Speeches Shim
USAID/Colombia’s Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance Office focuses on supporting the Government of Colombia (GOC) and civil society to increase institutional presence, foster a culture of respect for human rights, strengthen citizen participation, promote access to justice, increase public investment, and provide services to historically underserved and conflict-affected rural areas where illicit activity often goes unchecked.
USAID/Colombia’s Public Opinion Activity (POA) conducts surveys in order to provide data and analysis on democratic governance in Colombia, which is used to inform USAID/Colombia programs, public policy formation, and advocacy. Implemented by the Universidad de Los Andes, POA will run from January 2016 – January 2021 with national coverage.
The Regional Governance Activity (RGA) works closely with Government of Colombia (GOC) counterparts at the national, departmental, and municipal level, and directly assists public officials in 40 conflict-affected municipalities to strengthen their capacity to serve their citizens. By improving the efficacy of the three levels of government, and in particular, sub-national governments in conflict-affected regions, RGA builds citizen trust and contributes to a durable and inclusive peace.
Harassment is unwelcome verbal or physical conduct that is so objectively offensive as to alter the conditions of employment and is based on factors that may include, but are not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, parental status, veteran status, political affiliation, or reprisal for engaging in protected activity. Harassment is prohibited by laws, executive orders, and USAID policies.
USAID’s Anti-Harassment Policy ensures that the Agency takes immediate, effective measures to end the harassment. Any reported allegations of harassment, discrimination or retaliation will be reviewed appropriately
USAID employees are required, and implementing partners are encouraged, to report all allegations of sexual misconduct that affect beneficiaries — whether the allegations involve USAID personnel, grantees or contractors — to the Office of the Inspector General at ig.hotline@usaid.gov. For grants, see Implementing Partner Notice #6; for contracts, see Implementing Partner Notice #10. Allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse that involve employees of USAID’s grantees or contractors must be reported to the relevant USAID Agreement or Contracting Officer.
On May 21, the Syrian Arab Republic Government (SARG) regained control of southern Damascus’ Al Hajar al-Aswad neighborhood and the adjoining unofficial Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp—the last two areas of Damascus held by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)—bringing Damascus under complete SARG control for the first time since 2011. The UN reports that SARG military operations resulted in at least 60 civilian deaths and widespread destruction of Yarmouk’s infrastructure.
USAID promotes the growth of enterprises that can serve as buyers and suppliers for U.S. businesses, creating jobs that give rise to real economic growth and political stability for both the United States and our African partners. As USAID supports African countries on their journey to prosperity and self-reliance, we also create new opportunities for U.S. businesses, investments, and transatlantic trade.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has contributed $8 million dollars to support the joint Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and World Health Organization (WHO) Strategic Response Plan to the outbreak (currently budgeted at $56.7 million). In addition to this funding, USAID has provided personal protective equipment, laboratory supplies, the mobilization of two existing mobile labs, and a robust presence on the ground.
USAID recognizes the importance of a regional approach to effectively solve transnational problems. As such, across all sectors, we partner with regional institutions, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its constituent bodies, multilateral organizations that are firmly established in the region, and other organizations that are regional technical leaders.
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