Knowing human rights means being able to defend them.
Mistrust, inequality, and polarization weaken our societies, in Canada and elsewhere. When human rights are poorly understood, it becomes more difficult for everyone to protect themselves, claim their rights, and participate in democratic life.
Educating people about human rights means providing them with the tools to understand, defend, and exercise their rights and those of others. It also means addressing the issues that threaten democracy by mobilizing decision-makers who have the power to drive change. Our approach enables communities to strengthen their voices, act collectively, and create environments where community participation and justice are upheld.
ABOUT OUR EXPERTISE
We design and deliver participatory human rights training tailored to different contexts. Our training builds the capacity of individuals, organizations, and communities to take effective action to defend human rights at the local, regional, and international levels.
These trainings are designed for educators, human rights defenders, community organizations, and public institutions. They empower participants to take action and have a lasting impact on human rights in their communities.
To achieve this, they combine experiential learning, intercultural exchanges, and the practical application of solutions to promote sustainable and inclusive change.
Knowledge of human rights and the mechanisms to defend them is a powerful and proven tool for social transformation at the local and global levels.
Today’s human rights challenges are complex and varied: polarization, conflict, restrictions on civic space, erosion of democratic values, and systemic rights violations. Training and supporting human rights educators and advocates in different contexts strengthen their ability to understand, claim, and uphold fundamental rights.
Our international programs offer practical tools that enable participants to transform their knowledge into concrete actions and build strong networks to promote equality, dignity, and justice in their respective communities.
International Human Rights Training Program (IHRTP)
A world-renowned intensive training program organized by Equitas for over 40 years, the IHRTP provides a unique opportunity for human rights educators and defenders to acquire practical tools to improve the effectiveness and impact of their work while deepening their understanding of human rights.
Next edition in Fall 2026: Applications are now closed.
Each year, the program brings together human rights defenders, activists, educators, and representatives of community, public, and international organizations from around the world. Following a 12-15 hours online training, participants deepen their human rights knowledge during an intensive two-week in-person training and develop the skills needed to lead transformative action in their own contexts. Designed in collaboration with our partners, this flagship Equitas program helps build a global movement for equality, dignity, and justice.
Program objectives
- Strengthen the capacities of leaders committed to human rights
- Promote the use of a human rights-based approach
- Support gender equality, inclusion, and participation for all
- Facilitate the transition from learning to action in the field
- Mobilize decision-makers around priority human rights issues
- Defend democratic values and community participation
- Understand regional and international human rights systems and promote regional and international collaboration.
Each participant develops an action plan to mobilize their communities and implement concrete human rights initiatives.
About the program
- Equitas' flagship program since 1997
- Over 4,500 former participants from more than 140 countries
- 12-15 hours online training to ensure a shared and solid understanding of human rights principles and mechanisms prior to the in-person session
- Intensive in-person two-week training program in Canada or elsewhere
- Participatory approach based on exchange, co-creation, and practice
- Sessions in English and French
Pedagogical approach
- Participatory and inclusive learning
- Sharing experiences, practices, and innovative solutions
- Facilitation by international experts
- Post-program follow-up to support the implementation of local projects
Testimonial
"At a time when divisions are multiplying, it is more relevant and essential than ever to familiarize ourselves with the powerful tool that is human rights and with ways to engage in dialogue despite our differences."
— Odette McCarthy, Executive Director of Equitas
Global impact
- Creation of a strong international network of human rights defenders and educators
- Strengthening local capacities to build more inclusive and resilient communities
- Spreading a culture of respect, justice, and dignity in institutions and communities
The call for applications for the 2026 edition of the program is not yet open.
For questions or more details, contact our team.
Contact us: pifdh-ihrtp@equitas.org
Regional human rights training session in East Africa
Conducted in partnership with former participants in Equitas training programs in several East African countries, this training is a unique opportunity for educators and human rights defenders in the region to create a strong support network. It allows them to deepen their understanding of human rights and acquire practical tools to mobilize communities and decision-makers around human rights issues that concern them.
Each year, the session brings together human rights defenders, activists, and educators from civil society, institutions, and government agencies. Following a 12-15 hours online training, participants deepen their human rights knowledge during an intensive two-week in-person training and develop the skills needed to take action on human rights issues that concern their communities. Developed with our local partners, this training supports social change and gender equality in the region.
Program objectives
- Strengthen the capacities of a regional network committed to human rights
- Support the use of a human rights-based approach
- Promote gender equality and inclusion
- Support the transition from learning to action
- Mobilize decision-makers around priority human rights issues
- Defend democratic values and community participation
- Understand regional and international human rights systems and foster collaboration among organizations at the local, national, and regional levels
Each participant develops an action plan to put what they have learned into practice in their community.
About the program
- Created by former participants in Equitas training programs in the region
- Designed for human rights professionals who are unable to participate in the program in Canada
- 12-15 hours online training to ensure a shared and solid understanding of human rights principles and mechanisms prior to the in-person session
- Two-week in-person intensive training
- Participatory approach focused on experience sharing, co-learning, and practice
- Training is conducted in English only
Pedagogical approach
- Participatory learning
- Sharing of experiences and expertise
- Facilitation by regional specialists
- Follow-up and knowledge transfer at the community and institutional levels
Testimonial
"The program has enriched my knowledge of human rights from a practical perspective. The participatory approach is one of the components that has impressed me the most... I will transfer these techniques to my colleagues."
— Participant, EAHRP 2021 (Uganda)
Regional impact
- Development of a curriculum tailored to local and regional issues
- Creation of a strong network of human rights educators
- Contribution to building a culture of human rights in the region
The call for applications for the 2026 edition of the program is now closed.
For questions or more details, contact our team.
Contact us: eahrp@equitas.org
Regional human rights training session in French-speaking Africa
Conducted in partnership with former participants in Equitas training programs in several French-speaking African countries, this training is a unique opportunity for educators and human rights defenders in the region to create a strong support network. It allows them to deepen their understanding of human rights and acquire practical tools to mobilize communities and decision-makers around the human rights issues that concern them.
Organized in collaboration with the Burkinabe Movement for Human and Peoples’ Rights (MBDHP)
More information coming soon about the next edition.
Each year, the session brings together human rights defenders, activists, and educators from civil society, institutions, and government agencies. Following a 12-15 hours online training, participants deepen their human rights knowledge during an intensive two-week in-person training and develop the skills needed to take action on human rights issues that concern their communities. Designed in partnership with former participants in Equitas training programs and the Burkinabe Movement for Human and Peoples' Rights (MBDHP), the program aims to build a regional and global culture of human rights.
Program objectives
- Strengthen the capacities of a regional network committed to human rights
- Support the use of a human rights-based approach
- Promote gender equality and inclusion
- Facilitate the transition from learning to action through an action plan
- Mobilize decision-makers around priority human rights issues
- Defend democratic values and community participation
- Understand regional and international human rights systems and foster collaboration among organizations at the local, national, and regional levels
Each participant develops an action plan to apply what they have learned in their community or organization.
About the program
- Regional program developed by former participants in Equitas training programs and local partners
- Designed for French-speaking human rights professionals
- 12-15 hours online training to ensure a shared and solid understanding of human rights principles and mechanisms prior to the in-person session
- Two-week in-person intensive training
- Participatory approach, co-learning, and hands-on training
- Sessions in French only, with preparatory activities online
Pedagogical approach
- Participatory and inclusive learning
- Sharing experiences, expertise, and practical solutions
- Facilitation by regional specialists
- Follow-up and knowledge transfer in communities and organizations
- Individual planning to implement learning
Testimonials
"My understanding of human rights education has been transformed and broadened." — SRFDH 2023 participant
"This is a very important and technical session that every human rights defender wants to attend." — SRFDH 2023 participant
"I now have a broader understanding of human rights and my work as an educator or human rights defender." — SRFDH 2018 participant
Regional Impact
- Development of a curriculum tailored to local and regional issues
- Creation of a strong network of human rights educators
- Promotion of a culture of human rights and gender equality in the region
- Encouragement of collaboration between civil society actors, institutions, and governments
The call for applications for the 2026 edition of the program is now closed.
For questions or more details, please contact our team.
Contact us: srfdh@equitas.org
Online courses
We offer free online courses so that everyone can learn about and take action for human rights in their community.
From an early age, understanding one’s rights helps to better protect oneself, recognize injustices, and respect those around us. In Canada, children and youth face a variety of rights issues: discrimination, racism, gender inequality, access to education and health care, food insecurity, and participation in decisions that affect them.
Learning about human rights and democratic principles allows them to develop the empathy, critical thinking, and confidence necessary to help address the issues that are important to them. Our training also prepares them to become leaders in promoting human rights, to act collectively, and to interact with decision-makers to address issues affecting their communities.
Activities for children and youth
We offer human rights activities for children and youth across Canada, in partnership with community organizations, to build their capacity to promote inclusion, equality, and respect for diversity. These activities also incorporate civic education and democratic participation, encouraging young people to engage on issues that affect their community and become leaders in promoting human rights and social justice.
Our work with children and youth is based on a child rights approach. Through our activities in Canada, we have:
- Reached nearly 1.5 million children and youth in dozens of communities across the country.
- Implemented programs in more than 550 summer camps, classrooms, and after-school programs.
- Ensured that children and youth who face discrimination based on gender, race, religion, physical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic status, or immigration status have access to programs that promote their full participation in their communities.
Children and youth have the right to participate in addressing human rights issues that affect their community.
Our activities help to:
- Support children and youth understand their rights
- Develop their capacity for critical thinking
- Encourage problem solving and action
- Promote respect, inclusion, and collaboration at school and in the community
- Strengthen their skills to become engaged leaders
- Mobilize their peers and decision-makers to address pressing human rights issues in their community and defend human rights for all
Help the young people you work with to know and defend their rights
Contact us: canada@equitas.org
Practical training on children's rights for community organizations
Equitas offers practical training for community organizations, municipalities, and schools on a child rights-based approach to make practices and programs more inclusive and accessible to all children and youth.
Our training builds the capacity of organizations across Canada. Each year, more than 30 youth organizations participate in our workshops, which are based on the Equitas Building Inclusive Communities and Speaking Rights tools. With this support, teams can:
- Integrate children's rights into their programs and activities in a practical way.
- Develop strategies and best practices to encourage the participation of children and youth.
- Adapt their approaches to better include young people who face barriers related to gender, race, physical condition, socioeconomic or immigration status, and gender identity or expression.
- Create safer, more respectful, and equitable learning and engagement environments.
We also collaborate with various organizations to support youth engagement in their communities and strengthen their role in leading change.
"The methods suggested by Equitas make the issue of children's rights easier to understand and integrate into projects through play and the interests of young people."
– Participant in the Equitas training program
Integrate a child rights-based approach into your organization
Contact us: canada@equitas.org
Training on youth leadership support for community organizations
Equitas offers practical training to help community organizations strengthen youth participation and support youth leadership in their communities. These learnings enable organizations to guide young people in analyzing issues such as discrimination, racism, gender inequality, or the impacts of climate change, and to support them in implementing concrete actions to address the issues identified.
This training includes practical modules on:
- Facilitating youth-led community dialogues to create safe and inclusive spaces where young people can identify the issues that concern them.
- Designing and implementing community action projects with young people to transform their ideas into concrete initiatives.
- Mobilizing the community and decision-makers to help young people make their voices heard and lead the necessary changes.
- Integrating the principles of civic education and democratic participation into youth activities to strengthen their engagement and empowerment.
Strengthen your organization's capacity to support youth leadership
Contact us: canada@equitas.org
WHO WE WORK WITH
We collaborate with a variety of partners to successfully develop and deliver our training courses: human rights defenders, local community organizations, educational institutions, public institutions, and regional or international networks.
Each partner plays an essential role in adapting content to local realities, organizing the logistics of training sessions, facilitating discussions, and supporting participants so that what they learn has a lasting impact in their communities.
STORIES & IMPACT
Our transformative human rights training has strengthened the capacity of thousands of people around the world to defend human rights.
In practice, they combine learning, participatory discussions, case studies, and concrete activities, enabling participants to immediately implement solutions for real and lasting change in their communities.
Our impact around the world
GET INVOLVED
Join our community
Be part of a global community of human rights defenders committed to dignity, equality, and democracy. The Equitas Community offers you a learning space, online courses, practical resources, and forums to discuss human rights issues and collaborate with peers around the world.
Support
Every contribution helps transform lives, promote equality and inclusion, and build a future where human rights are respected.
Support the training of local leaders and strengthen communities in Canada and around the world