Sub-Saharan Africa Litigation Surgery 2026: Advance Human Rights Through Strategic Legal Action

Media Defence/The Kennedy Human Rights Center/Vuka Sub-Saharan Africa Litigation Surgery 2026: Advance Human Rights Through Strategic Litigation

The Media Defence, The Kennedy Human Rights Center, and Vuka are inviting lawyers from Sub-Saharan Africa to apply for the 2026 Litigation Surgery. This workshop is designed to enhance the protection of human rights through strategic legal action. It focuses on key issues such as freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, and the safety of human rights defenders.

Application Closing Date: July 31, 2026

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Programme Duration: October 2nd – 4th, 2026

Stipend: Not specified (per diem provided for travel and surgery days)

Minimum Qualification: Qualified lawyer working and residing in Sub-Saharan Africa

Opportunity Type: Litigation Surgery/Workshop

About the Sub-Saharan Africa Litigation Surgery 2026

This litigation surgery is a focused workshop aimed at equipping lawyers with advanced skills in strategic litigation for human rights protection. Participants will gain deeper insights into legal frameworks and practical approaches to address violations of fundamental rights. The program emphasizes developing effective strategies, preparing strong cases, and utilizing national, regional, and international legal mechanisms.

The surgery will cover critical areas including freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, and the protection of human rights defenders. It provides a platform for lawyers to learn from specialists, discuss their ongoing cases, and receive peer feedback. The goal is to strengthen the capacity of legal professionals to respond to threats against these rights and to foster a network of advocates working across the region.

About Media Defence, The Kennedy Human Rights Center, and Vuka

Media Defence is an organization dedicated to supporting media freedom and the safety of journalists worldwide. They provide legal assistance and resources to those facing legal challenges for their reporting. The Kennedy Human Rights Center is committed to advancing human rights through advocacy, education, and legal action. Vuka is involved in initiatives aimed at promoting justice and human rights within Sub-Saharan Africa. Together, these organizations are facilitating this important litigation surgery to empower legal professionals in the region.

Available Litigation Surgery Focus Areas

The Sub-Saharan Africa Litigation Surgery 2026 will focus on advancing human rights through strategic litigation. Key areas of focus include:

• Freedom of expression
• Freedom of assembly and association
• Protection of human rights defenders
• Digital rights and internet freedom
• Related human rights issues

What the Litigation Surgery Offers

Successful applicants will benefit from a comprehensive program designed to enhance their litigation skills and network. The surgery offers:

• Expert-led sessions on strategic litigation and human rights law.
• Practical sessions to present and discuss ongoing or intended cases.
• Peer learning and feedback from experienced legal professionals.
• Strengthened understanding of national, regional, and international legal frameworks.
• Development of effective strategies to address human rights violations.
• Networking opportunities with lawyers working on similar cases across Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Support for collaboration and exchange of experiences.

Programme Duration and Location

The litigation surgery is scheduled to take place in person from October 2nd to October 4th, 2026. The event will be held in Nairobi, Kenya. This location was chosen to facilitate accessibility for participants from across the Sub-Saharan African region.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the Sub-Saharan Africa Litigation Surgery 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be qualified lawyers currently working and residing in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Demonstrate working proficiency in the English language.
• Be in private practice or affiliated with a non-governmental organization (NGO) that promotes human rights through litigation.
• Have experience, interest in, or knowledge of freedom of expression, freedom of association and assembly, digital rights, internet freedom, or related areas.
• Demonstrate knowledge of, or experience engaging with, international and regional human rights law.
• Submit a case study involving a violation of freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, the rights of human rights defenders, or related human rights issues. This case can be one currently being litigated or one intended for future litigation. Applicants without a pending case may propose a relevant law, practice, or policy to challenge.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as formal requirements, strong applications will likely demonstrate the following competencies:

• Commitment to advancing human rights through litigation.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to articulate legal arguments clearly.
• Willingness to engage in constructive peer review.
• Adaptability and openness to new legal strategies.
• Professionalism and dedication to the field.

Who Should Apply?

This litigation surgery is ideal for qualified lawyers based in Sub-Saharan Africa who are actively involved in or wish to deepen their practice in human rights litigation. It is particularly suited for those focusing on freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, and the rights of human rights defenders. If you are looking to enhance your strategic litigation skills, gain insights from experts, and connect with a network of like-minded legal professionals, this program is designed for you.

Required Documents

Applicants are required to submit the following as part of their application:

• A completed online application form or application form.
• A case study detailing a violation of freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, the rights of human rights defenders, or related human rights issues. This case can be one that you are currently litigating or intend to litigate.
• If you do not have a pending case, you should identify a relevant law, practice, or policy you wish to challenge through litigation and demonstrate your ability and willingness to pursue the matter.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted through two methods:

1. Online Application: Complete the online application form available at https://forms.mediadefence.org/mediadefence/form/subSaharanAfricaSurgery2026/formperma/2lQRfNLkk-5jbJ8TlRouoLfvYX2GY06U112r1i4bxI4.
2. Email Application: Send the completed application form, which can be downloaded from https://www.mediadefence.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Call-for-Applications_SSA-2026.docx, to [email protected].

Applicants should ensure their submissions are made before the deadline of July 31st, 2026. Applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the call for applications might close early if a high volume of submissions is received.

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.
• Participants are responsible for arranging and covering any visa requirements necessary for their travel to Kenya.
• A per diem will be provided for travel days and the duration of the litigation surgery.

Closing Date

The deadline for applications is July 31st, 2026. Due to the possibility of early closure upon receipt of numerous applications, it is advisable to submit your application as soon as possible.

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