Global Rights Connection: Frequently Asked Questions

Global Rights Connection is a unique opportunity for human rights educators to gain practical tools to improve the effectiveness and impact of their work while deepening their understanding of human rights.

By the end of Global Rights Connection, participants should be able to:

• Discuss the importance of promoting human rights values such as inclusion, non-discrimination and participation as an integral part of human rights education (HRE) work
• Integrate a participatory approach in their HRE work
• Apply a gender perspective to their analysis and activities
• Identify ways in which human rights education can be a tool for positive social change and progress towards gender equality
• Implement an individual action plan to apply what they have learned to their own human rights education work
• Put in practice several new techniques and activities of virtual human rights education
• Apply a human rights-based approach (HRBA), including using international human rights instruments and standards
• Collaborate with other participants in HRE opportunities that contribute to positive social change
• Adopt basic measures related to the digital security of human rights defenders

Several groups of participants will be created and will work either in French or English during the training. Since participants are expected to actively participate in group workshops and do extensive reading, fluency in English or French is essential. Simultaneous translation into English or French will be available at all bilingual conferences, plenaries and events involving the entire group.

Human rights education remains more critical than ever as many already marginalized groups feel the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on human rights. Equitas developed Global Rights Connection to meet the needs of human rights educators in a global context that requires us to rethink how we come together and work together.

Global Rights Connection is designed to make a smart use of new technologies, while remaining as technologically accessible as possible. It is an opportunity to reach individuals who cannot participate in-person and represents an opportunity to foster and nurture a global culture of human rights through technology.

The program consists of 2 phases: 

The first phase is a 11-week training, requiring approximately 100 hours of both self-led and in-group learning and training, consisting of 11 learning modules (offering roughly one learning module per week). The self-led individual work requires approximately 6 hours of work each week (reading online modules, videos, completing exercises and activities, etc.) while the live group sessions are 2.5 hours per week. Since Equitas uses a participatory approach that places participants at the center of the process and encourages mutual sharing of knowledge and experience, critical reflection and action strategies, the full participation and proactive engagement of everyone is essential. Additionally, during these 11 weeks, there are approximately 4 compulsory conferences on human rights related topics (given by experts in the relevant field) as well as a few optional events, such as a cultural exchange event. 

The second phase takes place following the 11-week training, participants move from theory to practice, implementing their individual action plan they created during the first phase. 

A follow-up session will take place after the end of the training. Participants will be invited to meet for a dynamic exchange on the implementation of the learning within their organizations. 

Participants who successfully complete the program can receive a course completion certificate. Information on the requirements to be eligible for the course certificate can be found in the section What are the eligibility criteria to receive the course certificate, below. 

Global Rights Connection consists of 11 learning modules that combine live group sessions and self-led individual activities.

Each learning module includes a part of self-led individual work, which can be done at a time chosen by the participant. This work is done on an e-learning platform. It consists of completing the online course material/modules, in preparation for each weekly live group training sessions (it includes participative and interactive material, for instance: videos to watch, readings, reflection questionnaires, etc). Participants are also encouraged to contribute to collective written discussions and reflections with other members of their group.

Each learning module also includes a portion of work in small and large groups, which requires online presence at set times, established with different time zones taken into account. During these live group sessions, participants are most often gathered in groups of approximately 12 participants with facilitators to conduct original and participatory workshops and learning activities. These live sessions are held on a secured online platform.

On a few occasions, the entire cohort is brought together for conferences, plenary sessions or special festive events.

The above-mentioned activities are held during the 1^st phase of the program, i.e. during the 11-week training program, from November 1, 2022 to February 10, 2023.

Schedules will be determined at a later date, once the composition of the groups is finalized. They will take into account, as much as possible, the availability of participants and the time zones represented in each group. The schedule will include one live session per week, lasting 2 hours 30 minutes.

Equitas has the privilege of having an extraordinary facilitation team, made up of individuals from various regions of the world with extensive experience, including facilitation of the International Human Rights Training Program. Each group of participants will be accompanied by a facilitation duo during the live sessions, in addition to an Equitas team member who will be present to ensure that the meetings run smoothly from a technical perspective.

Participants are expected to attend every weekly group training session. The participatory approach is at the center of this training and Equitas strongly encourages participants to attend the group sessions at all times. Additionally, to be eligible for the course certificate, participants must attend a minimum requirement of the weekly live group sessions.

At the beginning of each weekly live group session, a recap is done of the previous week’s session. As such, if a participant is unable to join their group on a given day due to a major scheduling conflict or other serious reason, the participant can be put into context the following week. The participant also has the option to contact their colleagues or facilitators to obtain information on what they missed.

The participant will also be able to contribute to the written exchanges taking place on the online forum / community for their group.

During this first phase of the program, each participant prepares, an individual action plan according to which they will implement what they’ve learned during the training in their work (with their organization) / their projects / their community. Individual action plans are prepared with the support of the facilitation team and Equitas team guidance. Participants’ organizations are consulted in this process. 

No. While Global Rights Connection is inspired by the IHRTP and takes some key elements from its content and approach, it is not the IHRTP converted to a virtual format.

Like the IHRTP, Global Rights Connection is a training program that approaches human rights education by combining theoretical elements with practical exercises and reflections, with the invaluable support of a qualified facilitation team.

Global Rights Connection provides participants with a set of reflections, methodologies and transformative approaches to human rights education. It helps organizations to face their challenges, particularly in the context of the pandemic and the use of new technologies. It also guides participants in the development of an implementation plan to ensure that the learning can take root in the organization’s activities. A series of fun and original activities, as well as conferences with distinguished guests, complement the content delivered in the various modules while promoting networking and collaboration among participants.

For the live group sessions, Equitas will use an easy-to-use video conferencing platform. The chosen platform will be communicated to the group at a later date.

For individual self-led learning activities, readings and written exchanges between participants, Equitas will provide access to the Equitas e-learning platform.

Equitas will provide an efficient and secure format for regular communication between participants, the facilitation team and the coordination team. Simple technical instructions will be provided to facilitate access to these tools. Access to these platforms is included in the training participation fee and does not entail any additional costs for participants.

Individuals participating in the training must have access to a computer/laptop or tablet, as well as an internet connection that is generally sufficient to participate in a videoconference. Note that the use of a smart phone is not possible to participate in the group training videoconferences.

The use of headphones is recommended, as well as the choice of a safe place to participate in the live group training sessions, to allow participants to express themselves freely and enjoy some privacy during the exchanges and reflections with the group.

If you are facing significant issues with the quality of your internet connection, please contact the coordination team in charge of the training. Depending on the services available in your area, Equitas may be able to provide support in this regard.

The digital world has unique security issues, as many people working to defend and promote human rights around the world know. Equitas has conducted targeted research and consultations with experts in order to make this training as safe as possible. The choice of platforms used and the practices employed during the training will contribute to creating the safest possible digital space. An introductory session on digital security will also be offered at the beginning of the program.

However, Equitas recognizes the limitations of risk mitigation efforts and invites anyone interested in the training to think about the specific risks they perceive or experience in their work and life context. The level of risk varies from person to person and from country to country. Equitas may provide guidelines, by request, to help you decide whether to participate or not in the training.

If you would like to discuss your personal security situation, a meeting can be arranged on a secure platform between you and Equitas.

The participation fee is $2,300 CAD (not USD).

The participation fee includes:

• Training fees
• Access to e-learning platforms
• Course materials and access to all activities

Participants are responsible for all other potential expenses, such as local travel to an office with quality internet access or the purchase of a computer or tablet if required.

A very limited number of partial and full bursaries will be available. We encourage all participants to find a source for funding to cover their participation fees.

There is also a possibility for participants who successfully complete the program to receive a set amount of monetary funds to assist them with the implementation of their individual action plan, during the second phase of the program. This is called the Follow-Up Local Initiatives Funding. For more information about the Follow-Up Local Initiatives Funding and the criteria that participants need to meet to be eligible, please visit the section What are the eligibility criteria to receive the Follow-Up Local Initiatives Funding? below. 

If your application is accepted and you or your organization is paying for your participation, an invoice will be sent to you with all the necessary information for the transfer of funds. Payments can be made by credit card via our website, or by international bank transfer.

Yes, you may apply even if you do not have funding to cover your participation fee. Equitas is able to offer a limited number of bursaries, and you can indicate your desire to be considered for a bursary in the application form.

Equitas encourages you to seek your own funding and provides some supporting documents to help you apply for funding to cover costs.

The second edition of Global Rights Connection will run from November 1, 2022 to February 10, 2023.

The live group training sessions will take place on either Mondays or Tuesdays and will each last approximately 2.5 hours. Each selected participant will be assigned to a day and time, taking into account the time zone they are in. Applicants can indicate in their application form their preferred day and time.

These eligibility criteria will be announced to participants at a date closer to the start of the program. They will include: attending a minimum number of live group training sessions, completing a sufficient amount of the self-led online work, and preparing and submitting an individual action plan.

These eligibility criteria will be announced to participants at a date closer to the start of the program.

Global Rights Connection is not a traditional online course with lectures or self-paced learning modules. Rather, it is focused on a participatory approach wherein participants are actively involved in the development of the group’s knowledge through mutual sharing and learning.

By creating a small number of working groups, each accompanied by two facilitators, Equitas ensures that those present can effectively participate and connect with human rights educators from around the world. In addition, limiting the entire cohort allows our teams to ensure quality, personalized follow-up, particularly on the development of an implementation plan for each participant.

The size of the 2022 cohort will be determined at a later date.

As the first edition of Global Rights Connection was a success, Equitas is proud to announce its second edition of the program. This new training is in addition to the overall programming offered by Equitas. While Equitas looks forward to future editions of the IHRTP, Global Rights Connection allows Equitas to reach more human rights educators in a context where technology offers opportunities to innovate and connect us to advance human rights together.

The second edition of Global Rights Connection is holding an open call to all eligible applicants!

Global Rights Connection is for human rights educators from civil society organizations, regional and national institutions and government agencies. To be eligible to participate in this training, a candidate must:

• Have been working in their organization for a minimum of one year.
• Be fluent in either English or French, written and spoken.
• Have a role within their organization that allows them to conduct human rights education activities or influence the way in which these activities are conducted.
• Have a basic knowledge of international human rights principles and instruments.
• Confirm their availability and willingness to actively participate in the entire training:
  • Allowing for approximately 8.5 hours per week of involvement during the 11-week training (clearly communicating this commitment to colleagues in their organization)
    • 6 hours of self-led individual work (completing the online course material/modules, in preparation for each weekly live group training session), and
    • 2.5 hours of the weekly live group training sessions
  • Allowing for additional time to implement their individual action plan following the training.
  • **Please note that participants must complete the self-led online weekly course material (the modules) prior to attending their weekly live group meetings.
• Commit to passing on the knowledge, methods and perspectives learned to colleagues upon completion of the training program (via the implementation of the individual action plan, prepared during the first 11-weeks of the program).
• Be sensitive to the challenges of working in a multicultural context, respect diversity and commit to fostering an inclusive, respectful and safe space for all by adhering to the code of conduct against harassment and discrimination.

Please click here to find out how to apply to the program and what you will need to submit.

The program is open to all applicants. 

The call for application is currently open. As applications are reviewed as they are received, we encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The selection committee will review the applications submitted and form a cohort. Participants will be selected aiming to create balanced groups in terms of geographic distribution, gender identities represented, type of work conducted by organizations, etc.

If you are having difficulties completing the necessary steps to apply for Global Rights Connection, such as logging into your ContactEquitas account, completing the sections of the form, and attaching documents, you can view this help video on how to proceed.

If you are unable to access the ContactEquitas platform due to access restrictions in your country, write to us for an alternative way to submit your application at pifdh-ihrtp@equitas.org.

No, as places for our trainings are limited, Equitas wants as many people as possible to have access to its training programs. If you participate in Global Rights Connection in 2022, you will not be eligible to participate in the 41st edition of the IHRTP, which we hope to hold in June 2023 in Montreal, if the conditions allow.

However, the online training and the in-person IHRTP are complementary. If you participate in Global Rights Connection, you will be eligible to participate in the IHRTP again as of the 42nd edition, which we hope to hold in June 2024, if possible. However, you will need to reapply and your acceptance into the program is not guaranteed.

Yes, the 2022 edition of Global Rights Connection is open to all applications, based on pre-identified eligibility criteria.

Yes, you must renew the Memorandum of Understanding, completed and signed by yourself and your organization’s Director or President. Be sure to use the Global Rights Connection 2022 version of the Memorandum of Understanding, provided here and via your ContactEquitas account or email. Once completed and signed, you can provide a scanned copy or a clear enough photo and upload it to the 2022 application form when submitting it to us. 

Yes, it is necessary to provide new reference letters.

Yes. Please note that you are responsible for reapplying to the next edition of the IHRTP.  Please note that the applications for the 2023 IHRTP in Montreal will be opening in the fall of 2022.

Unfortunately, no, Equitas will no longer be honouring previously awarded bursaries to applicants for future programs. In order to qualify for future bursaries, participants must reapply.