Applications for the European Parliament Sakharov Fellowship for Human Rights Defenders 2024 are now open. This fellowship program offers up to 14 human rights defenders from non-EU countries a valuable opportunity to undergo a two-week intensive training in Brussels and at the Global Campus of Human Rights in Venice. This empowering program, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of human rights defenders, has been conducted annually since 2016 following an initiative by the Sakharov Prize Community during the 25th Anniversary Conference of the Sakharov Prize.

During the Sakharov Fellowship training program, human rights defenders will:

1. Improve their understanding of EU and international human rights frameworks, policies, and mechanisms.
2. Develop skills to advocate for and bring about positive change in the protection of human rights.

Beyond the training, Sakharov Fellows will:

1. Contribute to expanding the network of Sakharov Fellows by sharing best practices, disseminating acquired knowledge, and raising awareness of the Sakharov Prize and its community.
2. Have the opportunity to maintain connections with the European Parliament's work and continue engaging with EU Delegations in their respective countries.

Program Details:
The program in Brussels focuses on EU policies and tools to support human rights defenders, including accessing funding, enhancing communication skills, and addressing specific security challenges they may encounter. It also involves meetings with Members of Parliament, EU institution officials, and NGOs in Brussels. Fellows will have space for individual advocacy and networking activities.

Training at the Global Campus of Human Rights in Venice combines academic teachings on international human rights law, instruments, and mechanisms with practical tools to help human rights defenders make a real impact on the ground. Lecturers include prominent academics, representatives of leading human rights NGOs, Sakharov Prize laureates, and other distinguished human rights practitioners.

Benefits:
- The Fellowship covers return travel from the country of origin, accommodation in Brussels and Venice, and a daily living allowance.

Eligibility:
- Open to human rights defenders from non-EU countries.
- Candidates should have a proven track record of advocating for human rights in an NGO, organization, or individual capacity.
- Proficiency in English, adequate for participating in discussion groups and workshops in Brussels and Venice, is required.

Application:
The application deadline is midnight on October 8, 2023 (CET). Successful candidates will receive confirmation via email by November 17, 2023. Unsuccessful candidates will not receive specific reasons for not being selected or offered a fellowship.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link to apply