ISHR Human Rights Defenders Advocacy Program 2025 for Human Rights Defenders (Scholarships Available)

The 2025 Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme (HRDAP25), which will take place both remotely and in Geneva!

Mandatory distance learning course: 14 April – 8 June 2025 (part time)

In-person course in Geneva: 10- 20 June 2025 (full time) 

The course equips human rights defenders with the knowledge and skills to integrate the UN human rights system into their existing work at the national level in a strategic manner and provides an opportunity for participants to prepare for and engage in advocacy activities at the UN with the aim to effect change back home.

Eligibility Criteria:

Course requirements In order to complete HRDAP25 and receive a certification, participants will be required to:

• Complete approximately 5/6 hours of work per week, which includes completing prereading resources, such as ISHR Academy modules and e-learnings.
• Take part actively and consistently in live webinars, Q&A sessions and forum discussions held online.
• Be present and actively participate during the in-person session and prepare in advance necessary requirements.
• Attend and participate in individual and group coaching sessions, which will be held via videoconference and in-person.
• Develop and submit a set of personal advocacy objectives by submitting short individual assignments every 2 weeks, as well as a final submission at the end of the course which will outline the defender’s “Advocacy Roadmap” (i.e theory of change).
• Prepare some advocacy tools/documents to support advocacy activities in Geneva.

Scholarships

• Full scholarships cover the whole cost of 4000 CHF, whilst partial scholarships may cover either the 1000 CHF tuition fee. Scholarships will be attributed at ISHR’s discretion, based on your need assessement.

Defenders will complete a 10-week hybrid learning programme, online and offline, which will include: 

• Accessing the HRDAP Platform, where they can complete e-learning courses on each key UN human rights mechanism and on advocacy strategies, and access interactive learning materials and case studies on the ISHR Academy 
• Taking part in live Q&A sessions with human rights experts 
• Receiving a continuous personalised advocacy support and coaching in order to develop concrete advocacy objectives to make strategic use of the international human rights system taking into account the local context
• Building networks around the world, and learning from peers from a range of regions working on a range of human rights issues 
• Applying their knowledge to case-studies scenarios and enhancing their advocacy toolbox according to their specific needs (elevator pitch, SMART recommendations…)
• Receiving support and advocacy accompaniment to conduct activities during the 59th and 60th Human Rights Council sessions and other relevant opportunities. 

How to Apply?

• First, download and read carefully the HRDAP 2025 Programme Description to find out more about modalities, requirements and funding.
• If you meet the criteria, take some time to apply using this online form before midnight Geneva time on Friday 10 January 2025! 

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the ISHR Human Rights Defenders Advocacy Program

Deadline: 10 January 2025 midnight