Kathmandu, December 29:

The government of Denmark has agreed to provide a grant assistance of Rs 2.38 billion to Nepal for carrying out phase III of the Human Rights and Good Governance Programme (HRGGP).

Rameshwor Prasad Khanal, secretary at the Ministry of Finance (MoF), and Denmark’s ambassador to Nepal Finn Thilsted on behalf of their respective governments signed the agreement today.

According to a press statement, the programme will be helpful in strengthening democracy, promoting and protecting human rights and enhancing access to justice for poor and marginalised people.

Furthermore, it will reduce poverty through inclusive, responsive and accountable local governance and participatory community-led development.

The grant assistance will support the Election Commission, National Human Rights Commission and Ministry of Local Development, according to the release.

The agreement will be valid for a period of five years, that is beginning from 2009 and going on till 2013.