Media Defence Sub-Saharan Africa Litigation Surgery Program 2025

Media Defence, The Kennedy Human Rights Center, and Vuka invite lawyers from Sub-Saharan Africa to apply for a litigation surgery focused on strategic human rights litigation.

What it offers

• A three-day in-person litigation surgery in Nairobi, Kenya, from October 2nd–4th, 2026.
• A maximum of 15 participants will be selected.
• For successful applicants, Media Defence will provide:
  • Return travel from your home country to Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Accommodation for the day before and the duration of the surgery.
  • Expenses for travel to and from the airport in your home country and Nairobi.
  • Reimbursement for visa costs (participants must arrange and cover any visa requirements).
  • A per diem for travel days and the duration of the surgery and conference (rate to be determined).

Who can apply

• Qualified lawyers who currently work and reside in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Applicants must demonstrate working proficiency in English.
• Lawyers in private practice or affiliated with NGOs promoting human rights through litigation in the region.
• Experience, interest, or knowledge in freedom of expression, freedom of association and assembly, digital rights, internet freedom, or related areas.
• Knowledge of or experience engaging with international and regional human rights law.
• Submission of a case study involving a violation of freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, the rights of human rights defenders, or related human rights issues.

What you'll do

• Learn from specialists and strengthen understanding of relevant legal frameworks and strategic litigation approaches.
• Participate in practical sessions where you present and discuss cases with peers and specialists.
• Develop effective litigation strategies, strengthen case preparation, and explore the use of national, regional, and international mechanisms.
• Foster a network of lawyers working on related human rights cases and engage with regional and international legal mechanisms and civil society initiatives.

How to apply

• Complete the online application or send the completed application form to training@mediadefence.org.
• The deadline for applications is July 31st, 2026.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; the call may close early if a high volume of submissions is received.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted shortly after the deadline.

Good to know

• Geographic and other relevant factors may be considered alongside merit-based criteria to ensure a diverse and representative cohort.
• For accessibility support or general inquiries, contact Media Defence directly.
• Details are subject to change.