As stated in the call 'the European Parliament's Sakharov Fellowship offers up to 14 human rights defenders selected from non-EU countries the opportunity to follow a two week intensive training in Brussels and at the Global Campus of Human Rights in Venice.'

The programme has been organised annually since 2016 further to an initiative taken by the Sakharov Prize Community at the 25th Anniversary Conference of the Sakharov Prize.

Under the programme human rights defenders will be given the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of EU and international human rights frameworks, policies and mechanisms as well as develop capacities to advocate for and effect positive change to protect human rights.

Furthermore, Sakharov Fellows will help grow the network of Sakharov Fellows in order to share best practices and acquired knowledge as well as to extend awareness of the Sakharov Prize and the Sakharov Community.

The programme will be organised in person in Brussels and Venice if conditions allow it. Otherwise It may be changed to an online format.

Candidates willing to apply for the programme should have:

- a proven record in campaigning for human rights in a NGO or other organisation or in an individual capacity

- a high level of English, sufficient to follow and contribute to discussion groups and workshops in Brussels and Venice.

The Fellowship covers return travel from the country of origin, accommodation in Brussels and Venice and a daily living allowance. 

The deadline for applications is midnight 20 June 2021 (CET). Successful candidates will receive confirmation by email, latest by 30 July 2021. Unsuccessful candidates will not be informed of the reasons why they were not shortlisted or offered a traineeship.