In its Democratic Participation Program, the hbs contributes to the ongoing debate on reform, democratization, human rights, and the rule of law in three project countries.
The countries in the region area are facing a critical need to reform their political systems and institutions. Citizens are increasingly demanding freedom of expression and association; the need to end all forms of social discrimination; and the urgency of introducing the principles of transparency and accountability in the executive, legislative, and judicial processes.

Often the strongest call for democratic development comes from the people themselves, and thus we are focusing our work on supporting and promoting civil society as one of the major actors of change in the region. Civil society organizations initiate and push forward the discourse on democracy and reform and bring relevant issues to the attention of broader audience.