Application Deadline: December 1, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET.
Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 ISHR Human Rights Advocates Program. Founded in 1989, HRAP leverages the resources of Columbia University and those offered by NYC as a hub of NGOs and international organizations to provide human rights advocates with academic, skill-building, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Through seminars, participation in University courses, and workshops led by staff from leading human rights organizations as well as meetings with policymakers and funders, advocates share their experiences, reflect critically on their work, and plan future campaigns.
Requirements
- 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 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. A bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required.
- 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.
Selection Criteria
- The Program is designed for human rights activists working with NGOs on issues including sexual and gender-based violence, minority rights, LGBTQI+ rights, labor rights, indigenous peoples’ rights, migration, health, social exclusion, environmental justice, disability rights, and corporate social accountability.
- Participants are selected on the basis of their work experience in human rights, commitment to the human rights field, and demonstrated ability to pursue graduate-level studies. Full-time students, academics, or government officials will not be considered. Applicants holding full-time jobs pursuing their advocacy efforts are preferred.
Funding
- ISHR welcome applications from qualified human rights advocates from all regions of the world.
- After ISHR conducts its stringent selection process, it makes every effort to secure funding for shortlisted Advocates to attend the program. In certain cases where ISHR cannot secure funding, shortlisted Advocates may be asked to secure the funds needed for them to be admitted to the program.
Timeline:
At the time of the release of this application, we are planning to offer the next HRAP on campus from mid-January 2027 to mid-May 2027 with an online component in November and December 2026. Please note that the aforementioned is subject to change at ISHR’s discretion.
Deadline
The deadline is Monday, December 1, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Human Rights Advocates Program
