European Parliament’s 2026 Sakharov Fellowship

Job Description

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Applications are now open for the Sakharov Fellowship 2026, a prestigious programme organised by the European Parliament to support human rights defenders from non-EU countries. Each year, up to 14 fellows are selected to participate in an intensive two-week training in Brussels and another EU Member State. Since its inception in 2016, the Sakharov Fellowship has empowered human rights practitioners by providing knowledge, networking, and practical tools to enhance their advocacy work.

Fellowship Overview

The Sakharov Fellowship 2026 offers participants a unique opportunity to gain insight into EU human rights policies, mechanisms, and support systems. Fellows will:

• Attend workshops led by human rights experts covering communication, advocacy, security, resilience, and documentation of violations
• Meet Members of the European Parliament, EU officials, and Brussels-based human rights organisations
• Participate in individual advocacy, networking, and communication activities
• Gain first-hand experience of EU human rights work and policy implementation

This fellowship is designed to strengthen the capacity of human rights defenders and support their ongoing work in advancing justice, accountability, and human rights globally.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates for the Sakharov Fellowship 2026 must meet the following requirements:

• Proven record in human rights advocacy, either through an NGO, organisation, or individual capacity
• High level of English proficiency, sufficient to actively follow and contribute to the programme
• Representation of diverse human rights issues and geographical areas is encouraged
• Gender balance and diversity are considered in the selection process

Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• Return travel from their country of residence
• Accommodation for the duration of the programme
• Daily living allowance during the fellowship

Application Deadline

• February 15, 2026

The Sakharov Fellowship 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for human rights defenders to develop practical skills, expand their network, and gain exposure to EU human rights policies and initiatives, strengthening their impact in their home countries.