Deepening U.S. Government Efforts To Collaborate With and Strengthen Civil Society

This 2014 presidential memorandum directs federal agencies engaged in foreign policy to strengthen collaboration with civil society organizations worldwide, oppose undue restrictions on civic freedoms, and integrate civil society consultation into U.S. diplomatic engagement. It requires annual reporting to the President on implementation progress.

Federal Register Open PDF 79 FR 58237

Impact dates

Sep 23, 2015
Annual report to President on Federal Government's progress implementing memorandum requirements

Key directives

Agencies engaged abroad shall consult with civil society representatives to explain U.S. views, seek perspectives, and build partnerships
Senior U.S. officials traveling overseas shall seek opportunities to meet with civil society representatives, especially those facing restrictions
Each agency engaged abroad shall incorporate inclusive outreach to civil society into international engagement
Agencies shall oppose foreign government efforts to dictate nature of U.S. assistance to civil society or selection of implementers
Agencies shall review internal regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure programmatic requirements do not inadvertently impede civil society operations
Agencies shall oppose foreign government restrictions on expression, assembly, and association through diplomatic means and direct assistance
Agencies shall expand provision of advice and support to governments seeking legal/political reforms and to civil society where governments are not engaged
Agencies shall seek diplomatic and programmatic opportunities in regional and multilateral organizations to protect civil society
Agencies shall foster improved relations between governments and civil society through training, dialogue, and legal assistance
Agencies hosting public international gatherings shall create opportunities for civil society substantive engagement
National Security Advisor shall prepare annual report for President on implementation progress

Timeline

Immediate

Agencies engaged abroad must begin consulting with civil society representatives in foreign policy conduct
Senior officials must seek meetings with civil society when traveling overseas

Near term (90d)

Agencies must review internal regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure programmatic requirements do not impede civil society operations
Agencies must incorporate inclusive outreach to civil society into international engagement

Long term

Annual reports to President on implementation progress
Sustained diplomatic and programmatic efforts to protect civic space in multilateral forums
Ongoing support for legal and political reforms to protect civic space abroad

Risks & tensions

Tension between promoting civil society engagement and respecting sovereignty of foreign governments
Potential conflict between civil society support and other foreign policy priorities (security, trade, counterterrorism)
Safety risks to civil society interlocutors acknowledged but not fully mitigated in text
Vague 'appropriate means' and 'where possible' language creates implementation uncertainty
Dependent on appropriations availability, creating funding uncertainty
Does not alter Secretary of State or Chiefs of Mission coordination role, potentially creating interagency friction