Training course "Youth advocacy for democracy and human rights" in Strasbourg, France (Fully Funded)

An open call for young activists from all over Europe who are interested in  democracy and human rights to apply for the training course "Youth advocacy for democracy and human rights" which will take place from 26-31 January 2025 at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg, France. This training course is co-organised by the Council of Europe Youth Department and the European Youth Forum and the German Federal Youth Council. 

About the training course

The training course is designed to enhance the skills of young activists and youth-focused civil society groups in advocating for human rights, democracy, and incorporating a youth perspective into the work of the Council of Europe. It also seeks to promote the adoption and implementation of Council of Europe standards at both national and local levels.

Objectives of the Course:

• To introduce participants to the Council of Europe, its institutions, and its standards for democracy, human rights, and youth participation.
• To strengthen participants' skills in human rights-based advocacy and equip them to develop and execute effective advocacy strategies.
• To provide a platform for participants to exchange experiences, learn from one another, and explore best practices in advocating for human rights and democracy, engaging with decision-makers, and fostering youth participation in governance.
• To connect participants with the work of the Youth Department, particularly the Youth Revitalising Democracy project.
• To develop joint advocacy initiatives and actions aligned with the goals of the Youth Revitalising Democracy project, with a focus on enhancing youth participation.

The training course will be based on the approaches on democratic citizenship and human rights education, being designed to be an experience of mutual learning and sharing among participants. The participants will have the chance to have hands on experiences, as well as engage with experts from the Council of Europe institutions and sectors, in order to learn how to advocate on youth issues within the institution, as well as advocate for the implementation of Council of Europe standards at national and local level. 

Eligibility | Who can apply?

The training course is designed for participants who are:

- resident in one of the state parties to the European Cultural Convention; exceptions can be made if justified.

- aged between 18 and 30 years, exceptions can be made if justified;

- representatives of national youth councils, international youth organisations, and other youth civil society motivated to further advocate towards and cooperate with the Council of Europe;

- Having a position in their organisations to follow-up on the training course with advocacy campaigns or initiatives;

- Committed to the values of the Council of Europe, democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and to youth participation and are interested in taking further action;

- motivated and able to take in the entire training course and be involved in the project

follow-up;

- able to communicate autonomously in the English language.

Note: The Council of Europe will select up to 30 participants on the basis of the profile outlined above.

Expenses and Benefits

- Travel expenses and visa fees for the training seminar in Strasbourg will be reimbursed according to the rules of the Council of Europe

- Only the participants who attend the entire training seminar can be reimbursed. 

- Board and lodging for the residential training seminar will be provided and paid for by the Council of Europe at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg.

- The European Youth Centres are accessible to people with disabilities and can take measures to accommodate for any access needs of participants in this respect. Please provide the necessary information in your application form. 

Timeline

Application deadline: 14:00 (CET), 3 December 2024

Arrival day: Saturday, 25 January 2025

Activities period: 26-31 January 2025

Departure day: Saturday, 1 February 2025.

Note: Candidates will be informed whether their application has been accepted or rejected, and if they have been put on the waiting list, by 3rd December 2024.

How to apply?

All candidates must apply on-line at https://youthapplications.coe.int. In addition to completing their application form online, they should send a support letter from their sending organisation via email at youthdemocracy@coe.int. 

More Details

For more details about the training course, kindly check the info-pack or the opportunity page on the Council of Europe page from HERE

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Opportunity Website⇗

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