Call for applications: Minority Rights and Advocacy Toolkit course
Apply by
30 Jun 2025
Title
Call for applications: Minority Rights and Advocacy Toolkit course
Join our free 6-week online course with travel opportunity to the 18th UN Forum on Minority Issues!
When? August-September 2025
Deadline for applications: 30 June 2025, 11:59 pm CET
This free online English-language course developed by Minority Rights Group addresses minority rights and freedom of religion or belief in Southeast, South and Central Asia. You can participate in a tutored 6-week intensive training for human rights defenders and civil society organisation representatives from these regions. Participants from Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand will be given priority, but applications from other countries in these regions are also eligible to apply.
At the end of the course, one active and engaged participant will be selected to participate in the 18th UN Forum on Minority Issues (UNFMI) to be held in Geneva in November 2025.
Why take part?
- You can learn about minority rights and freedom of religion or belief in Southeast and South Asia through a tutored 6-week intensive training for human rights defenders and civil society organisation representatives
- You can learn how you can advocate for freedom of religion or belief and the rights of religious minorities, including learning about the available international and regional systems and mechanisms
- You will have access to one-on-one tutoring and will be able to design your own advocacy campaign by the end of the course
- You can participate in an online discussion with a high-level expert, such as the UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues or the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief
- You can gain resources, contacts and tools to advocate in in Southeast and South Asia
- You will have a chance to be selected to participate at the 18th UN Forum on Minority Issues with Minority Rights Group
What will you learn?
The training covers basic concepts in human and minority rights, international and regional human and minority rights mechanisms (United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations), with a specific focus on the freedom of religion or belief. It also includes a practical introduction to creating and implementing advocacy campaigns and initiatives. In the course of the training, there will be a live webinar organised with a high-level expert, which offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the topic and engage in a Q&A session with them. The course also includes short exercises, forum discussions, and a final assignment where participants can design their own advocacy plan. Throughout the course, participants will have a tutor’s guidance and an opportunity to have one-on-one sessions with them to discuss the course content more in detail.
How long is the course?
The course will require approximately 3 hours per week throughout the 6-week duration. The course will cover one topic per week. Timing is flexible, you get a password and can do the course from your computer whenever it is most convenient for you. Your progress is facilitated by our tutor who is an expert in minority rights and freedom of religion or belief and offers mentoring on a one-on-one basis. The course is available in English.
What technical conditions are needed?
Reliable and stable, high-speed internet connection is necessary to be able to access the course, download the materials and follow the forum discussions and the webinar.
Who can attend the UNFMI?
At the end of the course, one participant will be selected to participate at the 18th UN Forum on Minority Issues (UNFMI) with Minority Rights Group in Geneva in November 2025. You can indicate in your application whether you wish to be considered. During the selection procedure the following requirements will be taken into consideration:
- Active involvement and engagement in the online course
- Successful completion of the course and submission of the final assignment
- Solid motivation to attend the UNFMI and plans on how learnings will be applied in participant’s advocacy
Who can apply?
We are looking for representatives of civil society organisations, human rights defenders, and activists from Southeast Asia and South Asia. Priority will be given to applicants from Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, but applications from other countries in these regions are also eligible. Eligible participants will have a basic working knowledge of human rights and demonstrate an interest in FoRB. The course is free of charge.
How to apply?
Please fill out the application form by 30 June 2025 by clicking the button below. Selected applicants will be informed via e-mail.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please use the button below to email us.