The DefendDefenders-Front Line Defenders-ISHR in-person training ahead of the African Commission’s 89th session is a fully funded opportunity for African human rights defenders to enhance their skills and knowledge in advocating for human rights at the national level. This opportunity is open to applicants until July 26, 2026, and it is a chance for defenders to engage strategically with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. By applying for this training, African defenders can gain the expertise needed to push for change in their respective countries.
About the Opportunity
The DefendDefenders-Front Line Defenders-ISHR in-person training is a collaborative effort between three prominent human rights organizations: DefendDefenders, Front Line Defenders, and the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR). The primary purpose of this training is to equip African defenders with the knowledge and skills required to integrate the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights into their existing work at the national level. This is crucial because the African Commission has the potential to be a powerful tool for promoting and protecting human rights in Africa, but its mechanisms and procedures can be complex and difficult to navigate.
The training matters for Africans because it will provide them with the expertise and network needed to advocate effectively for human rights at the national level. By learning how to engage strategically with the African Commission, defenders can hold their governments accountable for human rights violations and push for policy changes that promote human rights. Additionally, the training will provide a platform for defenders to share their experiences and challenges, and to learn from each other’s successes and failures.
The in-person training will be preceded by two mandatory online preparatory sessions, which will introduce participants to the basics of the African Commission and its mechanisms. The training itself will consist of two and a half days of learning sessions and workshops, followed by active attendance at the three-day NGO Forum and the first day of the African Commission’s 89th session. This will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the African Commission’s work and how to engage with it effectively.
Who Can Apply
The DefendDefenders-Front Line Defenders-ISHR in-person training is open to African human rights defenders who are interested in enhancing their skills and knowledge in advocating for human rights at the national level.
- Applicants must be African defenders who are currently working on human rights issues in their respective countries.
- Applicants must have a strong commitment to promoting and protecting human rights, and a willingness to learn and share their experiences with others.
- Applicants must be available to attend the entire training, including the online preparatory sessions and the in-person training in Dakar, Senegal.
- Applicants must be fluent in one of the official languages of the African Commission, which are English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese.
What You Will Gain
By participating in the DefendDefenders-Front Line Defenders-ISHR in-person training, African defenders will gain a comprehensive understanding of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and its mechanisms.
- Participants will learn how to engage strategically with the African Commission, including how to submit complaints, participate in state reviews, and advocate for policy changes.
- Participants will gain expertise in using the African Commission’s mechanisms to promote and protect human rights at the national level.
- Participants will have the opportunity to network with other African defenders and to share their experiences and challenges.
- Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the training, which can be used to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to promoting and protecting human rights.
Application Deadline
Do not miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and knowledge in advocating for human rights at the national level. The deadline for applying for the DefendDefenders-Front Line Defenders-ISHR in-person training is July 26, 2026. Start your application early to ensure that you do not miss the deadline.
How to Apply for DefendDefenders-Front Line Defenders-ISHR in-person training ahead of the African Commission’s 89th session (Fully Funded to Dakar, Senegal)
To apply for the DefendDefenders-Front Line Defenders-ISHR in-person training, follow these steps: first, review the eligibility criteria to ensure that you meet the requirements. Next, prepare your application, which should include a motivation letter, a curriculum vitae, and any other supporting documents that may be required. Finally, submit your application through the online portal, which can be accessed through the ISHR website.
Apply directly here: Click here to apply
Final Thoughts
The DefendDefenders-Front Line Defenders-ISHR in-person training is a unique opportunity for African human rights defenders to enhance their skills and knowledge in advocating for human rights at the national level. By applying for this training, defenders can gain the expertise and network needed to promote and protect human rights in their respective countries. Do not miss this opportunity – apply now and take the first step towards becoming a more effective and strategic human rights defender.
