Frequently Asked Questions

This page addresses questions regarding program eligiblity and the application process. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we ask that you read these FAQs before emailing us personally. Please email further questions to ishr@columbia.edu.

ISHR strongly recommends completing your application well in advance of this the application deadline. We will not be able to accept late applications, even in the event of technical problems.

Program Dates

Applicant Eligibility

  • We cannot definitively assess your eligibility without reviewing your completed application. If you consider yourself eligible, please apply and demonstrate your eligibility in your answers to application questions.

    The Program is designed for lawyers, journalists, doctors, teachers, social workers, community organizers, and other human rights activists working with NGOs on issues including sexual and gender-based violence, domestic violence, minority rights, LGBT rights, labor rights, migration, health, social exclusion, environmental justice, and corporate social accountability.

    Participants are selected on the basis of their previous work experience in human rights, commitment to the human rights field, and demonstrated ability to pursue graduate-level studies. Full-time students or government officials will not be considered. Applicants holding full or part-time jobs pursuing their advocacy efforts are preferred.

    Advocates must work at the grassroots level. Applicants from high-income countries will not be considered except for those representing marginalized communities. Fluency in English is required. Preference is given to those who have not previously had opportunities to travel and study internationally.

    Advocates must provide proof of institutional endorsement from their organizations for their participation in the Program and must commit to returning to that organization upon completion of the Program. Only one application per organization should be submitted. More than one application means all applications from that organization will be disqualified. It is up to the applicant to make sure he/she is the sole applicant from his/her organization.

  • We can only consider applications from advocates currently employed at NGOs. You must have a letter of institutional support from the organization for which you currently work.

  • The World Bank maintains a list of high income countries. More information about the list is available from the World Bank's website, which includes a downloadable spreadsheet of countries' income ranking.

  • Only advocates who are employed by a grassroots organization are eligible to apply. Students and university professors are not encouraged to apply.

  • HRAP is designed for Advocates working with marginalized communities. Please review the Program Overview, and use your judgment to determine if the program would be beneficial to your work. In your answers to applications questions, you are given the opportunity to explain how the program will be beneficial to your organization and those for whom it advocates.

Funding

The Application