Deadline: 11-Jul-25
The Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), with support from the European Union, has launched a new Call for Proposals under the United Against Torture project. This funding opportunity is designed for civil society organisations (CSOs) that are actively working to prevent torture and ill-treatment, particularly by reinforcing oversight mechanisms and legal safeguards for individuals deprived of their liberty.
The call focuses on two key areas of work. The first is increasing and strengthening oversight of deprivation of liberty. Eligible activities in this area include advocacy for the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT), the promotion of National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs), and the assessment of detention control hearings to evaluate their effectiveness in detecting unlawful detention or abuse.
The second focus area is advancing legal and procedural safeguards. This includes conducting baseline studies on the accessibility of safeguards such as the right to legal representation, access to medical care, the right to notify a third party, and the right to appear before a judge in a timely manner. Projects may also promote legislative reforms to criminalise torture more effectively.
Funding per proposal ranges from €5,000 to €25,000, with a project duration of up to six months. All funded activities must be completed by 31 March 2026.
The call targets CSOs operating in specific countries across Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. Eligible African countries include Benin, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Senegal, South Africa, and Togo.
In the Asia-Pacific region, eligible countries are Malaysia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Timor Leste, Thailand, and Vanuatu. Latin American applicants may come from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Paraguay, or Uruguay.
To qualify, organisations must be not-for-profit, independent, and free from undue government interference. Each organisation may submit only one application, and applicants must not have received more than €75,000 in total funding from the United Against Torture Consortium during the 2023–2026 project period.
This funding call offers a vital opportunity for CSOs to contribute meaningfully to human rights protection and ensure stronger legal and oversight frameworks for the prevention of torture worldwide.
For more information, visit APT.
