Law on Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid of Lithuania

The Law on Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid of Lithuania (No XII-311) was adopted on 16 May 2013. It determines the targets and guidelines of Lithuania’s development cooperation policy, its formation, implementation, coordination and financing, and ways for providing humanitarian aid. Among other commitments, the Law provides for fostering the cultural sector in response to the specific needs of developing countries with regard to the diversity of cultural expressions and aims to strengthen a link between culture and development. The Law states that development cooperation policy is an integral part of Lithuanian foreign policy and is aimed at achieving the following goals:

1) to contribute to global efforts to reduce poverty in developing countries and to the implementation of other development goals announced by the United Nations (hereinafter – the UN);

2) to contribute to the development of a democracy, security and stability space, and sustainable development in partner countries;

3) to contribute to the development of human rights and gender equality in partner countries;

4) to strengthen political, economic, social and cultural relations with partner countries and, where appropriate, with other developing countries;

5) to inform and educate Lithuanian society about the development cooperation policies of the UN, the EU and Lithuania, their goals and challenges, the achieved results, and to seek greater public approval and assistance with these activities.

Alongside the Law a number of by-laws were adopted on concrete aspects of its implementation.

More information about Lithuanian development cooperation at https://www.orangeprojects.lt/en/