Promoting Accountability in Iraq and Syria For Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity, and War Crimes | SFOP0009922

Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0009922

The grant opportunity titled "Promoting Accountability in Iraq and Syria For Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity, and War Crimes" (Funding Opportunity Number SFOP0009922) is a U.S. Department of State discretionary funding program intended to support efforts that strengthen criminal accountability for serious international crimes committed in either Iraq or Syria. The focus is specifically on atrocities that may amount to genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, with an emphasis on practical, justice-oriented projects that can help move cases and accountability processes forward rather than broader human rights programming unrelated to criminal accountability. Projects must choose one country focus (Iraq or Syria) and cannot combine both in a single proposal.

A key requirement is that applicants show clear regional and contextual expertise as well as the ability and readiness to work with local partners connected to the country of focus. This means proposals are expected to reflect a strong understanding of the conflict context, relevant actors, victim and survivor communities, and the legal and evidentiary realities involved in pursuing atrocity crime cases. Partnership capacity is central: applicants should be able to collaborate with credible local organizations, practitioners, or networks in Iraq or Syria (depending on the selected focus), even if some activities are implemented outside the country.

The program also makes explicit that project activities do not have to take place inside Iraq or Syria. This is a practical recognition that critical components of accountability work often exist beyond national borders, such as refugees and survivor communities, witnesses, documentary and digital evidence repositories, diaspora organizations, investigators, and legal venues outside the territory where crimes occurred. Similarly, jurisdictions that may be able to hear cases (for example, courts in third countries exercising certain forms of jurisdiction, or other competent legal mechanisms) may be located outside Iraq and Syria. As a result, eligible activities could involve cross-border evidence preservation, witness support frameworks, case-building support, or other steps that facilitate legitimate criminal justice processes connected to atrocities committed in the chosen country.

At the same time, the geographic scope is strict about what crimes the program will support: applications must center on atrocities committed in Iraq or atrocities committed in Syria. Proposals that focus on atrocities in other countries or territories, even if related in theme or involving the same perpetrators, are not eligible and will not be considered. This boundary is important for applicants to observe in both the narrative and the work plan, including how cases, victims, and evidence are framed.

The award is offered through a Cooperative Agreement, which typically indicates a more engaged partnership model with the U.S. government than a standard grant, often involving substantial federal involvement during implementation (for example, coordination on objectives, approvals, or monitoring depending on the agreement terms). The awarding agency is the Department of State, Assistance Coordination. The program lists a funding activity category of Law, Justice and Legal Services, and a CFDA number of 19.990.

Financially, the opportunity lists an award ceiling of $1,250,000 and anticipates making two awards. The announcement was created on June 26, 2023, with an original closing date of July 26, 2023. Eligibility is summarized as "Others," with additional clarification referenced in the full eligibility text of the announcement, implying that a range of non-traditional or specifically qualified entities may be able to apply, subject to the detailed criteria in the complete solicitation.

• The Department of State, Assistance Coordination in the law, justice and legal services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Promoting Accountability in Iraq and Syria For Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity, and War Crimes" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.990.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jun 26, 2023.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 26, 2023. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,250,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for SFOP0009922

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