Call for Applications: Advocacy Training for Ukrainian Roma and pro-Roma Human Rights Defenders

ODIHR is seeking up to 15 Ukrainian Roma and pro-Roma human rights defenders, activists, and advocates to participate in its two-and-a-half-day training course on advocating for human rights in wartime.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the scope and elements of advocacy, including engaging with target groups and stakeholders, and learn effective ways to employ advocacy. Participating civil society representatives will be guided through the advocacy cycle, learning how to design an effective advocacy initiative.

Training content

The first- and second-day training course programme will equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to drive changes for better protection and promotion of the human rights of Roma. The first half of the third day will provide guidance on addressing and strengthening mental health for human rights defenders working in a crisis situation. The training course has incorporated the gender and crisis perspectives throughout its duration.

Methodology

The training course methodology combines both practical and theoretical aspects of advocacy. This synergetic approach is aimed at supporting participants in developing pragmatic advocacy initiatives. Upon completion of the training, ODIHR will further select up to four advocacy initiatives to support, taking into consideration the potential of each initiative and existing institutional limitations.

Format

• The course will be conducted in a hybrid format with in-person and online participation.
• The working language of the training will be English, with simultaneous interpretation available in Ukrainian.
• The costs of training materials, travel, and full-board accommodation are covered by ODIHR.
• The training programme is organised by ODIHR within the framework of the “Supporting the Human Dimension of Security in Ukraine in Times of Crises” project, promoting a human-centred approach to the adherence to human rights, the rule of law, and democratic principles.
• The training course is based on interactive learning methods and requires full-time presence and active participation.
• Participants will be asked to bring their own devices, such as a personal computer or tablet.
• Participating civil society representatives should be aware that they will be unable to perform other work-related activities during the training sessions.

Eligibility criteria

Participants will be chosen on a competitive basis having considering of following criteria:

• Ukrainian Roma and pro-Roma civil society representatives, human rights defenders, activists and advocates working in Ukraine or any other OSCE participating State;
• Proven experience and/or engagement with Ukrainian Roma, either in the country or in other OSCE participating States (e.g., working with Ukrainian Roma refugees);
• Strong motivation to learn about advocacy to inform human rights efforts;
• Relevance of the training for applicants’ current and potential future human rights work, in particular in respect to Roma communities;
• Availability to attend the training in-person or online for its full duration on the mentioned dates.

How to apply?

Interested candidates should complete this application form by 17 October 2025.
ODIHR will inform only successful candidates about the outcome of the selection process.

ODIHR will strive to ensure a gender balance among participants, while considering the existing travel limitations to, from, and within Ukraine.

Inquiries

For any questions regarding the content of the training course or the selection procedure, please contact Natalia Duminica at Natalia.Duminica@odihr.pl.