ISHR (International Service for Human Rights) is inviting applications for online course ‘Human Rights Defenders Advocacy Programme (HRDAP22) (of 2022).
About ISHR
The International Service for Human Rights is an independent, non-profit organisation promoting and protecting human rights. Founded in 1984, ISHR has offices in Geneva (Switzerland) and New York (United States), as well as a permanent presence on Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire).
ISHR’s mission is to support human rights defenders, strengthen human rights systems, as well as lead and participate in coalitions for human rights change.
ISHR Academy: ISHR Academy is ISHR’s e-learning space, helping human rights defenders strengthen their advocacy skills with the UN for greater impact on the ground. Their learning modules demystify the UN human rights system and build capacity to push for change.
About the Course
ISHR conducts regular training courses on the use of the main human rights mechanisms, including the Human Rights Council, the UN Special Procedures, the UN Treaty Bodies and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).
The Human Rights Defenders Advocacy Program, (HRDAP) equips human rights defenders with the knowledge and skills to integrate the system into their existing work at the national level in a strategic manner.
The programme also provides an opportunity for participants to engage in lobbying and advocacy activities at the UN with the aim to effect change back home.
HRDAP22: Due to travel restrictions and changes in modalities of the UN Human Rights Council Sessions related to COVID-19, HRDAP22 will take place fully online, through a 12-week distance learning course and remote coaching and advocacy support, enabling participants to conduct advocacy and lobbying activities at the UN remotely.
Duration of the Course
12-Week Distance Learning Course: April 24 – June 24, 2022
General Details
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Platform: The HRDAP Platform, where you can access interactive learning materials including e-learning courses on each key UN human rights mechanism (the Human Rights Council; the Special Procedures; the Treaty Bodies; the Universal Periodic Review) and on advocacy and lobbying strategies
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Materials: Interactive learning materials and case studies on the ISHR Academy
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Mode of Sessions: Live Q&A sessions with human rights experts
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Tools & Resources: Other tools and resources to support defenders’ advocacy work
Key Deliverables of the Course
ISHR will provide support and advocacy accompaniment to support defenders to engage (remotely or when possible, in-person) with key advocacy opportunities during the 50th session (June 2022) and the 51st session (September 2022) of the UN Human Rights Council.
Such opportunities include (please note that this list is neither exclusive nor exhaustive):
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Reports by key Special Procedures mandates (UN experts) in the area of human rights defenders, including on the protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity; freedom of expression; summary executions; violence against women; contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises (HRC50).
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Discussion of human rights situations and reports by experts on Belarus (HRC50), the Occupied Palestinian Territory (HRC50) and by the Independent International fact-finding mission on Venezuela (HRC51).
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Discussion of human rights situations and reports or oral updates by the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights in Myanmar (HRC50) and on the situation of human rights in Ukraine (HRC51).
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Annual debates and resolutions on women’s rights, and in the area of environmental protection and climate justice, including on the adverse impact of climate change on the full and effective enjoyment of human rights (HRC50) and on the rights of indigenous peoples (HRC51).
Eligibility
This programme is directed at experienced human rights defenders in non-governmental organisations, who have existing advocacy experience at the national level and some prior knowledge of the international human rights system.
The applicants must possess the following to be eligible for signing-up for the course.
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There must be a match between applicants’ area of work/expertise and ISHR’s strategic priorities and/or the opportunities provided by the 50th and 51st Sessions of the Human Rights Council;
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Knowledge of human rights and their experience and willingness to engage with the UN human rights system and integrate it effectively into domestic level advocacy;
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Experience of carrying out advocacy at the national and/or regional level;
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Advocacy responsibilities and role within their organisation;
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Willingness to contribute to peer education in a diverse group of participants;
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Demonstrated commitment to the principles of human rights, including the principles of universality and non-discrimination;
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Communication, language and organisational skills;
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The potential for a strategic partnership between ISHR and the applicants’ organisation;
Course Requirements
In order to complete HRDAP22, participants will be required to:
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Complete approximately 5 hours of work/week, which includes completing pre-reading resources, including ISHR Academy modules and pre-recorded webinars
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Take part actively and consistently in live webinars, Q&A sessions and forum discussions
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Attend and participate in individual and group coaching sessions, which will be held via videoconference
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Develop and submit a set of personal advocacy objectives by submitting short individual assignments every two weeks, as well as a final submission at the end of the course which will outline the defender’s “Advocacy Roadmap” (i.e theory of change).
Certificate
Defenders will receive a certificate of completion on the condition that they participate actively throughout the course and submit their assignments on time.
Registration Fee
ISHR relies on contributions from partner organisations and donors to be able to deliver HRDAP to a set number of participants.
As HRDAP22 will be delivered entirely online, there will be no participation cost incurred by participants directly.
How to Apply?
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Rolling basis starting immediately and applications will close at midnight Geneva time on 3 January 2022.
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Participants will be advised in February on whether or not they have been selected.
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The applicants must read the information here before completing the application form.
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Applications must be submitted here before midnight in Geneva on Monday, January 3 2022, and will ONLY be considered if 2 recommendation letters have been attached to the application form.
Important Dates
You will be contacted to confirm your participation in HRDAP22 and asked to complete a short pretraining survey. The course will start on Monday (April 2022). Selected participants will need to ensure they secure the time and commitment to complete all of the course requirements, for the entire duration of the course (4th April – 24 th June 2022).
Please direct any questions relating to the programme or on the application process to [email protected].