Press release: Call for Project Proposals – Rwanda

Updated: Needed to give a proper reference to the attachments

The British High Commission (BHC) in Kigali is now accepting project proposals for the 2018/2019 financial year (April 2018-March 2019).

This year the BHC is seeking to support projects in Rwanda that focus on the following themes:
• Human Rights – Implementation of the accepted 2015 UPR recommendations and strengthening human rights in Rwanda
• Justice – Strengthening the capacity of the criminal justice system, enabling improved access to justice and protection of rights for all citizens

We are particularly interested in project proposals aiming towards the following outcomes:
1. Measurable progress towards full implementation of the UPRs in Rwanda
2. Strengthening human rights in Rwanda via innovative activities to improve relationships and cooperation between all stakeholders (civil society organisations, the general public, relevant institutions and the Government of Rwanda)
3. Measurable increase awareness of, and access to judicial services, particularly for citizens in rural areas

Bid Guidance:
• Projects are funded for a single financial year running from 1st April 2018 to 31st March 2019, with no expectation of continued funding beyond this period.
• Minimum budget limit: £15,000
• Maximum budget limit: £55,000

Assessment:
Bids will be assessed against the following criteria:
• Alignment with the above mentioned thematic priorities and outcomes
• Outcomes are achievable within the funding period
• Project design includes clear monitoring and evaluation procedures
• Sustainability demonstrating the project benefits continue after the funding ends
• Risk and financial accountability procedures
• The organisation’s safeguarding policies that ensure protection of beneficiaries
• Overall value for money

Process:
1. Project proposals must be received by midnight on Friday 27th April. Late proposals will not be considered.
2. Proposals must be submitted using the attached form only.
3. Proposals must be submitted to BHC.Kigali@fco.gov.uk
4. Successful project proposals will be notified on Wednesday 9th May. Only those selected for further consideration will be notified.
5. The BHC aim to sign grant agreements with successful project implementers by 16th May

[Proposal Form for £10k to £80k:1]

[Project Form Guidance:2]

Contacts:

Robert Kamuratsi, Programme and Communications Officer, Robert.Kamuratsi@fco.gov.uk

Alternative contact:

Christopher Finucane, Head of Political Section, Christopher.Finucane@fco.gov.uk

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s UNICEF speech in China

Below is the speech given by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in Beijing at a joint Scottish Government/UNICEF event hosted by the Chinese Peoples Association for Friendship of Foreign Countries.

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Agenda of tomorrow’s LegCo meeting revised

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The agenda of the Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting, scheduled for tomorrow (April 11) at 11.30am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex, has been revised. In addition to the original items, the Chief Secretary for Administration will present “The Government Minute in response to the Report of the Public Accounts Committee No. 68A of 17 January 2018” and address the Council.

     Meanwhile, Dr Priscilla Leung, Chairman of the LegCo Investigation Committee established under Rule ‍49B(2A) of the Rules of Procedure in respect of the motion to censure Dr Hon Cheng Chung-tai, will present the Investigation Committee’s Report and address the Council.

     For the latest agenda items of tomorrow’s LegCo meeting, please refer to the LegCo Website:
www.legco.gov.hk/yr17-18/english/counmtg/agenda/cm20180411.htm.

LegCo Panel on Security visits Pak Sha Wan Correctional Institution (with photos)

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

The Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Security conducted a visit to Pak Sha Wan Correctional Institution (PSWCI) under the Hong Kong Correctional Services Department (CSD) today (April 10) to better understand its operations.

Members first received a briefing on CSD and PSWCI, and noted that PSWCI is a medium-security institution for adult male persons in custody (PICs). Accompanied by the representatives of CSD, Members then visited the gymnasium, kitchen, dining hall facilities, dormitory facilities and the Centre Hospital in PSWCI to get to know the daily life of PICs and their needs. Members also observed PICs working in the sign making workshop and receiving training in the vocational training facilities.

Members who participated in the visit were the Chairman of the Panel, Mr Chan Hak-kan, Panel members Mr Yiu Si-wing, Mr Kwok Wai-keung, Dr Fernando Cheung, Dr Elizabeth Quat, Mr Poon Siu-ping, Mr Shiu Ka-chun, Ms Yung Hoi-yan and Dr Cheng Chung-tai.

HKMA 2018 Pay Review

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (April 10) the results of the 2018 annual pay review. The review was undertaken by the Governance Sub-Committee (GSC) of the Exchange Fund Advisory Committee (EFAC).

     On the advice of the GSC, the Financial Secretary has approved that the Fixed Pay of HKMA staff will be adjusted upward by a general increase of 2.35 per cent, whereas an allocation of 1.35 per cent of Fixed Pay is set aside for awarding good performers. Variable Pay equivalent to 20 per cent of Total Pay will also be paid to staff on the basis of their performance in 2017. Variable Pay is a one-off payment to staff who have attained or exceeded the required level of performance.

     The Financial Secretary determines the pay adjustment of HKMA staff each year in the light of recommendations made to him by the GSC through EFAC, taking into account the GSC’s assessment of the performance of the HKMA in the preceding year, the pay survey findings of the financial sector conducted by independent human resources consultants and any other relevant factors.