Fully Funded Sub-Saharan Africa Litigation Surgery 2026: Lawyers Across Africa Invited to Apply ·Saharan Africa Litigation Surgery 2026: Lawyers Across Africa Invited to Apply

African Lawyers Invited to Nairobi Human Rights Litigation Training on Strategic Legal Action

Lawyers working across Sub-Saharan Africa have been invited to apply for the Sub-Saharan Africa Litigation Surgery 2026, an in-person training programme designed to strengthen strategic litigation skills and advance the protection of human rights.

The programme is organised by Media Defence, The Kennedy Human Rights Center, and Vuka and will bring together legal professionals working on cases related to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, digital rights, and the protection of human rights defenders.

The three-day litigation surgery will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 2–4 October 2026, providing participants with practical training, expert guidance, and opportunities to exchange experiences with other lawyers from the region.

Programme Strengthens Human Rights Litigation Skills

The Litigation Surgery aims to support lawyers who are using legal strategies to challenge human rights violations and promote accountability.

Participants will explore approaches for developing stronger cases and using national, regional, and international legal mechanisms to protect fundamental freedoms.

The programme will focus on:

• Strategic litigation methods.
• Case preparation and development.
• Human rights legal frameworks.
• Freedom of expression protections.
• Freedom of assembly and association.
• Protection of human rights defenders.
• Digital rights and internet freedom.
• Engagement with regional and international human rights mechanisms.

Through expert-led sessions and practical discussions, participants will strengthen their ability to respond to complex legal challenges affecting civic freedoms.

Lawyers Will Receive Practical Training and Peer Support

The Litigation Surgery is designed as an interactive learning experience where participants will present and discuss cases they are currently working on or planning to pursue.

The programme will provide opportunities to:

• Receive feedback from experienced human rights lawyers.
• Share litigation strategies with regional peers.
• Explore effective legal responses to rights violations.
• Build professional networks across Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Strengthen collaboration among lawyers working on human rights cases.

A maximum of 15 participants will be selected for the programme.

Fully Supported Participation Opportunity in Kenya

Successful applicants will receive support to participate in the Nairobi-based training.

Media Defence will provide:

• Return travel from participants’ home countries to Nairobi, Kenya.
• Accommodation before and during the litigation surgery.
• Airport transfer travel expenses.
• Reimbursement of visa costs.
• A per diem allowance for travel days and programme participation.

Participants will be responsible for arranging any required visas before attending the programme.

Eligibility Requirements for Applicants

The opportunity is open to qualified lawyers who meet the programme criteria.

Applicants must:

• Be qualified lawyers currently living and working in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Have working proficiency in English.
• Work in private practice or with a human rights-focused non-governmental organisation.
• Demonstrate experience, interest, or knowledge in human rights litigation.
• Understand international or regional human rights law.
• Submit a relevant case study as part of their application.

Applicants may submit cases involving issues such as:

• Criminal or civil defamation.
• Violence against journalists.
• Restrictions on online or print media.
• Digital privacy violations.
• Spyware and unlawful surveillance.
• National security measures affecting freedom of expression.
• Restrictions on peaceful assembly and association.
• Laws affecting human rights defenders.

Lawyers without extensive previous human rights litigation experience may also be considered if they demonstrate commitment and capacity to work in this area.

Case-Based Learning Focuses on Real Legal Challenges

Applicants are encouraged to submit a case study involving an actual or potential legal challenge.

The case may involve:

• A matter currently being litigated.
• A case intended for future litigation.
• A law, policy, or practice that requires legal challenge.

Participants will use the litigation surgery as a platform to improve legal strategies and develop stronger approaches for protecting human rights.

Diversity and Regional Representation Encouraged

The organisers are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout the selection process.

Applications will be considered with attention to:

• Geographic representation.
• Professional experience.
• Commitment to human rights protection.
• Potential contribution to regional legal networks.

The programme aims to create a diverse group of lawyers who can strengthen human rights advocacy across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Application Deadline and Process

Interested lawyers must submit applications before the deadline.

Key details:

• Programme: Sub-Saharan Africa Litigation Surgery 2026
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Dates: 2–4 October 2026
• Application deadline: 31 July 2026
• Selection: Rolling review process

Applications may close early if a large number of submissions are received.

Applicants can complete the online application form or submit a completed application form through the designated email channel provided by Media Defence.

Building Stronger Human Rights Protection Through Law

The Sub-Saharan Africa Litigation Surgery provides a valuable opportunity for lawyers to develop practical litigation skills and strengthen efforts to defend fundamental freedoms.

By bringing together legal professionals from across the region, the programme supports collaboration, knowledge exchange, and stronger strategic responses to human rights challenges.

Qualified lawyers committed to advancing freedom of expression, civic space, and human rights protection are encouraged to apply before the deadline.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the  organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official  organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

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