The Sakharov Fellowship Programme is a two-week, fully funded training for human rights defenders from non-EU countries. The programme is organised by the European Parliament as part of the Sakharov Prize Community.
The fellowship focuses on practical skills, policy exposure, and peer exchange. Participants spend time in Brussels and another EU Member State, where they engage with EU institutions, civil society organisations, and other human rights practitioners. The programme is designed to strengthen advocacy work, professional networks, and long-term engagement with EU human rights mechanisms.
The fellowship covers:
Return international travel from your country of residence
Accommodation for the full programme period
A daily living allowance during the programme
During the two weeks:
Insight into EU human rights policies and institutions
Workshops on communication, advocacy, security & safety, resilience, disinformation, and documenting violations
Meetings with Members of the European Parliament and EU officials
Time for individual advocacy, networking, and exchange
Inclusion in the Sakharov Community of Human Rights Defenders for ongoing collaboration
To apply you must:
Be a human rights defender from a non-EU country
Have a proven record of human rights advocacy either through an organisation or individually
Be able to participate in an intensive in-person programme
Have a high level of English to fully engage in activities
Selection takes into account gender balance, diverse human rights themes, and geographic representation in line with the European Parliament’s political priorities.
In which main areas are you seeking empowerment as a human rights defender? For example communication, media engagement, advocacy and networking, documentation and viable proof collection, EU mechanisms and policies. 250 character(s) maximum
