Human Rights Defenders Academy

Human Rights Defenders Academy, organised by Civil Rights Defenders, was a five-day training that offered young activists the opportunity to learn from experts and gain practical experience on human rights issues impacting the Western Balkans.

Learn more

“Human Rights Defenders Academy was an excellent opportunity for me, as formal education pays attention only to theory. For the first time, I had a chance to meet in person people who actually work on human rights, not only in our political system but also abroad. I reinforced the values I believe in with the appropriate knowledge, and the expert team was always with us. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be part of this fantastic project.”

– Milica, HRD Academy

Human Rights Defenders Academy

Human Rights Defenders Academy was a 5-day training that offered young activists the opportunity to learn from experts and gain practical experience on human rights issues impacting the Western Balkans.

Where and when?

We organised the HRD Academy in both 2019 and 2020. The first one took place during the summer of 2019 in Perast, Montenegro. Due to the unpredictable developments regarding the Covid-19 pandemic, the second year took place in an online format. 

How much did it cost to participate?

All costs were covered by the organisers.

More about the programmes

You can download the full programme for 2019 here.

You can download the full programme for 2020 here.

Participants in the HRD Academy acquired skills and knowledge relating to:

For whom was it for?

HRD Academy was intended for students, recent graduates, activists, and young professionals in the field of human rights motivated to improve their knowledge and skills and have a background in the Western Balkan countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia).

Application and deadline

Applications required a motivational letter and a CV. The applications are now closed.

Topics at the Human Rights Defenders Academy

Freedom of expression, assembly, and association

How basic freedoms are denied in Western Balkan states, and in what ways can activists help overcome such challenges. A closer look at standards across the world and how to monitor these freedoms locally.

Strategic use of the international human rights system

Accessing international institutions and raising awareness of human rights violations in the region. How to strategically interact with the UN Special Procedures, Universal Periodic Review, ECHR and ways to utilise national courts.

Discrimination in the Western Balkans

What are the most pressing forms of discrimination, and how to support disadvantaged groups in tackling these issues. An overview of legislation, institutional mechanisms and practices of anti – discrimination in the region.

Monitoring and reporting human rights violations

How to ensure violations aren’t left unpunished: how to record abuses and whom should you turn to. Methodologies, strategies and tactics for monitoring and reporting violations of different human rights.

Advocating human rights in the EU

What are the key institutions and civil society organisations fighting for your rights in Europe. Strategies and practical tools for advocating human rights in front of EU stakeholders.

Communicating human rights

Spread the word and galvanise support by reaching out to media, civil society organisations and fellow human rights defenders. Develop communications for campaigns, framing and messaging, segmentation of audience, channels for targeting and public speaking.

Safety and security of human rights defenders

What are the main threats against defending human rights in the region, and which precautions should be taken? A closer emphasis on the most common digital threats to human rights defenders and which tools to use to ensure security.

Policy Papers by Participants

Relevant documents

Watch this short film to learn more about us and our work.

Contact

Kralja Milana 10/5, Beograd
+381 11 362 6084 
belgrade@crd.org

About Civil Rights Defenders

Civil Rights Defenders is a human rights organisation that protects civil and political rights and strengthens human rights defenders at risk. For more than 30 years we have been supporting civil society in repressive countries. Our unique approach involves working closely with activists on the ground, developing channels for international cooperation and communication, and building activists’ capacity to effectively advocate for human rights on local and international levels.

During the past decade we have evolved from primarily providing financial support to partners, to a human rights player that supports partners with a combination of dialogue on strategy; long-term financial support; emergency support; preventive security measures; advocacy; networking; and capacity building with a focus on substantive human rights skills. We support human rights defenders in Europe, Eurasia, Africa, Latin America and Asia.