Rule of Law Assistance for Russia

Rule of Law Assistance for Russia

Question: List examples of the kind of rule of law programs we have in Russia. What is the total amount of money being spent on these programs?

Answer: We will spend approximately $43.4 million for democracy assistance in Russia in FY 2005, of which over $11 million is for rule of law programs.

To strengthen the rule of law in Russia, the U.S. provides funding for technical assistance in the areas of legal reform and human rights. U.S. assistance is designed to make Russia’s judicial system more transparent, independent, and efficient through training and exchanges of Russian and American judges, judicial professionals and lawyers in the area of judicial education and governance, ethics, and court administration. For example, the U.S. funds programs conducted by the Russian American Rule of Law Consortium, the ABA’s Central European and Eurasian Law Initiative, and the Russian American Judicial Partnership to strengthen the rule of law in Russia.

We are also working with Russian prosecutors and investigators to develop professional skills to combat transnational crimes. Grants to human rights organizations often include a legal component, helping NGOs which use lawsuits and legislative drafting as tools on behalf of refugees, forced migrants, labor organizations, the disabled, and others. In addition, we are expanding cooperation with leaders in the legal profession to form a strong, independent bar association in Russia, and to mobilize its members to focus particular effort on protecting the rights of vulnerable groups in the population, and in creating the legal climate in which NGOs and community groups can thrive.

2005/575 Released on May 31, 2005 Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC June 1, 2005 Question Taken at May 31, 2005 Daily Press Briefing

Identifying Misinformation Website

Identifying Misinformation Website

Question: What is the new identifying misinformation website that has been created? What is it designed to do?

Answer: Misinformation in the form of myths, rumors and "urban legends," as well as disinformation in the form of orchestrated campaigns to misrepresent a nation’s actions and intentions, are nothing new.

The Coordinator of International Information Programs (IIP) at the Department of State has an office that is charged with responding to misinformation about American policies and actions. The primary vehicle for disseminating this information is the State Department’s international website, usinfo.state.gov.

On March 9, 2005, the Identifying Misinformation site, included as pages within the international website, was launched as part of our effort to put forth facts and correct mistakes, both new and longstanding, surrounding urban myths and misinformation. It is intended for the general public and journalists.

Identifying Misinformation, provides guidelines in the form of questions to help journalists and news consumers determine whether a particular story is true or not.

The site is available in English and Arabic:

English: usinfo.state.gov/media/misinformation
Arabic: usinfo.state.gov/ar/Identifying_Misinformation

In addition to providing information via the website, the Coordinator of International Information Programs distributes Misinformation Alerts to U.S. embassies and posts.

2005/573 Released on May 31, 2005 Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 31, 2005 Question Taken May 31, 2005 Daily Press Briefing