Three ways USAID is translating global democratic commitments into meaningful results — USAID knows that free and democratic societies have healthier citizens, less violent conflict, and more prosperous communities — and through our democratic assistance, we aim to demonstrate the value of democracy and how it can deliver for all citizens. The United States and fellow supporters of democracy find ourselves at…

How USAID-supported community leaders are at the forefront of this global human rights challenge — For an estimated 25 million adults and children worldwide who have been trafficked for labor or sex, expectations for new opportunities can quickly turn to despair and worse yet, loss of dignity and basic human rights. Facing limited opportunities in their native countries, these individuals often find themselves stripped of…

Read about programs in Burundi, Mexico, Peru, Turkmenistan, Guyana, Uzbekistan, Colombia, and Honduras — USAID believes that free and democratic societies have healthier citizens, less violent conflict, and more prosperous communities — and through our democratic assistance, we aim to demonstrate the value of democracy and how it can deliver for all citizens. …

Stories of USAID’s democracy, human rights, and governance officers on the frontlines — Every day, USAID’s democracy, human rights, and governance (DRG) officers are on the frontlines in difficult contexts — providing critical support to local leaders, reformers, and activists who champion and defend the democratic aspirations of all people. …

An Armenian investigative journalist is holding elected leaders accountable — As a middle school student, Ani Hovhannisyan, now 32, utilized her natural curiosity and her journalism classes as an excuse to interview elected officials in her local town hall — an exercise that provided her first experience in collecting contrasting point of views.

An Armenian advocate uses her voice for the empowerment of persons with disabilities — Born with cerebral palsy, Anush Aslanyan, 30, went to school in her rural community outside Vanadzor, Armenia, on horseback. Her parents took time away, twice a day, from work on their farm to accompany her. In third grade, Anush’s horse was stolen.

Local leaders empower citizens, build resilience, and help make lasting change in their community — In 2018, the Armenian people successfully took to the streets to demand a change in leadership — their efforts ushered in democratic reforms through the “Velvet Revolution,” which brought to power a new reform-minded government and hope to a new generation. However, the outbreak of hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan…

Read about programs in Georgia, Serbia, Jordan, Iraq, Mongolia, and Jamaica — The pursuit of transparent and effective governments; human rights; free and fair elections; and robust civil societies inspires our work at USAID. For decades, we have partnered with countries, communities, and people around the world to promote and protect democracy. We remain steadfast in our belief that democracy is the…

Read about programs in Somalia, Kyrgyz Republic, Colombia, Laos, Kenya, and South Africa — The pursuit for democracy, fundamental freedoms, and human rights guides and inspires our work at USAID. For decades, we have partnered with countries, communities, and people around the world to strengthen resilient democratic societies. Citizen-responsive governance is also a critical factor in development, and we believe it is not possible…