ISHR 2022 Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme

After two successful online editions in 2020 and 2021, ISHR is pleased to launch the call for applications for the third online edition of the Human Rights Defenders Advocacy Programme (HRDAP), which will take place remotely between 4 April and 24 June 2022.

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 lobbying and advocacy activities at the UN with the aim to effect change back home.

• Table of Content
• About International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)
• Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme
• Aim and Benefits of Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme
• Requirements for Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)

The International Service for Human Rights is an independent, non-profit organisation promoting and protecting human rights. Founded in 1984, ISHR has offices in Geneva (Switzerland) and New York (United States), as well as a permanent presence on Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire). 

Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme

Aim and Benefits of Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme

Defenders will complete a 12-week distance learning course, which includes:

• Access to the new HRDAP Platform, where you can complete e-learning courses on each key UN human rights mechanism and on advocacy and lobbying trategies and access interactive learning materials and case studies on the ISHR Academy
• Take part in live Q&A sessions with human rights experts
• Receive advocacy support and coaching in order to develop concrete advocacy objectives to make strategic use of the international human rights system
• Build networks around the world, and learn from peers from a range of regions working on a range of human rights issues
• Receive support and advocacy accompaniment to conduct advocacy (remotely or plan for future in-person advocacy) during Human Rights Council sessions and other relevant meetings.

The 12-week course allows defenders to continue their vital work on the ground, while diving into the inner workings of each key UN human rights mechanism, and gaining first-hand experience from advocates and UN staff on how civil society can strategically engage in the international human rights space.  

1. Gain knowledge and tools, which they can use to ensure their voice is central in international human rights decision-making
2. Explore and compare the benefits of engagement with the Human Rights Council, the Special Procedures, the OHCHR, the UPR and the Treaty Bodies, and examine how they can use them to bolster their work at the national level
3. Develop strategies and lobbying techniques to increase the potential of their national and regional advocacy work

Requirements for Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme Qualification

This programme is directed at experienced human rights defenders in non-governmental organisations, with existing advocacy experience at the national level and some prior knowledge of the international human rights system.

ISHR supports, and promotes solidarity with and between, defenders working in the following areas or contexts, which we recognise as intersectional and interdependent:

1. Equality, dignity and non-discrimination
2. Environmental justice and sustainability
3. International accountability for the repression of human rights defenders
4. Transparency and rule of law

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit ISHR website.