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.
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).
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Human Rights Defenders Advocacy Program
Aim and Benefits of Human Rights Defenders Advocacy Program
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.
Requirements for Human Rights Defenders Advocacy Program Qualification
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.
Interview date, Process and Venue for Human Rights Defenders Advocacy Program
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.
Application Deadline
January 10, 2025How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to
International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) on app.smartsheet.com 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 detaisl, visit ISHR program website.
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