HRDAP 2022: Apply now for ISHR's training for human rights defenders!

After two successful online editions in 2020 and 2021, ISHR is pleased to launch the call for applications for the third online edition of the Human Rights Defenders Advocacy Programme (HRDAP), which will take place remotely between 4 April and 24 June 2022.

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 lobbying and advocacy activities at the UN with the aim to effect change back home.

The call for applications for HRDAP22 has been extended an extra week and will be open until Monday 10 January 2022. Don’t miss this opportunity to apply now!

What to expect from HRDAP22

Defenders will complete a 12-week distance learning course, which includes:

• Access to the new HRDAP Platform, where you can complete e-learning courses on each key UN human rights mechanism and on advocacy and lobbying strategies and access interactive learning materials and case studies on the ISHR Academy
• Take part in live Q&A sessions with human rights experts
• Receive advocacy support and coaching in order to develop concrete advocacy objectives to make strategic use of the international human rights system
• Build networks around the world, and learn from peers from a range of regions working on a range of human rights issues
• Receive support and advocacy accompaniment to conduct advocacy (remotely or plan for future in-person advocacy) during Human Rights Council sessions and other relevant meetings.

The 12-week 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.  

By participating in HRDAP, defenders:

1. 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 UPR and the Treaty Bodies, and examine how they can use them to bolster their work at the national level
   3. Develop strategies and lobbying techniques to increase the potential of their national and regional advocacy work

During the last training, 19 human rights defenders from 17 countries took part in the programme. At the end of the training, 100% of those surveyed were satisfied with the programme, with 82% indicating they were “very satisfied”. Find out more about what they learnt here.