Training Ahead of the African Commission’s 89th Session 2026: Human Rights Advocacy Opportunity

Civil society actors and representatives from African and international organizations working on Africa are invited to apply for a training program designed to enhance their engagement with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. This opportunity focuses on equipping participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to strategically integrate the African Commission into their national-level advocacy efforts. The training is scheduled to take place ahead of the Commission’s 89th session.

Application Closing Date: July 26, 2026
Location: Not specified (in-person training)
Programme Duration: 2.5 days of learning sessions and workshops, plus attendance at the NGO Forum and the first day of the ACHPR’s 89th session.
Stipend: Organisers will cover costs of participation including flights, accommodation, and food. Additional sponsorship is recommended.
Minimum Qualification: At least five years of advocacy experience at the national level.
Opportunity Type: Training Programme

About the Training Ahead of the African Commission’s 89th Session

This training program is organized by DefendDefenders, Front Line Defenders, and ISHR. Its primary goal is to empower African human rights defenders with the expertise to effectively engage with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). Participants will learn how to strategically use the Commission’s mechanisms to advocate for change within their home countries.

The program emphasizes practical advocacy skills through case studies and direct engagement. It provides a platform for defenders from across Africa to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other during the NGO Forum. This collaborative environment aims to strengthen their collective impact on human rights issues.

The training will cover how to engage with the ACHPR’s various mechanisms, including state periodic reviews, special rapporteurs, communications, and country visits. Participants will also have the opportunity to advocate directly to policymakers and decision-makers during the NGO Forum and the initial day of the Commission’s session.

About DefendDefenders, Front Line Defenders, and ISHR

DefendDefenders is a regional human rights organization based in Kampala, Uganda, that works to protect and support human rights defenders at risk in the Great Lakes region of Africa. Front Line Defenders is an international organization founded in Dublin, Ireland, dedicated to protecting human rights defenders at risk. The International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) is an international non-governmental organization that supports human rights defenders working for human rights at the national level. Together, these organizations bring extensive experience in supporting human rights advocacy and engagement with international and regional mechanisms.

Available Training Opportunities

This call is for participation in a specific training program focused on engaging with the African Commission’s 89th session. The training is designed for experienced human rights defenders.

What the Training Offers

Successful applicants will gain valuable insights and practical skills in human rights advocacy. The program offers:

• A deeper understanding of the ACHPR and its operational mechanisms.
• Strengthened practical knowledge in advocacy through case studies and workshops.
• Networking opportunities with defenders from across Africa.
• A platform to advocate on specific human rights issues to a diverse audience.
• Coverage of participation costs, including flights, accommodation, and food.

Programme Duration and Location

The training involves two mandatory preparatory online sessions, followed by an in-person component. The in-person training consists of two and a half days of learning sessions and workshops. This is complemented by active participation in the three-day NGO Forum and the first day of the ACHPR’s 89th session. The specific location for the in-person training was not specified in the provided information.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for this training, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a civil society actor, a representative from an African civil society organization, or an international organization from or working on Africa.
• Have at least five years of advocacy experience at the national level.
• Be an experienced African human rights defender.
• Demonstrate a desire to engage more with regional human rights mechanisms.
• A particular focus will be given to participants from Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cap Vert, Côte d’Ivoire, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as competencies, the nature of the training suggests that participants should possess:

• Strong advocacy skills.
• A commitment to human rights.
• The ability to engage constructively in group discussions and workshops.
• Willingness to share experiences and learn from peers.
• A strategic approach to human rights work.

Who Should Apply?

This training is ideal for experienced African human rights defenders who have been actively involved in advocacy at the national level for at least five years. It is particularly suited for those who wish to deepen their understanding and strategic engagement with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to drive change back home. Applicants from the specified focus countries are especially encouraged to apply.

Required Documents

Each applicant must submit a completed application form. Additionally, applicants need to provide:

• A reference letter from someone other than their current organization.
• A Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Only complete applications that include all required components will be considered.

How to Apply

Interested individuals can apply by completing the online application form.

Click here to apply for the Training Ahead of the African Commission’s 89th Session

Applicants should ensure they fill out the form completely and attach the required reference letter and CV. It is advisable to review all instructions carefully before submission.

Important Notes

• Only complete applications will be considered for selection.
• The organizers will cover the costs of participation for selected candidates, including flights, accommodation, and food.
• While the organizers will explore extending participation, securing additional sponsorship is highly recommended.
• Participants are expected to attend the mandatory preparatory online sessions.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is July 26, 2026. Applicants are urged to submit their applications well before this deadline.

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