📋 Tender Overview
The project reinforces the most important activities of civil society organizations in a difficult political and financial context. The EU, Ireland and Switzerland through DanChurchAid support these organizations in their efforts to promote human rights, press freedom, and civic engagement and to develop strategies for their sustainability. The project contributes to Switzerland's objective to maintain a space for civil society and to allow citizens to actively participate in their development processes.
Country/region Topic Period Budget
Cambodia
Governance
Human rights (incl. Women's rights)
Media & freedom of information
Democratic participation and civil society
01.07.2025 - 31.12.2026
CHF 665’000
The project in brief
Background Cambodia has seen a significant decrease in civic space with more pressure and scruting targeting civil society groups and human rights defenders who speak out for rights and democracy. In addition to the growing pressure faced by civil society, the rapidly shrinking pool of funding for human rights initiatives has placed many organizations in an incresingly precarious position. In 2024, SIDA, a key long-time supporter of many local NGOs focused on human rights in Cambodia, announced its withdrawal of funding from country. In January 2025, funding previously approved under USAID, in Cambodia and globally, was cancelled. This has left immediate and critical funding gaps for a significant number of Local NGOs in Cambodia, especially those working on human rights.
Objectives To maintain and strengthen the vital role of human rights-focused organizations in defending communities and promoting democracy, human rights, press freedom, and civic participation through integrated support in media, legal services, advocacy, and capacity development.
Target groups Direct beneficiaries: Around 14,000 people
Approximately 8,000 vulnerable local communities, including those affected by land grabbing, labour exploitation, and trafficking.
Approximately 6,000 individuals promoting fundamental rights, such as journalists, activists, union workers, and community leaders.
90 staff from the CSOs who are co-applicants and Organizations receiving support through the mechanism of Financial Support to Thrid Parties (FSTP).
Indirect beneficiaries: Around 500,000 people
Individuals will be directly reached online by the activities of 6 out of 8 co-applicants.
Medium-term outcomes Outcome 1: Promotion of human rights knowledge and awareness through media, documentation and advocacy towards fostering a more informed, engaged society with access to reliable and independent information. Outcome 2: Maintain the essential protection of human rights defenders, journalists, activists, and people affected by human right violation by strengthening their resilience and improving overall adherence to proection of human rights. Outcome 3: CSOs have strengthened their resilience and sustainability by prioritizing key programs, securing
