DefendDefenders-Front Line Defenders-ISHR in-person training ahead of the African Commission’s 89th session (Fully Funded to Dakar, Senegal)

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Application Deadline: 26 July 2026

Applications are now open for the in-person training ahead of the African Commission’s 89th session. DefendDefenders, Front Line Defenders and ISHR are organising an in-person training to equip African defenders with the knowledge and skills to integrate the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights into their existing work at the national level in a strategic manner.

The training aims to provide an opportunity for participants to prepare for and engage in advocacy activities at the ACHPR in order to push for change back home at the national level.

The training will be preceded by two mandatory preparatory sessions online. The training consists of two and a half days of learning sessions and workshops, and includes active attendance to the three-day NGO Forum, organised by the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) and to the first day of the ACHPR’s 89th session.

When?  

15-21 October 2026 – exact dates to be confirmed, but will happen slightly ahead of the 89th ordinary session of the ACHPR.

Where?

Dakar, Senegal.

Training Expectations

During this training participants will:

• Learn more about the work of the ACHPR and how to engage strategically with the Commission and its mechanisms (State periodic review, Special Rapporteurs, communications, country visits etc.).
• Strengthen their practical knowledge in advocacy with the ACHPR through case studies.
• Meet and learn from defenders from all around Africa working on a range of human rights issues through the NGO Forum.
• Advocate on their issue toward a wide range of policy-makers, decision-makers and other stakeholders.

The training will be delivered in French and English, with simultaneous interpretation available in both languages.

Eligibility Requirements

• This training is directed at experienced African human rights defenders – from all the sub-regions – with an advocacy experience of at least five years at the national level, and who want to engage more with regional human rights mechanisms.
• A particular focus will be given to participants from the following countries: 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, Zambia

Benefits

• Organisers will cover the cost of participation of all selected candidates, which includes flights, accommodation, and food.

How to Apply

• Each applicant must submit a completed application form, including a reference letter different from your current organisation and a CV. Only complete applications will be considered.
• The organizaers encourage everyone considering the course to take some time to carefully read the requirements and collect information you need from the programme description.

Applications close at midnight Dakar time on 26 July 2026.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the  in-person training ahead of the African Commission’s 89th session