PRIA Logo™
Title 22 — Foreign Relations and IntercourseRelease 119-73not60

§2296d Strengthening Democracy, Tolerance, and the Development of Civil Society

Title 22 › Chapter 32— FOREIGN ASSISTANCE › Subchapter I— INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT › Part XII— Support for the Economic and Political Independence of the Countries of the South Caucasus and Central Asia › § 2296d

Last updated Apr 5, 2026|Official source

Summary

The President can give help to countries in the South Caucasus and Central Asia to build democratic institutions and support plural, tolerant societies that respect international human rights. The goal is to encourage religious tolerance and respect for civil and political rights. Help can fund programs to strengthen parliaments, grow nonprofit groups, support independent media, build fair courts and open government and business practices, offer international exchanges and advanced training in skills for civic life, and promote civil and political rights. Aid may pay for activities that move these countries toward democracy.

Full Legal Text

Title 22, §2296d

Foreign Relations and Intercourse — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)The purpose of assistance under this section is to promote institutions of democratic government and to create the conditions for the growth of pluralistic societies, including religious tolerance and respect for internationally recognized human rights.
(b)To carry out the purpose of subsection (a), the President is authorized to provide the following types of assistance to the countries of the South Caucasus and Central Asia:
(1)Assistance for democracy building, including programs to strengthen parliamentary institutions and practices.
(2)Assistance for the development of nongovernmental organizations.
(3)Assistance for development of independent media.
(4)Assistance for the development of the rule of law, a strong independent judiciary, and transparency in political practice and commercial transactions.
(5)International exchanges and advanced professional training programs in skill areas central to the development of civil society.
(6)Assistance to promote increased adherence to civil and political rights under section 2151n(e) of this title.
(c)Activities that may be supported by assistance under subsection (b) include activities that are designed to advance progress toward the development of democracy.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Executive Documents

Delegation of Functions For delegation of functions of President under this section, see Ex. Ord. No. 12163, Sept. 29, 1979, 44 F.R. 56673, as amended, set out as a note under section 2381 of this title.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

22 U.S.C. § 2296d

Title 22 — Foreign Relations and Intercourse

Last Updated

Apr 5, 2026

Release point: 119-73not60