The global objective of this Call for Proposals is to contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights in Israel in line with international and domestic standards and obligations and to the upholding of democratic principles. 

The specific objectives of this call for proposals are: 

Objective 1:  Safeguarding democratic principles and upholding of obligations under international human rights law in Israel6. Pursue of this objective can be articulated around 3 dimensions:   Reinforcing respect and protection of fundamental freedoms understood as freedom of thought, belief, opinion; freedom of association and of peaceful assembly; and freedom of expression, including freedom of the press and media, both on-line and offline, and fighting against racism and hate speech.  

Invigorating support to human rights defenders and human rights organisations, including enhancing their capacity to protect themselves against all forms of reprisals.  Strengthening implementation of international human rights obligations and resisting any attempts to call into question the universal application of human rights. 

Objective 2:  Fighting discrimination in all its forms within Israel7: notably by fostering the freedom of religion and combating practices resulting in inter-sectoral discriminations based on grounds of race, ethnicity, age, disability, gender or sexual orientation. It includes advocating for the rights of persons belonging to minorities, and particular attention should be given to actions empowering the most marginalised and vulnerable groups.

Objective 3:  Reinforcing respect for international humanitarian law (IHL) and human rights in the territories occupied by Israel8: in particular by enhancing accountability of duty bearers.

Please note that proposals which deal with human rights issues under the jurisdiction or control of the Palestinian Authority (or de facto authorities in Gaza) fall under the framework of the calls issued by the Office of the EU Representative for West Bank and Gaza Strip (EUREP – https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/palestineoccupied-palestinian-territory-west-bank-and-gaza-strip_en ).