Deadline: 01-Dec-2025

The Human Rights Advocates Program strengthens the skills of grassroots human rights defenders through advanced advocacy training and global peer engagement. It supports practitioners working directly with marginalized groups and requires organizational endorsement and English fluency. The program prioritizes applicants with demonstrated field experience and limited prior international exposure.

Human Rights Advocates Program: Eligibility, Requirements, and Application Guide

Overview

The Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) provides intensive capacity-building for grassroots human rights defenders. It offers graduate-level training, professional development, and international networking designed to amplify on-the-ground impact.

Why This Program Matters

HRAP addresses critical gaps in resources and global access for community-based advocates. It helps defenders strengthen advocacy strategies, expand their networks, increase visibility, and return to their communities with new tools to advance justice and human rights.

Key Focus Areas

The program supports advocates working in:

• Gender-based and domestic violence

• Minority and Indigenous rights

• LGBTQI+ rights

• Labour and migrant rights

• Disability rights

• Environmental and climate justice

• Health justice

• Corporate accountability

• Social inclusion and anti-discrimination

Who Is Eligible?

Core Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be actively involved in grassroots human rights work

• Work through a nongovernmental or civil society organization

• Show commitment and proven experience in advocacy

• Demonstrate capacity for rigorous graduate-level work

• Be fluent in English

Preferred Professional Profiles

The program particularly welcomes:

• Lawyers and legal practitioners

• Journalists and media workers

• Public health professionals

• Teachers and educators

• Social workers and counselors

• Community organizers

Not Eligible

The following applicants cannot apply:

• Full-time students

• Government officials

Additional Priorities

Preference is given to:

• Advocates with limited international study or travel experience

• Candidates from high-income countries only if they belong to marginalized groups

Institutional Endorsement Requirements

Applicants must submit formal proof of institutional support showing:

1. The organization approves participation

2. The organization agrees to reintegrate the advocate after the program

3. The organization will submit only one application
   Multiple applications from the same institution result in automatic disqualification for all applicants.

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process

1. Review all eligibility criteria to confirm alignment.

2. Obtain institutional endorsement including an official reintegration commitment.

3. Prepare all application materials, such as: personal statement, CV, detailed advocacy description, and endorsement letter.

4. Clearly demonstrate fit, showing community impact, role, and need for the program.

5. Submit a complete application, as incomplete submissions cannot be evaluated.

6. Wait for assessment, as eligibility is confirmed only after full review.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting without institutional endorsement

• Providing unclear or unsupported descriptions of advocacy work

• Forgetting English proficiency requirements

• Allowing more than one person from the same organization to apply

• Assuming eligibility without submitting a full application

FAQ

1. Who is the program intended for?

Grassroots human rights defenders working through NGOs or civil society groups.

2. Are government employees eligible?

No. Government officials cannot apply.

3. Is English fluency required?

Yes. Full English proficiency is mandatory.

4. Can multiple applicants from one organization apply?

No. Only one application per organization is allowed.

5. Are applicants from high-income countries eligible?

Yes, but only if they belong to marginalized groups.

6. Does prior international experience impact eligibility?

Preference is given to applicants with limited international exposure.

7. When is eligibility confirmed?

After the complete application is reviewed—never beforehand.

Conclusion

The Human Rights Advocates Program is a powerful pathway for frontline human rights defenders to strengthen their advocacy, expand their networks, and return to their communities with advanced skills and global insight. By prioritizing grassroots practitioners and requiring strong organizational support, the program ensures that the people closest to human rights challenges gain meaningful opportunities for growth and long-term impact.

For more information, visit ISHR.