“The Geneva Institute for Human Rights is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the Human Rights Training Courses for 2026.”
The Geneva Institute for Human Rights is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the Human Rights Training Courses for 2026.
These courses advance the Institute’s mission to promote human rights awareness, strengthen civic values, defend fundamental freedoms, and encourage democratic participation.
The programs aim to build capable and empowered societies that not only enjoy their full rights but actively practice and defend them.
The training programs aim to:
Spread the culture of human rights.
Strengthen the effective participation of NGOs, national institutions, and government bodies.
Enhance the ability of participants to take part in discussions and human rights mechanisms.
Interact with international, regional, and national protection systems.
Provide a practical and professional framework to strengthen the capacities of human rights workers.
Improve knowledge of rights holders regarding their rights and how to protect them.
During the training courses, several educational methods will be used, including:
Lectures
Discussions
Brainstorming
Working groups
Case work and case studies
Sessions will be delivered by GIHR training staff and field experts specialized in human rights.
Participants will acquire:
Strong theoretical understanding of UN human rights conventions and protocols
Knowledge of the individual complaints mechanism
Awareness of national, regional, and international human rights systems
Practical skills needed to engage with human rights mechanisms
Professional and interactive training experience delivered fully in Arabic
Candidates must:
Be activists, human rights defenders, members of civil society organizations, research institutes, international organizations, UN agencies, national institutions, or government bodies.
Demonstrate commitment to human rights work.
Show willingness to benefit from the program and transfer experience to others.
Commit to full attendance and active participation.
Demonstrate strong communication and discussion skills.
Possess teamwork capabilities.
Dedicate full time to the training program.
Be ready to apply acquired skills after finishing the program.
A selection committee will review all applications. Only complete applications will be considered.
Each course will accept 25 participants, selected based on:
Gender balance
Geographical diversity within the MENA region
A CV and a photograph must be submitted.
The Institute may cancel participation if submitted information is incorrect.
International human rights experts contribute to the training.
Eligible participants include:
Individuals
NGOs
National and governmental institutions
Research institutes
International organizations
UN agencies
Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a Certificate of Attendance issued by the Geneva Institute for Human Rights.
In-person attendance: CHF 1500
Online attendance: CHF 750
Please note:
Scholarships are not available for this training.
Participants (or their employer) must cover the tuition fee.
Payment is required immediately after your registration is confirmed.
Seats are limited, and participation is only secured after full payment.
Refund policy:
A non-refundable administrative fee of CHF 200 applies to any cancellation.
Documents required:
CV
One passport photo
For inquiries and more information:
📧 training@gihr.org
Geneva Institute for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs (GIHR)
Chemin de Balexert 9
1219 Châtelaine
Geneva – Switzerland
📧 training@gihr.org
🌐 www.gihr.org