Marianne Initiative for Human Rights Defenders
The Marianne Initiative for Human Rights Defenders aims to support human rights defenders in their fight for justice and equality. This initiative provides a comprehensive program in France, including training, networking, and financial support, to empower defenders and enhance their capacity to advocate for human rights globally.
📜 About the Marianne Initiative
The Marianne Initiative is committed to supporting human rights defenders worldwide. As part of the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty, which will be held in Paris in the summer of 2026, special attention will be given to applications related to this theme. However, applications addressing other human rights areas are also fully eligible.
Opportunity Details:
- Date Published: June 26, 2025
- Application Deadline: July 6, 2025
- Category: Training
- Location: France
🎁 Benefits of the Program
Participants in the Marianne Initiative will receive the following benefits:
- Individual accommodation near Paris.
- A monthly grant to cover daily needs.
- A 4-month training program (February to June 2026) that includes:
- Individualized support.
- Networking opportunities with human rights organizations.
- Focus on the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty for participants working on this theme.
Note: The program does not provide support beyond the 4-month period.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Marianne Initiative, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a human rights defender as recognized by the United Nations, of non-French nationality, and an adult, regardless of current residence.
- Provide documents or evidence (e.g., recommendations, press articles) attesting to their commitment to human rights.
- Demonstrate that participation in the program will:
- Strengthen their capacity for human rights advocacy.
- Enable them to create or develop links or projects with French organizations.
- Possess a valid passport (minimum six months validity) or be willing to obtain one.
- Not be subject to any legal ban on leaving their territory.
- Be willing to travel to France from February to June 2026.
📝 Application Process
Required Documents:
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Detailed résumé/CV.
- Copy of the first two pages of the passport or another valid identity document.
- Documents attesting to human rights advocacy, such as:
- Articles, websites, reports.
- Certificates from individuals or organizations.
- Awards or nominations for activism.
- Professional card (e.g., lawyer's card, journalist's card) if applicable (optional).
- Language diplomas or certifications (optional).
- Other supporting documents proving activities (optional).
How to Apply:
- Submit your application via the official portal: Apply Here.
Contact Information:
For any questions, you can reach out via email:
📧 amelle.abdallahi@diplomatie.gouv.fr
📅 Key Dates
- Application Deadline: July 6, 2025
- Program Duration: February to June 2026
🌐 Additional Information
For more details, visit the official page:
Marianne Initiative for Human Rights Defenders.
This initiative is a unique opportunity for human rights defenders to enhance their advocacy efforts, build networks, and contribute to global human rights advancements. Apply now to make a difference!
- The program in France provides individual accommodation near Paris,
- a monthly grant to meet daily needs,
- a training program, individualized support and networking with human rights players for a period of 4 months (from February to June 2026).
- The program does not provide support beyond the 4-month period.
- As part of the organization of the 9th World Congress against the Death Penalty in Paris in the summer of 2026, particular attention will be paid to applications relating to this theme.
