ISHR 2025 Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme (HRDAP)

After a successful edition in 2024, ISHR is pleased to launch the call for applications for the 2025 Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme (HRDAP25), which will take place both remotely and in Geneva! Below are some important dates to consider before applying:

• Mandatory distance learning course: 14 April – 8 June 2025 (part time)
• In-person course in Geneva: 10- 20 June 2025 (full time) 
• Deadline to apply: 10 January 2025, midnight CET (Geneva Time)

What is the Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme 2025 (HRDAP25)?

The course equips human rights defenders with the knowledge and skills to integrate the UN human rights system into their existing work at the national level in a strategic manner and provides an opportunity for participants to prepare for and engage in advocacy activities at the UN with the aim to effect change back home.  

Online course topics – ISHR

Defenders will complete a 10-week hybrid learning programme, online and offline, which will include: 

• Accessing the HRDAP Platform, where they can complete e-learning courses on each key UN human rights mechanism and on advocacy strategies, and access interactive learning materials and case studies on the ISHR Academy 

• Taking part in live Q&A sessions with human rights experts 

• Receiving a continuous personalised advocacy support and coaching in order to develop concrete advocacy objectives to make strategic use of the international human rights system taking into account the local context

• Building networks around the world, and learning from peers from a range of regions working on a range of human rights issues 

• Applying their knowledge to case-studies scenarios and enhancing their advocacy toolbox according to their specific needs (elevator pitch, SMART recommendations…)

• Receiving support and advocacy accompaniment to conduct activities during the 59th and 60th Human Rights Council sessions and other relevant opportunities. 

Participants will have the unique opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills while being in Geneva as well as to meet and share with their peers and experts (UN staff, diplomats, supporting NGOs…). The blended format of the course allows defenders to continue their vital work on the ground, while diving into the inner workings of each key UN human rights mechanism and gaining first-hand experience from advocates and UN staff on how civil society can strategically engage in the international human rights space.  The methodology we use is interactive and learner-centred and encourage participation of everyone. 

By participating in HRDAP, defenders:

1. Gain knowledge and tools, which they can use to ensure their voice is central in international human rights decision-making 
2. Explore and compare the benefits of engagement with the Human Rights Council, the Special Procedures, the OHCHR, the Universal Periodic Review and the Treaty Bodies, and examine how they can use them to bolster their work at the national level 
3. Develop strategies and advocacy techniques to increase the potential of their national and regional advocacy work 

Could you be one of our 2025 participants? 

This programme is directed at experienced human rights defenders working in non-governmental organisations, with existing advocacy experience at the national level and some prior knowledge of the international human rights system. 

ISHR supports, and promotes solidarity with and between, defenders working in the following areas or contexts, which we recognise as intersectional and interdependent: 

1. Equality, dignity and non-discrimination
2. Environmental justice and sustainability 
3. International accountability for the repression of human rights defenders 
4. Transparency and rule of law 

The hybrid programme will bring together around 16 committed human rights defenders from different backgrounds, who work on a wide range of areas that are linked with our programmes to ensure a sustainable collaboration. This can include, but is not limited to, defenders working on the following thematics: women rights; Indigenous people’s rights; the human rights of LGBTIQ+ persons; anti-racism; reclaiming civil society space and increasing protection of human rights defenders.