US Agency for International Development launched the second phase of its Civic Advocacy Support Program (CASP) on Thursday in Tashkent.

The goal of CASP is to strengthen democratic culture in Uzbekistan and build constituencies for political, economic and social change.

During its second phase, CASP will continue to provide advocacy training and technical assistance to local organizations, but will expand its focus beyond traditional NGOs to include professional and membership organizations such as water-users? associations.

Counterpart International administers CASP.