Institutional Support for Local Organisations at Risk

The OMCT supports local human rights organisations in improving their operations, developing important initiatives, and strengthening their capacities. The objective is to prevent and address violations suffered by human rights defenders and their organisations, particularly in difficult countries and vulnerable communities.

Who is eligible?

Requests for medium or longer-term assistance are assessed based on three main criteria: identity, situation, and needs.

  • The applicant must be a human rights organisation operating by the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders;
  • The applicant organisation must face risks due to its human rights work. This criterion recognises the challenges and threats that arise from their efforts to defend human rights;
  • The applicant is a group or NGO experiencing difficulties seeking donor support. These include organisations targeted because of their specific objective, newly created or unregistered groups, those requiring rapid and flexible assistance, and those operating in isolated areas. They also face financial obstacles and administrative persecution in contexts where legislation restricts their activities.

What type of activity?

The following activities are eligible for financial support for local human rights organisations:

  • Strengthen the operational capacity of local human rights organisations and the media;
  • Take advantage of emerging and innovative local protection initiatives, especially in remote areas;
  • Provide a lifeline to local organisations threatened by unexpected, severe security, financial, legal, or administrative situations;
  • Develop capacity to introduce innovative local projects and activities, including youth-led human rights movements, to prevent and respond to violations faced by human rights defenders and their organisations and to advance the human rights agenda;
  • Build the capacity of local organisations by enabling them to obtain and conduct specific training in areas that would help protect them, such as physical and digital security, legal defence, litigation, etc.
  • Campaign and advocate for protecting defenders and advancing the human rights agenda.

HOW TO APPLY?

Any human rights defender or local organisation facing risks because of their human rights work and needing urgent support can apply for an emergency grant.

PAUSE Proposal Submissions

Thank you for your interest. Due to the high volume of requests we have received, we are currently unable to accept or review new proposals. 

We sincerely appreciate your understanding and encourage you to explore alternative sources of support here:

Applicant organisations must provide evidence of support/recommendation from other professionals in the human rights movement.

The average grant is €15,000, and the maximum is €60,000. The duration of support may not exceed one year.

The OMCT wishes to thank the European Union, the Republic, and the Canton of Geneva for their support. The content of this page is the sole responsibility of the OMCT and should in no way be interpreted as reflecting the view(s) of the supporting institutions.