Institute for New Democracies

The Institute for New Democracies is a nonpartisan and nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting good governance, human rights and the rule of law in countries undergoing political transformation. IND supports democratic reforms through education, policy research and practical assistance to government institutions, civil society and the media.

Areas of Involvement

Practical Assistance: IND develops and implements in-country programs encouraging policy reform, provides training and consultations for political leaders and civic activists and fosters dialogue between civil society and government agencies to encourage public participation in the decision-making process. IND aims to bring this dialogue to the public domain through media outlets, media training and by encouraging open public discussions on religious rights and the problems with radical groups.

Policy Research: IND produces policy papers and assessment reports on particular issues related to countries in transition with internal and external publications. The papers present recommendations for the policy-makers and serve as analytical basis for designing relevant and comprehensive in-country programs.

Programs

IND has a broad political platform and a wide base to work and implement in-country programs. IND gears its efforts to building support for greater engagement by the United States and European Union in transitional societies. After successfully completing a three-year USAID-funded project on policy reform for human rights in Uzbekistan, run by IND and Eastern Kentucky University, IND is currently implementing a program to build local capacity for human rights protection in the country. The program aims to assist judges, prosecutors, investigators and independent defense lawyers to implement the new habeas corpus legislation in Uzbekistan and provide consultations on reforming of the country’s prison system. It also aims to promote freedom of religion and protection of religious rights in Uzbekistan and to support local human rights activists to conduct independent prison monitoring.