Call for Application: Training ahead of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

Are you a civil society actor, a representative from an African civil society organisation or an international organisation from or working on Africa? If so, this training is for you!

Apply here by 26 July 2026!

What is it?

DefendDefenders, Front Line Defenders and ISHR are organising this activity to equip human rights defenders with the knowledge and skills to integrate the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (“the ACHPR”) 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 ACHPR with the aim to effect change back home at the national level.

2 lives sessions of 2 hours head of the training are also mandatory to follow. The training consists in 2,5 days of learning sessions and workshops, and include active attendance at the 3-days NGO Forum, organised by the ACDHRS, and day 1 of the 89th session of the ACHPR. 

Read the complete programme description here and check our free online course on ISHR Academy here.

When?  

15-21 October 2026 (dates to be confirmed but will happen slightly ahead of the 89th ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights).

Where?

Dakar, Senegal. 

What to expect from the training?

During this training African defenders will:

• Learn more about the work of the ACHPR and how to engage strategically with its mechanisms (State periodic review, communications, country visits etc.);
• Strengthen their practical knowledge in advocacy with ACHPR through case studies;
• Meet and learn from defenders from all around Africa working on a range of human rights issues through the NGO Forum;
• Advocate on their issue toward a wide range of stakeholders.

The training will be delivered in French and English with simultaneous interpretation available in both languages. 

Could you be one of the participants?

This training is directed at experienced African human rights defenders (all the regions) with existing advocacy experience of at least five years, at the national level, who want to engage more with regional human rights mechanisms. A particular focus will be given to participants from the following countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cap Vert, Côte d’Ivoire, Comoros, Democratic Republic Congo, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia. Apply here by 26 July 2026!

Why should you apply?

Read former trainees’ testimonials and what they did!

How to apply? 

By midnight Dakar time on 26 July 2026 each applicant must submit a completed application form, including a reference letter different from your current organisation and a CV (take some time to read carefully the requirements and collect information you need from the programme description).

We expect to receive a high number of applications, and we will only select around 11 participants. This means that we cannot accept many worthy candidates. Your understanding is highly appreciated. ONLY complete applications will be considered.

What costs are covered?

Organisers will cover the cost of participation of all selected candidates, which includes flights, accommodation, and food. We will explore the possibility, subject to funding, to extend participation to more people and more days for the session, but can’t guarantee it, so we highly recommend you to secure additional sponsorship.

Apply here by 26 July 2026!