Regional Human Rights Training Session in French-speaking Africa

The Regional Human Rights Training Session in French-speaking Africa (Session régionale de formation aux droits humains, SRFDH) is a regional training program which provides a unique opportunity for human rights 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 French-speaking Africa, the goal of the SRFDH is to strengthen the capacity of a regional pool of human rights educators and defenders to use a human rights-based approach to advance gender equality and human rights through human rights education, with the purpose of contributing to universal respect for human rights. 

The program places great emphasis on knowledge transfer and follow-up activities. During the program, participants develop an individual action plan to put their learning into action within and beyond their organization or community after the program. 

The 8th edition of the SRFDH will take place from February 1st to 13th, 2026, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Please note that this training program is only offered in French. For information about the East Africa Human Rights Program, which is offered in English, please visit our page East Africa Human Rights Program.

Application deadline : May 27th, 2025.

The SRFDH is a regional training program which provides a unique opportunity for human rights workers, defenders, activists and educators to deepen their understanding of human rights and the essential role of human rights education in effecting and sustaining social change. It places a strong emphasis on transfer of knowledge and follow-up activities. During the program, participants will be expected to develop an individual plan to apply the knowledge and skills acquired, including international human rights standards and human rights education strategies. Therefore, when applying, interested individuals and their home organization should consider how the transfer of learning might take place within and beyond the organization after the program.

The SRFDH 2026 is organized by the Mouvement Burkinabè des Droits de l’Homme et des Peuples (MBDHP) in collaboration with Equitas – International Centre for Human Rights Education and its partner networks in French-speaking Africa.

The SRFDH is carried out with the financial support of the Canadian government through Global Affairs Canada.