East Africa Human Rights Program

What is the EAHRP?

The East Africa Human Rights Program (EAHRP) is a human rights education initiative of alumni of Equitas’ annual International Human Rights Training Program from the East African region and alumni of the East Africa Human Rights program in partnership with Equitas – International Centre for Human Rights Education based in Montreal, Canada. 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, 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 a framework based on regionally and internationally accepted human rights standards and principles to analyze the issues and situations encountered in their work and that of their organization 
• identify ways in which human rights education can increase the effectiveness of their human rights work  
• integrate a participatory approach into their human rights and human rights education work  
• incorporate a human rights-based approach and a gender perspective in their human rights and human rights education work  
• determine strategies for promoting gender equality in their human rights education work 
• employ a basic evaluation process for assessing the results of their human rights education work  
• explore networking opportunities essential for furthering the cause of human rights  
• indicate appropriate ways for putting their learning from the EAHRP into practice in the work of their organizations 

• The completed Application Form (Part A completed by the Director, Chair or Manager of the candidate’s organization; Part B completed by the candidate) 
• The Memorandum of Agreement duly signed by the candidate and the Director, Chair or Manager of the candidate’s organization 
• Two 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 
• A brochure (and/or mission statement) describing the candidate’s organization 

Candidates from qualifying organizations must: 

• be active employees / volunteers / associates with their organization for at least one year  
• 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, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia,
South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

May I apply if I am not affiliated with an organization?

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. 

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 you do not work for an organization and thus are unable to complete the Memorandum of Agreement, we require that you write a separate letter explaining how you plan to make use of your EAHRP training in an individual work plan. The individual work plan is an exercise that invites you to think about how you will include knowledge and skills acquired during the EAHRP to your human rights education 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. 

What is the cost of the EAHRP?

The EAHRP participation fee is $3,500 USD. This amount covers tuition, program materials, accommodation, and meals, but does not include travel costs. 

Participants are responsible for any extra expenses such as entertainment and meals purchased outside of the cafeteria.   

How can I get a bursary?

Through the support of the Government of Canada, there is funding to award a limited number of bursaries to selected regional candidates. A bursary includes full tuition fees (including room and board) for the two-week training program as well as travel expenses. Once eligibility has been determined, the Selection Committee will award the bursaries to the candidates who best meet the requirements. Due to the limited number of bursaries available, there is no guarantee that the selected candidates will receive funding.