting and Supporting the Inclusion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Individuals (2014)

Social Soundness

ADS 201 Additional Help Document  “Social Soundness Analysis” (2014)

Youth

USAID Youth Policy: Youth in Development: Recognizing the Demographic Opportunity (2012)

ADS Chapter 201, Introduction to Programming Policy (Partially revised 2018)