The call for applications for the 10th edition of the EAHRP (2027) is now open.
Location : Arusha, Tanzania
When : February 4th – 16th, 2027
Application deadline: September 20th 2026
Early applications are encouraged!
All the information you need to submit an application can be found in the EAHRP 2027 information document.
*The EAHRP is conducted in English only. To participate in the French session, please see more about the Regional Human Rights Training Session in French (SRFDH).
Program at a Glance
- Location: Arusha, Tanzania
- Online preparatory phase: December 2026 to January 10th, 2027 (self-paced, approximately 12–15 hours over 5 weeks)
- In-person training: FEBRUARY 4th – 16th, 2027 (11-day intensive training)
- Language: English
- Participants: 45 human rights educators and defenders from across East Africa world
- Participation fee: $5,000 $ CAD (approximately $3,570 USD, based on current exchange rates) (Includes: training fees, accommodation and meals, educational materials, and medical insurance covering emergencies). *International travel and visa costs are not included.*
- Bursaries: Limited full and partial bursaries may be available
Applications are open until September 20th, 2026.
A program with lasting impact
The East Africa Human Rights Program (EAHRP) is a regional training program which provides a unique opportunity for human rights workers, defenders, activists and educators from civil society organizations, institutions and government agencies, to deepen their understanding of human rights and the essential role of human rights education in effecting and sustaining social change.
Developed in partnership with Equitas training alumni from across East Africa, the goal of the EAHRP is to strengthen the capacity of a regional pool of human rights organizations and institutions to use a human rights-based approach (HRBA) to advance gender equality and human rights through human rights education (HRE), with the purpose of building a global culture of human rights.
The aim of the EAHRP is to contribute to universal respect for human rights through strengthening the capacity of a global pool of human rights educators and defenders. To this end, the program places a strong emphasis on the transfer of learning and follow-up activities. Participants attending the program develop an Individual Plan for putting their learning into action as part of the training.
Our partners
The EAHRP 2027 is organized by the TUSONGE in collaboration with Equitas – International Centre for Human Rights Education and its partner networks in East Africa.
The EAHRP is carried out with the financial support of the Canadian government through Global Affairs Canada.
Learn more
How to Apply?
Please note that this year, the application process has changed: applications must now be submitted through an online form (rather than by email, as in previous years).
Applying is a three-step process:
Step 1 – Review the program information
Before applying, please review the following documents:
- Frequently Asked Questions (below)
Step 2 – Complete the online application form
Submit your application through the online application form:
Application Form
The form is available in English.
You do not need a Jotform account to apply. However, we strongly encourage you to save your progress regularly as you complete the form, you can use the “Save & Continue Later” option to receive a unique link by email, allowing you to return to your partially completed application at any time before final submission.
Please note:
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection while completing the form, as unsaved progress may be lost if your session is interrupted.
- Have any required documents (MoA, letters of support, etc.) ready in advance, as you will be asked to upload them directly within the form.
- Once submitted, you will not be able to edit your application, please review all sections carefully before clicking “Submit.”
- If you experience technical difficulties with the form, please contact [eahrp@equitas.org] before the application deadline.
Applicants from previous editions must submit a new application for the 2027 edition.
Step 3 – Upload required documents
As part of the application form, please upload:
- The Memorandum of Agreement duly signed by the Candidate and the Director/Chair of the Candidate’s organization/Community Leader
- Two signed, headed letters of reference/supporting letters from organizations familiar with your work
- (For applicants affiliated with an organization) A brochure and/or mission statement describing your organization
Application deadline: September 20th, 2026
All relevant information required to complete an application are in the EAHRP 2027 Information Guide
Ready to apply?
Applications close September 20th, 2026.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of frequently asked questions and answers about the East Africa Human Rights Program
General Information
What is the EAHRP?
The East Africa Human Rights Program (EAHRP) is a human rights education initiative from alumnis of Equitas’ annual International Human Rights Training Program from the East African region, and of alumnis of the East Africa Human Rights program organized in partnership with Equitas – International Centre for Human Rights Education. The EAHRP arose out of the realization of the need to expand opportunities for more human rights workers operating at national and community levels seeking to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to carry out their work more effectively but who were not able to secure opportunities to attend the annual International Human Rights Training Program (IHRTP) organized by Equitas in Canada.
For whom is this program designed?
The EAHRP is primarily designed for representatives of non-governmental human rights organizations (NGOs, community–based organizations, individuals not affiliated with Organizations, youth or self–help groups) who have undertaken some human rights education training activities.
Organizations which nominate candidates must:
- have a demonstrated commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights
- have a track record for mobilization and effective action
- be involved in human rights education activities such as training sessions, workshops, public awareness campaigns, advocacy, monitoring
- be committed to providing opportunities for individuals to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the program within the organization or community
In which language does the program take place?
The EAHRP requires participants to actively engage in group work and read extensively. Therefore, all participants must be fluent in reading and writing in English.
What are the objectives of the EAHRP?
By the end of the training, participants should be able to:
- Use internationally recognized human rights standards, principles, and values.
- Integrate human rights-based, participatory and gender transformative approaches into their work. Identify human rights educational and advocacy tools and techniques that can increase the impact of their work.
- Develop critical thinking and analysis of the local and global context of human rights.
- Evaluate the results of their human rights education and advocacy work.
- Integrate local and non-dominant perspectives in human rights educational and advocacy work.
- Create opportunities for networking to advance human rights and gender equality.
- Put into practice their learning for a better impact in their community.
Application Process
How can I apply? What documents do I need to submit?
Please note that this year, the application process has changed: applications must now be submitted through an online form (rather than by email, as in previous years).
Steps to apply:
1- Complete the online application form using the following Jotform link: https://form.jotform.com/262215055103241 (available only in English)
You do not need a Jotform account to apply. However, we strongly encourage you to save your progress regularly as you complete the form, you can use the “Save & Continue Later” option to receive a unique link by email, allowing you to return to your partially completed application at any time before final submission.
2- Upload the required documents in the Files section of the application form:
- The Memorandum of Agreement duly signed by the Candidate and the Director/Chair of the Candidate’s organization/Community Leader
- Two signed, headed letters of reference/supporting letters from organizations familiar with your work
- (For applicants affiliated with an organization) A brochure and/or mission statement describing your organization
You can save your partially completed application and return it later before officially submitting.
3- Click the “Submit” button to send in your completed application
You will receive a confirmation email.
*Important note: Submission of your application will be FINAL — no changes will be possible after it has been sent. If important information or documents are missing, please contact us.
What is the application Deadline?
Your complete application file must be submitted no later than September 20th, 2026.
We strongly encourage all applicants to start their application as early as possible to ensure that they have enough time to gather the required documents and to contact us if they need assistance.
If you have any questions or encounter difficulties, feel free to email us at: eahrp@equitas.org
What documents must I provide?
- The Memorandum of Agreement duly signed by the candidate and the Director, Chair or Manager of the candidate’s organization
- Two reference/supporting letters from national and/or international human rights organizations (other than the candidate’s) familiar with the candidate’s work and/or the work of their organization
- (For applicants affiliated with an organization) A brochure (and/or mission statement) describing the candidate’s organization
Profiles of Candidates
Candidates from qualifying organizations must:
- be active employees / volunteers / associates with their organization for at least one year (or individuals not affiliated with Organizations)
- be in a position to influence the human rights education work of their organization
- have knowledge of human rights principles and major regional or international instruments
- be committed to transferring knowledge and skills gained during the program to colleagues and others with whom they work
- be sensitive to issues which may arise when working in multicultural groups and be respectful of diversity
Please note that whilst someone may apply to both the EAHRP and the Equitas International Human Rights Training Program (IHRTP), they can only participate in one of the Programs.
Participants may come from the following East African countries: Burundi, DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
May I apply if am a volunteer and not an employee?
Yes. A volunteer within an organization can apply for the EAHRP if they have been actively involved in the organization for at least one year.
The applicant must also meet the following criteria:
- Be able to influence the organization’s human rights education activities.
- Have knowledge of international human rights principles and instruments.
- Be committed to sharing acquired knowledge with colleagues and other stakeholders.
- Be sensitive to the challenges of working in a multicultural context and respect diversity.
May I apply if I am not affiliated with an organization?
Yes. Unaffiliated individuals can also apply. Consideration will also be given to individuals who may not necessarily be associated with an organization but more with community action and mobilization on specific issues.
The individual will still be expected to meet the above requirements from a community perspective. Further, in a limited number of cases, consideration will also be given to individuals affiliated with other types of organizations involved in human rights education and corresponding to the above profile, such as educational institutions.
If you are not affiliated with an organization, you must show an active commitment to human rights education or advocacy for at least two years.
In your application form, you must also:
- Clearly explain how you plan to implement your EAHRP learnings.
- Provide two reference/supporting letters from recognized human rights or social justice organizations/institutions.
- Present 3 concrete examples showcasing your engagement in human rights advocacy.
Eligibility
Can I reapply if my application was not selected in the past?
Yes! If your application was not selected in a previous edition or if you were unable to participate, you can submit a new application this year.
Important:
- You must complete a new online application form and provide all required information.
- It is mandatory to submit updated versions of the required documents, including new recommendation/supporting letters and the Memorandum of Agreement. Make sure to use the 2027 version of the Memorandum of Agreement provided by Equitas.
If I have participated in other Equitas training programs, can I apply for the EAHRP?
Yes! You can apply for the EAHRP even if you have already attended other Equitas training programs.
However, you are not eligible if you have:
- Already participated in a previous IHRTP
- Attended one of Equitas’ regional sessions (EAHRP, SRFDH, etc.)
Memorandum of Agreement
Who must sign the Memorandum of Agreement if I am the director of my organization?
If you are the director of your organization, your Memorandum of Agreement must be signed by the president of your organization’s Board of directors.
Who must sign the Memorandum of Agreement if I do not work for an organization?
If the applicant is not affiliated with any Organization, please find a community leader or Organization as a referee who understands your work.
Reference Letters
What is a reference/supporting letter?
A reference letter is a personalized document confirming that a person or organization knows you and is familiar with your work. It should explain why your application is recommended for the EAHRP.
Important Information:
- The letter must be addressed to the EAHRP, signed and dated 2026.
- The letters must come from organizations other than your own.
- Equitas does not provide a template for recommendation letters.
Who can write reference/supporting letters?
The two required reference/supporting letters must be written by national or international organizations that are familiar with your work or your organization’s work.
Important:
- The letters must come from organizations other than your own.
- They should demonstrate your commitment to human rights or social justice.
Selection Process
How does the selection process work?
A Selection Committee, made up of EAHRP alumni and Equitas, will review all applications. In addition to the requirements previously listed, consideration will also be given to overall gender balance, (dis)ability and geographic representation.
Given the number of applications and limited space available, unfortunately not all worthy candidates are accepted. Applicants’ understanding in this matter is greatly appreciated.
When will I receive a response?
The selection process takes approximately one month after the application deadline. You will receive a response at the end of this period.
Fees and Bursaries
What is the cost of the EAHRP?
The EAHRP participation fee is $5000 CAD.
This fee covers:
- Training fees.
- Educational materials.
- Emergency medical insurance.
- Accommodation and meals for the entire duration of the program.
Participants are responsible for the following expenses:
- International transportation costs.
- Visa fees.
- Tourist activities and other personal expenses.
- Meals taken outside of program-site.
Are there funding and bursary opportunities?
Yes, but they are limited. Through the support of the Government of Canada, Equitas can offer a small number of partial or full scholarships to selected participants.
A full scholarship covers:
- Participation fees (including accommodation and meals) for the duration of the in-person training.
- Travel expenses to attend the program, including visa fees.
Important Notes:
- Receiving a bursary is not guaranteed, even if you are selected for the program.
- The selection committee awards the bursary to candidates who best meet the criteria for each bursary.
As the number of bursaries is limited, we strongly recommend that you start your search for funding now. Please indicate in your application whether you are able to contribute to the participation fees.
How do I pay the Participation Fees?
If you, or your organization, are responsible for paying your own participation fees, an invoice will be sent to you with all the information needed to make the payment.
Accepted payment methods:
- Please note that only bank transfers are accepted.
- No other payment method (cheque, cash, or credit card) can be processed.
Other Questions?
For more information, you can also contact us at eahrp@equitas.org
About the EAHRP
The East Africa Human Rights Program (EAHRP) is a human rights education initiative from alumnis of Equitas’ annual International Human Rights Training Program from the East African region, and of alumnis of the East Africa Human Rights program organized in partnership with Equitas – International Centre for Human Rights Education. The EAHRP arose out of the realization of the need to expand opportunities for more human rights workers operating at national and community levels seeking to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to carry out their work more effectively but who were not able to attend Equitas’ annual International Human Rights Training Program held in in Canada.
The program’s participatory methodology provides a framework for the sharing of expertise, experience and reflection among a tremendously diverse group of participants, facilitators and highly qualified resource persons.
The program places a strong emphasis on the transfer of learning and on follow-up activities. Participants attending the program develop an Individual Plan for putting their learning into action as part of the training.
“The program has enriched my knowledge of human rights from a practical point of view. The participatory approach is one component that stood out for me. I have learned the different techniques such as brainstorming and live story board that I will transfer to my colleagues at work.”
The program contributes to networking at both the national and regional levels and to developing collaborative partnerships among representatives of civil society, national human rights institutions, regional and international organizations, and governments.
Since the inception of the EAHRP, we have:
- developed a “home-grown” human rights training and education curriculum based on relevant regional human rights issues and concern;
- established a pool of core human rights training facilitators with demonstrated commitment to the cause of establishing a culture of human rights in the region.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Zineb Zellag
Senior Program Officer, East Africa and SWANA Regional Sessions
eahrp@equitas.org