Application Deadline: June 19th, 2026.
Applications are now open for the 2026 Defenders Coalition Human Rights Defenders Academy. The Defenders Coalition hosts a one-week forum (Human Rights Defenders Academy) to promote human rights defenders (HRDs) in Kenya who play a crucial role in advocating for and protecting the rights of individuals and communities and equip them with new tools to claim their space to work.
The Defenders Coalition established the Annual Human Rights Defenders Academy in 2016—a structured, HRD-driven space designed to strengthen capacities, foster solidarity, and enhance collective agency. This year, the Defenders Coalition is launching the Continuous Learning Track (CTL) Model, a year long, learning, mentorship and leadership development platform for human rights defenders across Kenya. The CTL Model will employ both physical and hybrid learning modalities from July to November, culminating in the 11th Annual HRD Academy in November 2026 as a graduation and consolidation convening.
Requirements
The Defender Academy invite passionate and committed human rights defenders including:
- Community based HRDs
- Social Justice Center members
- Grassroot organizers and activists.
- Youth and women leaders.
- Environmental and land rights defenders.
- Digital rights and civic space advocates.
- Paralegals and community mobilizers.
- Defenders working with marginalized communities.
Benefits
- Structured leadership and advocacy development.
- Physical and digital security, learning, well-being and psychosocial resilience support.
- Mentorship from experienced human rights defenders and practitioners.
- National and regional networking opportunities.
- Access to practical learning resources and tools.
- Certification during the Annual Human Rights Defenders Academy graduation.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Defenders Coalition Human Rights Defenders Academy
