Applications are now open for the Fully Funded DefendDefenders, Front Line Defenders, and International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) Training Programme in Dakar, Senegal. This opportunity is designed for experienced African human rights defenders who want to strengthen their advocacy skills and learn how to effectively engage with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).
The programme will take place from 15–21 October 2026 in Dakar, bringing together human rights advocates from across Africa for practical training, networking, and participation in key regional human rights events.
About the Programme
The training will provide participants with practical knowledge on how the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights operates and how its mechanisms can be used to advance national human rights advocacy.
Participants will learn about:
- State reporting processes
- Special Rapporteurs and their mandates
- Communications procedures
- Country visits
- Regional advocacy strategies
- Practical case studies and interactive exercises
In addition to the training sessions, participants will attend the NGO Forum organised by the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) and participate in the opening of the 89th Ordinary Session of the ACHPR, where they will engage with commissioners, policymakers, civil society leaders, and fellow advocates.
Before travelling to Senegal, all selected participants must attend two compulsory online preparatory sessions.
Financial Benefits
This is a fully funded opportunity. Selected participants will receive:
- Round-trip international airfare
- Accommodation in Dakar
- Meals throughout the programme
- Access to all training sessions and workshops
- Participation in the NGO Forum
- Attendance at the opening session of the ACHPR
- Networking opportunities with leading human rights defenders across Africa
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of an African country
- Have at least five years of experience in national-level human rights advocacy
- Be interested in strengthening engagement with regional human rights mechanisms
- Be committed to applying the knowledge gained in their home country
Priority will be given to applicants from:
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Comoros
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Guinea
- Kenya
- Liberia
- Madagascar
- Mali
- Mauritius
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Uganda
- Zambia
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- A completed application form
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A reference letter from someone outside their current organisation
Only complete applications will be considered.
Programme Summary
- Host: African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), DefendDefenders, Front Line Defenders & ISHR
- Location: Dakar, Senegal
- Programme Dates: 15–21 October 2026
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Eligible Applicants: Experienced African human rights defenders
- Application Deadline: 26 July 2026
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
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