Institute for the Study of Human Rights Advocates Program

October 9, 2013 By Sonia Pun


Deadline- 1 November 2013

The Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) has been announced by Institute for the Study of Human Rights (ISHR), University of Columbia. The mission of this program is to strengthen the skills, knowledge, and networks of proven human rights defenders at the grassroots level.

Objectives-

• Skills workshops on advocacy planning and strategies, fundraising, press and media, and building sustainable organizations
• Columbia University courses on human rights, public health, the environment, development, and labor rights
• Meetings and networking opportunities with NGO staff, activists, policymakers, representatives of international institutions, and academics

Benefits-

ISHR makes every effort to provide full fellowships to cover program costs as well as travel and housing. A reasonable stipend is also provided to cover basic costs. ISHR staff will work with interested candidates who have been wait listed for the Program to identify potential funding sources in cases where ISHR has not secured the resources to provide a full fellowship.


Eligibility & Criteria-

• The Program is designed for lawyers, journalists, doctors, teachers, social workers, community organizers, and other human rights activists working with NGOs on issues including sexual and gender-based violence, domestic violence, minority rights, LGBT rights, labor rights, migration, health, social exclusion, environmental justice, and corporate social accountability.
• Participants are selected on the basis of their previous work experience in human rights, commitment to the human rights field, and demonstrated ability to pursue graduate-level studies. Full-time students or government officials will not be considered. Applicants holding full or part-time jobs pursuing their advocacy efforts are preferred.
• Advocates must work at the grassroots level. Fluency in English is required. Preference is given to those who have not previously had opportunities to travel and study internationally. Advocates must provide proof of institutional endorsement from their organizations for their participation in the Program and must commit to returning to that organization upon completion of the Program. Only one application per organization should be submitted.

For more information, visit this link.