Media Defence Sub-Saharan Africa Litigation Surgery

Media Defence invites applications from lawyers based in Sub-Saharan Africa to participate in an upcoming litigation surgery. This seminar focuses on the rights to freedom of expression, offering participants the opportunity to learn from experts and engage in practical sessions to present and discuss cases with peers and specialists.

📅 Opportunity Details

• Date Published: June 19, 2025
• Application Deadline: July 06, 2025
• Category: Training
• Location: Windhoek, Namibia

📝 About the Litigation Surgery

The litigation surgery is a seminar designed to enhance participants' skills and knowledge in litigating freedom of expression cases using national and international laws. It includes expert-led sessions, case-based discussions, and peer learning activities.

Key Features:

• Covers key legal frameworks, strategic litigation techniques, and practical case development strategies.
• Focuses on specific aspects of freedom of expression.
• Provides a platform for peer feedback and exchange of practical litigation strategies.

Objectives:

• Equip participants with skills to litigate using relevant laws and mechanisms.
• Foster a press freedom network and facilitate engagement with international legal mechanisms.
• Strengthen participants’ capacity to respond to emerging threats to freedom of expression.
• Develop working relationships among lawyers in the region.

Event Details:

• Dates: September 22–24, 2025
• Location: Windhoek, Namibia
• Participants: Maximum of 12 participants will be selected.
• Additional Opportunity: Participants will also attend the FIFAfrica Conference (September 24–26, 2025).

🎁 Benefits

Successful applicants will receive the following:

• Return travel from their home country to Namibia.
• Coverage for travel expenses to/from airports and a stipend for visa or travel insurance costs.
• Accommodation for the duration of the litigation surgery and FIFAfrica.
• Per diem for travel days and the duration of the surgery and conference (rate to be determined).
• Tickets to attend the FIFAfrica conference.
• Participants with caregiving duties may request a £50/day stipend for related costs (subject to approval).

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Be qualified lawyers who currently work and reside in Sub-Saharan Africa.
2. Demonstrate working proficiency in English.
3. Be in private practice or affiliated with NGOs promoting freedom of expression through litigation.
4. Show interest or knowledge in freedom of expression, digital rights, internet freedom, or related areas.
5. Demonstrate interest or knowledge in international and regional human rights law.
6. Submit a case study involving a violation of freedom of expression that they are currently litigating or intend to litigate.
   • Applicants without a pending case may identify a relevant law, practice, or policy to challenge in court, demonstrating their ability and willingness to pursue the case after the surgery.
7. Exceptionally strong applications from lawyers without prior experience in freedom of expression cases but with a background in other human rights litigation will also be considered.

Case Topics:

Applicants may submit cases related to the following topics:

• Defamation (criminal or civil)
• Violence against journalists, including physical attacks and online violence
• Restriction of online or print media
• Online privacy
• Spyware
• National security and its impact on freedom of expression

📩 Application Process

To apply, complete the online application form or send the completed application form to training@mediadefence.org.

⏳ Application Deadline

July 06, 2025

🌟 Sponsor Organisation

This opportunity is sponsored by Media Defence, an organisation committed to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion. Geographic and other relevant factors may be considered alongside merit-based criteria to ensure a diverse and representative cohort.

For more details, visit the Media Defence Sub-Saharan Africa Litigation Surgery page.

Apply now using the application form.

• Return travel from your home country to Namibia.
• Expenses for travel to and from the airport in your home country and Namibia, as well as a stipend for any visa or travel insurance related costs.
• Accommodation for the duration of the litigation surgery and FIFAfrica.
• A per diem, the rate is to be determined, for travel days as well as the duration of the litigation surgery and conference.
• Tickets to attend the FIFAfrica conference.
• Participants with significant caregiving duties outside of work, such as childcare, elder care, or care for family members with disabilities, may request a £50/day stipend as a contribution toward related costs (subject to application and approval).