News

2026-27 Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) now accepting applications!
Tuesday, August 19, 2025

The Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) is now open for applications to the 2026-27 program. 

2010 Advocate from Belarus at ILO Annual Conference
Monday, August 18, 2025

2010 Advocate Siarhei Antusevich, the Vice-President of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions, met ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo at the 2025 International Labour Conference in Geneva. Siarhei reported the following: “The 2025 session focused on global challenges such as the just transition, decent work in the platform economy, and the strengthening of international labour standards.

Reflection by ISHR Student Volunteering with HRAP Alum in Mexico
Monday, August 18, 2025

Uni Valdivieso Wooldridge, a Master’s Student in Human Rights Studies at ISHR, is one of three students participating in ISHR’s Student Volunteer Program (SVP) this summer. Since 2011, SVP has been offering Columbia students the opportunity to volunteer at the organizations of Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) alumni around the world. Following is her reflection on her experience working with 2023-24 Advocate David Mejía and his colleagues at Documenta in Mexico City.

Advocate Highlight: Absolom Shalakha
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
2013 Advocate Absolom Shalakha, a Kenyan national, is a Cofounder and the Executive Director at Change for Planet Foundation (C4P), an NGO registered in Kenya with regional operations. He has over sixteen years of professional experience in Governance, Climate Action, Peace building; particularly in Mediation, Prevention of Violent Extremism, Research, Conflict and Project Management at different levels.
Advocate from Georgia Reflects on HRAP
Wednesday, July 16, 2025

2022-23 Advocate Marine Kapanadze sent the following reflection on her time in HRAP. 

When I reflect on the time I spent at Columbia University as part of the 2022-23 Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP), I can confidently say it was one of the most transformative and empowering periods of my professional life. My time in New York City was not only intellectually enriching, but it also provided me with practical skills and personal growth that continue to shape my work as a human rights lawyer and civic space defender in Georgia.

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