European Parliament Sakharov Fellowship 2026 | Fully Funded Fellowship for Human Rights Defenders

The European Parliament Sakharov Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious fully funded international fellowship designed to support and empower human rights defenders from non-EU countries. This unique program provides advanced training, policy exposure, and global networking opportunities to strengthen the capacity of activists working to protect democracy, freedom, and fundamental human rights around the world.

About the Sakharov Fellowship

The Sakharov Fellowship is an annual initiative of the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize Community. While the Sakharov Prize honors outstanding contributions to human rights, the Fellowship focuses on capacity building and practical empowerment of human rights defenders facing challenging environments.

Selected fellows participate in an intensive two-week training program, typically hosted in Brussels, Belgium, and Venice, Italy, combining institutional exposure with academic and practical learning.

Program Objectives

The fellowship aims to:

• Strengthen understanding of European Union and international human rights frameworks
• Enhance advocacy, leadership, and communication skills
• Provide tools for digital and physical security in high-risk environments
• Facilitate engagement with EU institutions, policy makers, and civil society actors
• Build long-term collaboration through a global network of human rights defenders

Program Structure & Training Locations

Brussels, Belgium
Fellows gain direct exposure to EU institutions, meet policymakers and human rights experts, and learn about EU mechanisms for supporting democracy and fundamental freedoms.

Venice, Italy
The academic component is delivered at the Global Campus of Human Rights, where participants receive in-depth training on international human rights law, protection mechanisms, and strategic advocacy.

Financial Coverage (Fully Funded)

The Sakharov Fellowship covers:

• International travel expenses
• Accommodation during the program
• Daily subsistence allowance
• Training materials and program activities
• Full access to institutional and academic sessions

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be citizens of non-EU countries
• Have a proven track record in human rights work (individually or through organizations)
• Demonstrate strong English language proficiency
• Be actively engaged in promoting democracy, freedom, and human dignity
• Represent diverse backgrounds, regions, and human rights themes

Number of Fellows

Each year, up to 14 human rights defenders are selected to participate in the Sakharov Fellowship.

Duration of the Fellowship

• Two weeks (full-time, intensive training)
• Includes institutional visits, workshops, expert sessions, and peer learning

Why You Should Apply

The Sakharov Fellowship is more than a training program. It is a global platform for protection, solidarity, and empowerment. Fellows become part of the Sakharov Community, a long-term international network of human rights defenders who continue to collaborate, share knowledge, and support each other’s work well beyond the fellowship period.

At a time when human rights defenders face growing pressure worldwide, the European Parliament Sakharov Fellowship offers a rare opportunity to gain skills, visibility, and international support. It equips defenders with the knowledge and networks needed to amplify their impact and continue their vital work with greater resilience and confidence.