On 3 June, 2024 Ifeoma Chuks wrote about the Marianne Initiative 2025 for human rights defenders

In 2021, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the launch of the Marianne Initiative for human rights defenders, aimed at better supporting them in their fight, both abroad and in France. The Marianne Association for Human Rights Defenders was created to federate the actors involved in our country (State, organisations and associations for the promotion of human rights and reception, local authorities, qualified personalities, etc.) and to carry the initiative’s support pillar in France, for the benefit of about fifteen laureates per year (reception, personalised support, networking, etc.).

After receiving the first all-female class in 2022 and a mixed class in 2023, the third class was officially launched now.

Some fifteen men and women from every continent have been welcomed to France for six months as part of the Initiative. The winners benefit from a training program designed to strengthen their skills and commitment in their home country or in France, whether in favour of civil and political rights, women’s rights, minority rights or environmental rights.

Recipients complete a comprehensive program consisting of:

• Training in negotiation, leadership, advocacy, physical and digital security, project management, etc. ;
• Courses from the School of International Affairs of Sciences Po Paris and French language;
• Contact with French or international personalities involved in human rights and development issues;
• Meetings with inspiring personalities and potential partner organizations (NGOs, foundations, institutions, etc.);
• Conferences and cultural activities ;
• Individual interviews to support the activist project;
• Visits to international institutions and organizations;
• Exchanges with members of the program’s alumni network.

The hosting programme in France provides for accommodation near Paris, the payment of a monthly grant to cover daily needs, a training programme, support, and networking with Human Rights Defenders for a period of 6 months. After the 6 months, participants no longer benefit from the grant, the accommodation and the support provided in the programme. Participation is individual and does not provide for the laureate to be accompanied by their family.

Class of 2025 runs from January-July 2025. The Application Deadline: 17th June 2024

Apply here

Visit Award Webpage for Details

https://www.afterschoolafrica.com/83981/marianne-initiative-2025-for-human-rights-defenders/

This post was originally published on Hans Thoolen on Human Rights Defenders and their awards.