10 Ways USAID is Strengthening Global Democracy and Supporting Democratic Bright Spots
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. We are at a critical moment for the United States and fellow supporters of democracy.
USAID supports the democratic reformers around the world who are demonstrating what democracy means to them and what they are willing to do to achieve and protect it.
We must continue to foster the infrastructure of democracy — a free press, civil society, and political parties — which is the foundation of democracy assistance as we know it. As illiberal forces use new tools and technologies to spread their influence, USAID is committed to modernize our work alongside foundational approaches to democracy assistance. This includes prioritizing support for democratic openings that will assist leaders in providing immediate tangible benefits that people feel in their everyday lives.
In President Biden’s first-ever Summit for Democracy in December 2021, the United States called on the free world to transform what it means to stand for our values on the global stage. Since then, the U.S. Government and USAID have worked to deliver on that transformation.
Below are 10 photos that capture the essence of how USAID and our partners are building and defending democracy. These are winners and finalists of the 2022 USAID Democracy, Human Rights and Governance photo contest. The photos were submitted by implementing partners and USAID field missions, and judged by a panel from the USAID democracy sector.
Shedding Light on the Risk of Human Trafficking
As part of a USAID-funded human trafficking education initiative, International Organization for Migration partnered with local theater troupe Buja Sans Tabou, to produce and stage the show “Invisible in Plain Sight,” on March 15 in Muyinga province, Burundi. During the show, community members were captivated by an immersive performance shedding light on the risks of human trafficking to communities.
Protecting the Local Ecosystem of Indigenous Peoples
For the Yoremes, a community of Indigenous Peoples in Sinaloa, Mexico, a tradition of living connected with their land begins in childhood. The USAID-supported Ethos report describes how the flora, fauna, and inhabitants of the area were affected by the construction of an ammonia plant in April 2022, which was carried out without prior consultation with the Yoremes and without safeguarding the site. The report requested protection from federal judges until the project, which has been under construction since 2014, was temporarily halted. The aim is to protect the local ecosystem and the development of fishing, and rural and indigenous communities.
Promoting Intergenerational Elections
With USAID support, the National Office of Electoral Processes, a national election management body in Lima, Peru, promoted intergenerational relationship building and collaboration during the presidential and parliamentary election in April 2021. Through this program implemented by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, older voters were assisted and checked in by younger poll workers.
Fostering an Equitable and Inclusive Society
Women in eastern Turkmenistan learn new business skills, including how to brainstorm and write winning business plans, thanks to a USAID-supported civil society organization. Since 2015, USAID and QED Group, LLC, have partnered to strengthen local leaders working to increase women’s economic and civil participation.
Reducing and Preventing Violence in Mexico
The USAID-supported Violence Prevention and Reduction Activity hosts neighborhood meetings, such as this one held in Sector 13, in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, in March 2021. The goal of the program is to implement a problem-oriented policing approach that responds to low-level crimes and community violence, reduces imprisonment, builds public confidence in institutions, and improves coordination between civic justice courts and municipal law enforcement.
Facilitating Youth Leadership
Launched in Georgetown, Guyana on May 13, the USAID-supported International Foundation for Electoral Systems’ youth program will hold focus groups discussions across the country over the next three years to solicit the experiences of youth to shape future training and public awareness initiatives. This image shows six young Guyanese participants taking part in a focus group, including a young girl who placed a red dot under a section of the table labeled “agree.” The activity had participants place their level of agreement (from strongly agree to strongly disagree) on the statement “I am a Leader.” The program will provide youth with the skills and knowledge they need to increase their participation in political life and strengthen their problem-solving at the community level.
Facilitating Safe Migration in Central Asia
In a photo zone event at the Center Park in Tashkent, organizers quizzed park visitors with cutouts explaining human trafficking issues. USAID, in partnership with national and international partners and in cooperation with the Government of Uzbekistan, civil society, and private organizations, marked World Day Against Human Trafficking on July 30 last year by raising awareness about human trafficking and what people can do to help end it.
Promoting Integration of Migrants
Reconciliation requires empathy, dialogue, and solidarity for returning Colombians and Venezuelan migrants. It demands greater acceptance and respect for migrants through positive messaging campaigns that humanize instead of stigmatize. Since 2016, 18,100 participants of the USAID-funded and ACDI/VOCA-implemented Program of Alliances for Reconciliation have experienced positive changes in their perceptions toward Venezuelan migrants.
Demanding Inclusive and Equitable Rights
In an environment of free speech and sisterhood, more than 300 women gathered to demand inclusive and equitable development in the regions of Bajo Cauca, Antioquia Department, Colombia on International Day for Women’s Rights on March 25. As a women’s network, this group promoted awareness of the violation of their rights and pushed to legitimize gender-based violence as an issue that requires penalties.
Improving Access to Justice
Forensic experts record the fingerprints of crime victims into the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) at the morgue in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, on June 30, 2021. The USAID-financed system, via the Justice, Human Rights, and Security Strengthening Activity implemented by DAI, is dramatically reducing the amount of time it takes to identify victims, giving detectives an important edge in the crucial early stages of investigations.
About the Author
Jessica Benton Cooney is the Senior Communications and Outreach Specialist in USAID’s Center for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance.
