Deadline: 30-Sep-2025
The Human Rights Foundation of Turkey has launched the “Financial Support Program for Human Rights Defenders at Risk” to assist individuals facing pressure and hardship due to their work in defending human rights. This initiative aims to provide solidarity and practical support to those who continue their advocacy under difficult conditions.
The program offers financial assistance to help mitigate the effects of threats, harassment, and other forms of pressure on defenders’ lives and their ability to continue their work. Applicants can request support for themselves or, in certain cases, on behalf of their relatives affected by such pressure.
Support is limited to the Turkish Lira equivalent of a maximum of 5,000 Euros per individual, with the support valid for up to one year. Eligible expenses must align with the areas outlined in a memorandum of understanding, which also includes the terms of use, documentation requirements, and methods of disbursement. Any expenses outside the specified categories will not be considered valid.
The program is open to all human rights defenders facing difficulty due to their work. This includes threats and harassment from public officials or third parties, torture or ill-treatment, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, judicial or administrative harassment, and stigmatization or marginalization.
In cases where a human rights defender is unable to apply personally—due to imprisonment, health issues, enforced disappearance, or death—applications may be submitted by a legal representative or relative with written consent, when applicable. Additional documentation may be required in such instances.
Priority will be given to women and LGBTI+ defenders, those with disabilities, activists working in areas impacted by the February 6, 2023 earthquakes, defenders outside of Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir, and those working in small or independent organizations.
Individuals currently receiving similar support from another program, members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, members of the Independent Evaluation Board, and those residing outside of Turkey are not eligible.
Applications will undergo technical screening and may require additional details, which must be submitted within five days. Final decisions are made by the Independent Review Board, which consists of experts in human rights and makes determinations by consensus.
For more information, visit TİHV.
