Manila, Philippines – The European Commission (EC) has announced a call for proposals to support the activities of civil society organizations and community-based organizations in the Philippines working to promote democracy and human rights. The call, totaling €2.13 million (approximately ₱130 million or KRW 2.7 billion), will focus particularly on supporting human rights defenders, protecting the rights of the urban poor, and promoting the implementation of international conventions.

The call for proposals is structured around three main thematic lots:

The first lot, "Support to Human Rights Defenders Advocating for Access to Justice," aims to end impunity for human rights violations, particularly those arising from the "war on drugs," and to strengthen access to justice for victims. Emphasis is likely to be placed on providing support to human rights activists facing threats in the process of reporting human rights abuses.

The second lot focuses on "Protecting the Rights of the Urban Poor and Vulnerable Groups." It seeks to address the difficulties faced by the urban poor in Manila and surrounding cities, especially vulnerable groups such as women, children, and persons with disabilities, due to forced evictions and other issues. The initiative will support civil society activities aimed at protecting their rights, with a focus on ensuring access to basic services and legal assistance.

The third lot, "Strengthening Civil Society Organizations' Capacities to Monitor and Advocate for the Ratification and Implementation of International Conventions Related to Labour, Human Rights, Environmental and Climate Protection and Good Governance," aims to enhance the ability of civil society organizations to effectively monitor and advocate for the Philippine government's ratification and implementation of relevant international conventions.

The call emphasizes four core values: promoting gender equality and social inclusion, adopting a human rights-based approach, ensuring the potential for knowledge generation and dissemination of results, and fostering strong collaboration and coordination with other relevant actors and within the region.

Eligible applicants include non-profit legal entities and non-governmental organizations that are effectively established in a European Union Member State or in an eligible country as defined under the NDICI-GE Basic Act. International organizations are exempt from this requirement. The lead applicant must directly prepare and manage the action with any co-applicant(s), and the role of intermediary is not permitted. Notably, lead applicants not established in the Philippines must form a consortium with a co-applicant established in the Philippines.

The indicative allocation of funds per lot is between €500,000 and €600,000 for Lot 1, between €800,000 and €930,000 for Lot 2, and between €500,000 and €600,000 for Lot 3. The duration of projects can range from a minimum of 24 months to a maximum of 36 months.

The deadline for submitting proposals is May 22, 2025. The European Union hopes that this program will boost the dynamism of Philippine civil society and make a tangible contribution to the protection of democracy and human rights in the country.

Key Terms:

NDICI-GE Basic Act: Refers to the basic act of the European Union's "Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe." This is the primary financial instrument for the EU's external action, outlining eligibility criteria for support to specific countries and regions.
SMART indicators: Indicators that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, used to ensure that project goals and outcomes can be effectively measured.
Gender and age disaggregated data: Data collected to allow for the analysis of a project's impact and outcomes based on gender and age. This helps to understand the effects of the project on specific genders and age groups and promotes more inclusive approaches.
Intersectionality: The concept that various aspects of an individual's identity (such as gender, race, class, sexual orientation, disability) can interact and create overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage. The call encourages analysis and approaches that consider this intersectionality.
Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA): An approach to development cooperation and policy-making that aims to respect and promote all human rights. It ensures that policies and projects align with human rights standards and principles, emphasizing the participation and claims of rights holders.