Call for applications: Risk management training for human rights defenders in the Western Balkans

Do you work on human rights in the Western Balkans and want to strengthen your approach to safety and security?

ODIHR invites young human rights defenders to apply for a three-day training on risk management in human rights work, taking place in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, from 30 November to 2 December 2026.

The training will bring together up to 20 participants from across the Western Balkans to explore risk management methods and practise applying them to the contexts and challenges of their human rights work.

Applications are open until 15 October 2026. All training-related costs, including travel and accommodation, will be fully covered.

The training promotes a holistic approach to security, combining risk management methods with practical exercises tailored to participants’ working environments and needs.

Participants will explore physical, digital and psychological risks, exchange experiences with other young human rights defenders, and develop practical tools to manage risks in their current and future work.

The course will also provide space to discuss crisis situations and ways to prepare for unforeseen challenges. The training will be conducted in English, and participants must be available to attend in person for its full duration.

By the end of the training, participants will be better equipped to:

• Understand risk management and a holistic approach to security;
• Identify physical, digital, psychological and context-specific risks associated with human rights work;
• Carry out risk assessments, choose appropriate strategies to address risks, and repeat the process as challenges evolve;
• Apply the knowledge and skills acquired to their own circumstances and future human rights work.

The call is open to human rights defenders aged 18–35 working individually or within an organization in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia or Serbia.

Applicants should:

• Be able to understand and communicate freely in English, the sole working language of the training;
• Demonstrate a strong motivation to learn about risk management, risk assessment and a holistic approach to security;
• Explain how the training is relevant to their current or potential future human rights work;
• Be available to attend in person and participate actively for the full duration of the training.

Participants will be selected on a competitive basis. ODIHR will also consider the overall composition of the group, including geographical representation and diversity.

* There is no consensus among OSCE participating States on the status of Kosovo, and as such, the Organization does not have a position on this issue. All references to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in this text should be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244.

Complete the online application form by 15 October 2026.

ODIHR will notify only successful candidates of the outcome of the selection process.

The cost of participation is fully covered by the organizers, including travel and accommodation.

For questions about the training or the selection procedure, please contact Marine Constant at marine.constant@odihr.pl and Zala Cas at zala.cas@odihr.pl.