Columbia University Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) 2026-2027
- Omran Aburayya
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
If you're a grassroots human rights advocate seeking advanced training, mentorship, and global networking—applications are now open for Columbia University’s prestigious Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) for 2026-2027.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: New York City, USA (Columbia University)
Host Institution: Institute for the Study of Human Rights (ISHR), Columbia University
Program Type: Intensive academic and advocacy development program (non-degree)
Target Group: Grassroots human rights activists—lawyers, journalists, doctors, teachers, social workers, community organizers, etc., all working within NGOs and committed to human rights causes
Fields of Focus: Issues include sexual and gender-based violence, minority and LGBTQI+ rights, labor rights, indigenous peoples’ rights, migration, health, social exclusion, environmental justice, disability rights, corporate social accountability
Program Schedule:
Online component: November–December 2026 (tentative)
On-campus residency in New York: mid-January to mid-May 2027 (tentative)
Application Deadline: Monday, 1 December 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET
Notification Date: Applicants will be notified by 30 April 2026
Eligible To: Advocates working full-time in grassroots NGOs, fluent in English, and committed to returning to their organization post-program. Applicants from high-income countries may apply only if representing marginalized communities. Full-time students, academics, or government officials are ineligible. A bachelor’s degree is preferred but not mandatory
📚 Scholarship Overview
HRAP, founded in 1989, is designed to empower grassroots human rights defenders by blending Columbia University’s academic excellence with New York City’s robust human rights ecosystem. Through seminars, university course audits, workshops, and direct engagement with policymakers and funders, the program equips advocates with both theoretical and practical skills to elevate their work .
Since its inception, HRAP has welcomed over 350 advocates from 100 countries, many of whom now influence global human rights institutions, government agencies, universities, and grassroots movements .
🎁 Program Benefits
Academic Training: Audit graduate-level courses across Columbia University’s schools (e.g., Law, International Affairs)
Skill-building Workshops: Led by human rights practitioners and experts in the field
Mentorship: Pairing with Columbia faculty mentors to guide advocacy and academic growth
Networking Opportunities: Workshops, meetings with policymakers and donors, and potential excursions (e.g., Washington D.C.) provide unmatched access to influence-driving platforms
Collaborative Learning: Engage with peers from diverse contexts to critically reflect on strategies and co-create impact plans
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be considered, applicants must:
Be grassroots human rights advocates currently employed by NGOs—students, professors, and government employees are not eligible
Work on issues within HRAP’s focus areas (e.g., gender justice, migration, environmental rights)
Demonstrate prior advocacy experience and capacity for graduate-level engagement
Provide an institutional endorsement letter in English, affirming their participation and commitment to return after the program
Speak fluent English
Be from non-high-income countries — unless representing marginalized groups
Hold at least a bachelor’s degree (preferred, not compulsory)
📝 Application Procedure
Register and start the application on the ISHR website—the full application must be submitted in English
Prepare required documents, including:
Institutional endorsement letter (separate from recommendation letters)
Two signed letters of recommendation (in English, unsined letters disqualify your application)
University diploma and/or transcript (highest degree held)
Submit complete application by 1 December 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET
Due diligence process: Shortlisted candidates will interview with HRAP alumni and ISHR staff
Funding: ISHR strives to secure financial support for participants; in some cases, advocates may need to secure their own funds if full funding isn’t available
