Applications are now open for the Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) at Columbia University.
The prestigious programme offers human rights professionals from around the world an opportunity to strengthen their advocacy skills through academic study, professional mentoring, and networking at one of the world’s leading universities.
Hosted by the Institute for the Study of Human Rights at Columbia University, the Human Rights Advocates Program has been empowering human rights defenders since 1989, helping participants expand their expertise while building global partnerships that advance justice and human rights.
The Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) is a non-degree professional fellowship that brings together experienced human rights practitioners from diverse regions and backgrounds.
The programme leverages Columbia University’s academic resources and New York City’s unique position as a global centre for international organizations, civil society groups, and United Nations agencies.
Participants engage in an intensive programme that combines academic learning with practical training, allowing them to strengthen their advocacy strategies and expand their international professional networks.
What Participants Receive
The HRAP provides a comprehensive professional development experience that includes:
- Academic learning at Columbia University
- Specialized skill-building workshops
- Individual mentoring from experts and practitioners
- Networking opportunities with global human rights leaders
- Access to Columbia University’s research resources
- Engagement with NGOs and international organizations based in New York City
- Opportunities to collaborate with fellow human rights advocates from around the world
The programme is designed to help participants strengthen both their practical advocacy skills and their long-term leadership capacity.
Why New York City?
As one of the world’s leading centres for international diplomacy and human rights advocacy, New York City offers participants unparalleled opportunities to engage with:
- United Nations agencies
- International non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Human rights experts
- Policy makers
- Academic researchers
- Global advocacy networks
This unique environment enables fellows to connect theory with practice while expanding their international professional relationships.
Who Should Apply?
The Human Rights Advocates Program is intended for individuals actively working to promote and protect human rights.
The programme is particularly suited for:
- Human rights advocates
- Civil society leaders
- NGO professionals
- Community organizers
- Human rights defenders
- Social justice practitioners
- Professionals working in international human rights
Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing human rights and a desire to strengthen their professional knowledge and advocacy skills.
A Longstanding Global Fellowship
Since its establishment in 1989, HRAP has supported hundreds of human rights professionals working across a wide range of issues, including:
- Civil and political rights
- Women’s rights
- Children’s rights
- Refugee and migrant rights
- Freedom of expression
- Transitional justice
- Environmental justice
- Indigenous rights
- Anti-discrimination and equality
The programme’s alumni continue to play influential roles within governments, international organizations, universities, and civil society institutions around the world.
Professional Development Opportunities
Participants benefit from an interdisciplinary learning environment that combines:
- Academic scholarship
- Practical advocacy training
- Leadership development
- Policy engagement
- Collaborative learning
- Peer exchange
The combination of university-based learning and exposure to international organizations helps fellows develop practical solutions to the human rights challenges they face in their own countries and regions.
How to Apply
Applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 cohorts of the Human Rights Advocates Program.
Interested applicants should review the programme requirements, eligibility criteria, and application procedures through the Institute for the Study of Human Rights before submitting their applications.
Prospective candidates are encouraged to prepare their application materials early to ensure they meet all programme requirements before the application deadline.
An Opportunity to Strengthen Global Human Rights Leadership
For experienced human rights professionals seeking to deepen their expertise, expand international networks, and enhance their advocacy skills, Columbia University’s Human Rights Advocates Program offers a unique opportunity to learn from leading scholars and practitioners while engaging with one of the world’s most dynamic human rights communities.
Through academic excellence, practical training, and global collaboration, HRAP continues its long-standing mission of equipping human rights advocates with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to advance justice and human dignity worldwide.
