Application Deadline: July 6th, 2025.
Applications are now open for the 2025 Media Defence Sub-Saharan Africa Litigation Surgery Program. Media Defence invites applications from lawyers based in sub-Saharan Africa to participate in an upcoming litigation surgery, a seminar focused on the rights to freedom of expression where participants learn from experts as well as participate in practical sessions to present and discuss a case they are working on to peers and specialists. This litigation surgery will cover key legal frameworks, strategic litigation techniques, and practical case development strategies in relation to specific aspects of freedom of expression.
The litigation surgery will:
- Equip participants with skills and knowledge to litigate using national and international laws, as well as international mechanisms relevant to freedom of expression.
- Foster a press freedom network and help facilitate engagement with international legal mechanisms and global civil society initiatives.
- Assist and develop working relationships amongst lawyers undertaking such cases in the region.
- Strengthen participants’ capacity to respond to emerging threats to freedom of expression.
- Provide a platform for the exchange of practical litigation strategies and peer feedback.
The litigation surgery will take place in-person, from September 22nd– 24th, 2025, in Windhoek, Namibia, concluding in the morning of 24th September. It will feature expert-led sessions, case-based discussions, and peer learning activities. A maximum of 12 participants will be selected.
The surgery is scheduled to take place ahead of the FIFAfrica Conference (24th – 26th September 2025), which participants will also have the opportunity to attend.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- National security and its impact on freedom of expression
- Be qualified lawyers who currently work and reside in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Demonstrate a working proficiency in English.
- Be in private practice or affiliated with NGOs that promote the right to freedom of expression in the region through litigation.
- Demonstrate an interest in, or knowledge of, freedom of expression, digital rights, internet freedom, or related areas.
- Demonstrate an interest in and, or knowledge of, international and regional human rights law.
- Submit a case study as part of the application, involving a violation of the right to freedom of expression that you are currently litigating or intend to litigate. Applicants without a pending case may instead identify a relevant law, practice, or policy they wish to challenge in court, but must demonstrate both the ability and willingness to pursue the case following the litigation surgery.
- Exceptionally strong applications from lawyers without prior experience in freedom of expression cases, but with a background in litigating other human rights issues and a demonstrated commitment to working in this area, will also be considered.
The following non-exhaustive list of case topics that can be submitted with the application:
- Defamation (criminal or civil)
- Violence against journalists, including physical attacks and online violence
- Restriction of online or print media
- Online privacy
- Spyware
Benefits
For successful applicants, Media Defence will provide:
- Return travel from your home country to Namibia.
- Expenses for travel to and from the airport in your home country and Namibia, as well as a stipend for any visa or travel insurance related costs.
- Accommodation for the duration of the litigation surgery and FIFAfrica.
- A per diem, the rate is to be determined, for travel days as well as the duration of the litigation surgery and conference.
- Tickets to attend the FIFAfrica conference.
- Participants with significant caregiving duties outside of work, such as childcare, elder care, or care for family members with disabilities, may request a £50/day stipend as a contribution toward related costs (subject to application and approval).
How to apply
Please complete the online application or send the completed application form to [email protected].
The deadline for applications is July 6th, 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted shortly after the deadline.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Media Defence Sub-Saharan Africa Litigation Surgery Program
