Deadline:
January 15, 2026
Program Starts: June 10, 2026
Program Ends: June 20, 2026
Location(s)
Online Switzerland
Geneva
Overview
Are you a human rights defender working on democratic backsliding and/or racial justice, keen to use the UN to push for change at home? If so, apply for the 2026 edition of ISHR’s flagship training, the Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme (HRDAP)!
Details
After a successful edition in 2025, ISHR is pleased to launch the new call for applications for the 2026 Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme (HRDAP26), which will take place both remotely and in Geneva and will be focused on thematic and context area! Below are some important dates to consider before applying:
- Mandatory distance learning course: 13 April – 8 June 2026 (part time)
- In-person course in Geneva: 10- 20 June 2026 (full time)
- Deadline to apply: 15 January 2026, midnight CET (Geneva Time)
- Programme description with all related information can be downloaded here.
- Application form can be found here.
What’s new for HRDAP 2026?
For the last 10 years, this flagship training has equipped 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.
Following an external review of the programme in 2024, as well as to maximise impact and enhance follow-up, for 2026 the HRDAP selection criteria are evolving: they are based on 2 themes focused on context area and thematic advocacy, according to ISHR’ strategic priorities and opportunities at the UN: democratic backsliding and racial justice. The HRDAP themes will change annually (see the criteria below and the programme description for more details).
12 participants will be selected for the 2026 edition of HRDAP.
What are HRDAP objectives?
By participating in the programme, defenders will:
- 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 Universal Periodic Review and the Treaty Bodies, and examine how they can use them to bolster their work at the national level
- develop networks, strategies and advocacy techniques to increase the potential of their national and regional advocacy work.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Dates
Deadline: January 15, 2026
Program starts:
June 10, 2026
Program ends:
June 20, 2026
Program Starts: June 10, 2026
Program Ends: June 20, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
Cost
The tuition fee is 1000 Swiss Francs (CHF), and the average cost of travel, accommodation, meals, per diem and programme logistics administration is approximately 3000 CHF for the 10 days period.
The number and composition of the programme highly depends on ISHR total secured scholarships. We encourage you to seek third party funding to bear the cost mentioned. Participants who are unable to meet those costs are invited to request a full or partial scholarship (detailed at the end of the application form). We acknowledge the diversity of funding from participants and try to support as much as possible.
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.
Finally, participants may need to secure funding to ensure stable and reliable internet access and connectivity throughout the duration of the distance learning course.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
