Human Rights Advocates Program
Center for Study of Human Rights
Columbia University
New York, New York
Website: http://hrcolumbia.org/hrap
Deadline: 31 December 2009
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) is a capacity building program designed to strengthen the skills, knowledge, and networks of proven human rights defenders from the Global South and marginalized communities in the United States.
The Program provides advanced training, support, and networking opportunities to respected human rights leaders. The focus is both on strengthening the skills of the individual Advocates and providing tools for them to build sustainable organizations that advocate for disadvantaged peoples.
WHO MAY APPLY
The Program is designed for lawyers, journalists, doctors, teachers, social workers, community organizers, and other human rights activists working with NGOs on issues including labor rights, migration, health, social exclusion, environmental justice, 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.
Advocates must originate from and reside in either the Global South or the United States. Fluency in English is required. Preference is given to those who have not previously had opportunities to travel and study internationally.
Advocates must secure institutional endorsement from their organizations for their participation in the Program and must commit to returning to that organization upon completion of the Program.
REQUIREMENTS
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.
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. As stated in the application, the submission of applications is final. A submitted application cannot be altered or appended.
FUNDING
CSHR makes every effort to provide full fellowships to cover program costs as well as travel and housing. A reasonable stipend is also provided to cover basic costs. CSHR staff will work with interested candidates who have been waitlisted for the Program to identify potential funding sources in cases where CSHR has not secured the resources to provide a full fellowship.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Due to the number of applications the Center receives, they are not able to answer application questions personally. Please email questions and concerns to hradvocates@columbia.edu. Beginning October 14, 2009, please look for the FAQ section of the application website. Answers will be added to it on October 28, November 18, December 2, and Decmeber 17. Questions must be received 1 day in advance of these deadlines or will answered in the following set up FAQ updates. Please note that the last day to request technical assistance will be Wednesday, December 16. CSHR strongly recommends completing your application before this date. Late applications will not be accepted even in the event of technical problems.