Deadline: 1 December 2017
Applications are open for “Disability Rights Scholarship Program 2018”. The program’s objective is to provide disability rights advocates and lawyers with the necessary expertise to develop new legislation, jurisprudence, policy, research, and scholarship to harness the innovations and opportunities offered by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
With the knowledge and networks gained through the program, their expect that Fellows will deepen their understanding of international law with a focus on disability rights, and gain the tools necessary to engage in a range of CRPD implementation strategies, such as: challenging rights violations in their home countries by drafting enforceable legislation consistent with the CRPD; utilizing enforcement mechanisms set forth in the Convention; taking forward disability rights litigation requesting CRPD-compliant remedies; engaging in disability rights advocacy; and developing law, education, or other academic curricula informed by the CRPD.
Benefits
The fellowship provides:
- tuition and mandatory university fees;
- monthly stipend for room, board, and other living expenses;
- program-related travel;
- accident and health insurance during the program;
- funds for educational materials and professional development;
- all costs associated with pre-academic summer program and annual conference;
- support for students with disabilities to obtain reasonable accommodations necessary for participating in the program of study.
Eligibility Criteria
- The Program does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.
- Candidates with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.
- The competition is merit-based and open to those meeting the following criteria:
- be a citizen and legal resident of China; Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda; Mexico, Peru at the time of application;
- have work experience in the legal profession or advocacy focusing on human/disability rights;
- have an excellent academic record with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.; in exceptional circumstances, those without a LL.B but with substantial relevant experience may be considered)—degree must be awarded by the application deadline;
- have demonstrated leadership in the field of disability rights;
- be proficient in spoken and written English or French and able to meet university-designated minimum scores on standardized language tests;
- be able to participate in an intensive academic writing program in Summer 2018;
- be able to begin the graduate program in August or September 2018;
- be able to receive and maintain visa or study permit required by host country;
- Demonstrate a clear commitment to return to home country to contribute to advancing the inclusion and full participation of persons with disabilities in their communities.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must apply online via given website.
Eligible Countries: China, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Mexico, Peru
For more information, please visit Disability Rights Scholarship Program 2018.