Justice for the Disappeared in Chihuahua | 72052318RFA00003

Opportunity Information: Apply for 72052318RFA00003

USAID is offering a cooperative agreement called Justice for the Disappeared in Chihuahua (Funding Opportunity Number 72052318RFA00003) focused on strengthening how the state of Chihuahua responds to enforced disappearances. The program is built around the idea that disappearances can be reduced and accountability can increase when government institutions work more effectively and more transparently alongside victims, victims' families, human rights organizations, and forensic specialists. In practice, the opportunity is aimed at improving investigations, increasing the use and quality of forensic science (including forensic anthropology), and supporting stronger victim-centered advocacy so cases move forward and families have a clearer path to truth and justice. A broader intended outcome is to improve public trust and legitimacy in government institutions by showing real results in addressing serious human rights abuses.

The problem USAID is responding to is significant and widely recognized. Mexico has more than 35,000 officially recorded disappearance victims, and Chihuahua alone reports at least 1,698 cases. The opportunity description stresses that these figures likely underestimate the true scale because some disappearances are not reported due to fear of retaliation or lack of easy access to prosecutors, and because prosecutors may misclassify cases in ways that downplay or obscure enforced disappearance. USAID notes that investigations are often weakened by the absence of basic, accurate investigative steps, which makes it harder to identify perpetrators and build viable cases. The description also highlights a capacity gap in forensic anthropology and related forensic work, limiting the ability to identify remains, establish cause and manner of death, and provide families with answers and closure. Beyond investigations and forensics, the opportunity recognizes that families also need access to appropriate social services, and that coordinated systems are required to help victims cope with the consequences of disappearance.

The activity is designed to reinforce the principle under international law that the State is responsible for investigating and prosecuting enforced disappearances, while acknowledging that effective outcomes often depend on structured collaboration with civil society and technical experts. USAID intends this award to build on momentum and political will generated through its prior EnfoqueDH human rights activity in Chihuahua. It is also meant to amplify existing work with victims' collectives, families of the disappeared, and local and international human rights organizations, suggesting that applicants should be prepared to partner, coordinate, and strengthen networks that are already active in the state rather than starting from zero.

In terms of funding and competition details, the opportunity is administered by USAID Mexico (USAID-Mexico City) under CFDA 98.001 and falls under the Law, Justice and Legal Services category. It is a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement instrument, meaning USAID expects substantial involvement during implementation (for example, ongoing coordination, approvals, or joint planning compared to a more hands-off grant). USAID anticipated making a single award (Expected Awards: 1) with an award ceiling of $2,000,000. Eligibility is restricted to Mexican non-governmental organizations, with applicants expected to follow the specific eligibility requirements laid out in Section C of the solicitation. The notice was created May 23, 2018, with an original closing date of July 9, 2018.

• The Agency for International Development, Mexico USAID-Mexico City in the law, justice and legal services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Justice for the Disappeared in Chihuahua" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 98.001.
• This funding opportunity was created on May 23, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 09, 2018. (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 $2,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for 72052318RFA00003

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: