Deadline: January 3, 2022
Are you a human rights defender keen to use the UN to push for change at home? If so, apply to the 2022 edition of International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) flagship training the Human Rights Defender Advocacy Program (HRDAP).
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 Program (HRDAP), which will take place remotely between April 4 and June 24, 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.
Program Details
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 strategies 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.
Benefits
By participating in HRDAP, defenders:
- Gain knowledge and tools, which they can use to ensure their voice is central in international human rights decision-making.
- 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.
- Develop strategies and lobbying techniques to increase the potential of their national and regional advocacy work.
Eligibility
- Open to 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 they recognise as intersectional and interdependent:
- Equality, dignity and non-discrimination
- Environmental justice and sustainability
- International accountability for the repression of human rights defenders
- Transparency and rule of law
Application
If you are interested in applying for the Human Rights Defenders Advocacy Program (HRDAP) 2022 distance learning course, read the program description to make sure you meet the requirements, and apply before midnight Geneva time on Monday, January 3, 2022!
For more information, visit HRDAP.
