EHRAC secures first crowdfunded grant from Avaaz to mentor human rights lawyers
The European Human Rights Advocacy Centre (EHRAC), based at Middlesex University’s School of Law, has been awarded a grant by the Avaaz Foundation, an advocacy organisation which galvanises its vast membership to crowdfund projects addressing pressing global, regional and local issues. Avaaz carefully selects grantees, based on extensive research and consultations to find the leading experts in the areas they wish to fund. EHRAC is honoured to have been chosen in this way, especially as this is our first crowdfunded grant. Under this project, we will support and develop the capacity of young human rights lawyers where it has become increasingly difficult for them to operate.
“We are delighted to be part of Avaaz’s work combatting state action aimed at stifling civil society. Rule of law and criminal justice systems are increasingly used to silence civil society, making the role of human rights lawyers critically important in challenging the status quo. Such a hostile environment has led to a generational gap: a younger generation of lawyers needs to be supported and empowered.”
Prof. Philip Leach, EHRAC Director
Through intensive training on international human rights law, fellowships in our offices at Middlesex University, and one-to-one mentoring on strategic cases, we aim to cultivate a highly-skilled cadre of lawyers equipped with the knowledge and skills to challenge systemic human rights breaches in their countries.
“We hope to inform Avaaz members across the world about the repressive regimes in our target region, and how we can use strategic human rights litigation as a tool for concrete change.”
Prof. Philip Leach, EHRAC Director
