Training Ethnic Communities to Protect Their Rights

About this grant

The program goal is to build the capacity of ethnic minority organizations in Russia to protect their rights through effective interaction with local government authorities and law enforcement agencies. Through the Center for Interethnic Cooperation’s training programs, participants in no fewer than 15 regions of Russia will establish joint outreach projects in each location and will subsequently monitor the implementation of these projects aimed at fostering tolerance for ethnic minorities. The program will also strengthen links between ethnic minority associations across Russia and build their capacity for collective action. To date, the center’s efforts have resulted in six regional governments in Russia providing substantial financial support to programs promoting ethnic tolerance in local communities. Since 1997, the center has worked to combat ethnic discrimination through a combination of research, training of minority organizations, and promotion of social dialogue with government agencies.