Human Rights Defenders Protective Programmes

Our three-month, non-academic Fellowship Program provides Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) working in stressful environments a safe space to rest, recharge, reflect on their work, and take advantage of opportunities to acquire new skills and knowledge at the University of the Western Cape. HRDs often face difficulties, including fatigue, burnout, and persecution in the form of arrests, threats, and other traumatic experiences. This unique initiative is a response to the need to provide support and strengthen the capacity of HRDs to continue their work. 

While at our University, Fellows have opportunities to audit academic courses, present as guest speakers in lectures and other platforms, and attend writing and other workshops. By engaging in these various activities, Fellows share their knowledge, thereby enriching the teaching and learning experiences. The Fellows also have the space and resources to remain involved in activism in their home country or region. The Africa Hub collaborates with various actors within the UWC campus and in civil society to provide psychosocial support to its Fellows. Outside the university, they also tour and engage with South African democratic institutions and places of historical significance that symbolise human rights struggles. Other key aspects of the Fellowship are networking with civil society organisations in Cape Town and community visits for cultural exchange. 

The first cohort in 2024 had three HRDs from Mozambique, Uganda, and Kenya. The Fellows’ programme was oriented towards rest and respite. Future Fellowships may have various emphases, depending on the participants’ needs, the Africa Hub’s capacity and other factors.

Selection process: The selection of fellows is based on a closed nominations system. 

Reach out at pugresearch@uwc.ac.za to add your organisation to our list of contacts for the fellowship programme call for nominations.