Marianne Initiative for Human Rights Defenders – 18-week Fellowship (Class of 2027)

The Marianne Initiative for Human Rights Defenders offers a fully funded, six-month fellowship in Paris for foreign human rights defenders to deepen leadership, negotiation, advocacy and project management skills. Fellows receive accommodation and a living stipend, dedicated mentoring, and connections with French and international institutions, along with training in defender safety and international human rights law. The program aims to support activists whose work covers civil liberties, minority protections, women’s rights, and environmental justice, with a focus on meaningful, field-based impact and a lasting alumni network.

Accommodation, living stipend, personalized training, mentoring, access to key institutions, international networking, cultural visits, and participation in the Marianne Alumni mentorship programme.

Eligible candidates are foreign human rights defenders applying from their home country or a third country, with a demonstrated track record of activism in defence of fundamental rights.

Applications are submitted through the French government’s official digital platform.