Deadline: December 7, 2018

Applications for the Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) are now open. Founded in 1989, the Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) is a unique and successful model of human rights capacity building. HRAP capitalizes on its affiliation with Columbia University and its location in New York City to provide grassroots leaders the tools, knowledge, access, and networks to strengthen their organizations and promote human rights.

HRAP’s comprehensive program of advocacy, networking, skills-building, and academic coursework provides advocates the opportunity to hone practical skills, develop a deeper understanding of human rights, and foster mutually beneficial relationships with organizations and individuals in their fields.

Funding

After ISHR conducts its stringent selection process, it makes every effort to secure funding for shortlisted Advocates to attend the program. Only a very limited number of full scholarships will be awarded. Other admitted applicants will be asked to cover expenses such as living and stipend.

Eligibility

• The Program is designed for human rights activists working with NGOs on issues including sexual and gender-based violence, minority rights, LGBT rights, labor rights, migration, health, social exclusion, environmental justice, disability rights, and corporate social accountability.
• Participants are selected on the basis of their previous work experience in human rights, commitment to the human rights field, and demonstrated ability to pursue graduate-level studies.
• Full-time students or government officials will not be considered.
• Applicants holding full or part-time jobs pursuing their advocacy efforts are preferred.
• Advocates must work at the grassroots level.
• Applicants from high-income countries will not be considered except for those representing marginalized communities. See the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for more information about this requirement.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Preference is given to those who have not previously had opportunities to travel and study internationally.
• Advocates must provide proof of institutional endorsement in English from their organizations for their participation in the Program and must commit to returning to that organization upon completion of the Program.
• Only one application per organization should be submitted. More than one application means all applications from that organization will be disqualified. It is up to the applicant to make sure no one else from the organization has applied.

Application

• Applicants are asked to complete the application in its entirety. Please complete all sections in English. Please follow all instructions, including those sent to your email address.
• In order to access the application, applicants must register an account on the ISHR website and log in. Once logged in, applicants can begin a new application by choosing Start/Resume An HRAP Application from the menu.
• Upon submission of a completed application, a confirmation will be sent to the applicant. Applicants may also login to the online application to view their submitted applications.

Click here to apply.

For more information, visit Human Rights Advocates Program.