Grant call for local anti-torture organisations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) and Israel

As a part of the United Against Torture Consortium (UATC), launched in 2023 by the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) and five other major anti-torture organisations - the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT), the International Federation of ACATs (FIACAT), the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), Omega Research Foundation and REDRESS – the OMCT will provide targeted and strategic support to local anti-torture organisations in the OPT and Israel to increase the impact and reach of their work, foster their sustainability and resilience in response to adversity, and stimulate the growth of the movement. The UATC is funded by the European Union (EU).

ABOUT THE OMCT

The OMCT works with around 200 member organisations, which constitute its SOS-Torture Network, to end torture, fight impunity and protect human rights defenders worldwide. The SOS-Torture Network is the largest global group actively standing up to torture in more than 75 countries. Helping local voices be heard, the OMCT supports its field partners and directly assists victims. The international secretariat of the OMCT is based in Geneva, with offices in Brussels and Tunis.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

With financial support from the EU, the OMCT is supporting initiatives by Israeli and Palestinian civil society organisations aimed at contributing to the preparation of a civil society report for the 6th cycle of the CAT Review of Israel at its 83rd session in July 2025. The objective is to empower civil society actors to actively participate in the CAT review and report on the situation of torture and ill-treatment in the country.

The total funding available per organisation/coalition for this project is 7,000 EUR.

SCOPE OF APPLICATION AND METHODOLOGY

The situation of torture and related crimes in Israel, and the country’s implementation of the Convention against Torture have been reviewed at CAT’s 57th session in 2016. During its consideration of Israel’s 5th periodic report, CAT focused on the following areas in its Concluding Observations and the list of issues prior to submission of the 6th periodic report adopted in 2019: definition and criminalisation of torture; independent medical examinations of persons deprived of liberty; administrative detention; solitary confinement and other forms of isolation; and allegations of torture and ill-treatment during interrogation.

Despite civil society’s efforts to facilitate the implementation of CAT recommendations, the situation of torture and related crimes has worsened since October 7, 2023. This is particularly true for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, alongside escalating attempts to silence Palestinian and Israeli civil society organisations and human rights defenders through restrictive legislation adopted by the Knesset.

Within the framework of the upcoming CAT review of Israel, the OMCT seeks to strengthen the capacity of anti-torture organisations and coalitions to effectively participate in this international mechanism. The goal is to promote the implementation of the Convention against Torture and other fundamental human rights obligations by Israel.

Eligible applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that may include the following activities:

1. Preparation of an alternative report for the CAT review of Israel, focusing on the situation of torture and other ill-treatment, including figures, as well as identification of key legislative and institutional challenges and recommendations to promote effective prevention, investigation, accountability, and redress, including rehabilitations and non-repetition measures.
2. Organisation of consultations and meetings with civil society organisations, human rights defenders, authorities, and international stakeholders related to the CAT review;
3. Public awareness-raising materials and events related to the key challenges and steps needed in the fight against torture and the importance of CAT reviews and recommendations, targeting journalists, other civil society organisations, academic experts, state institutions, diplomatic representatives, and/or international agencies;
4. Documentation work, including visits to places of detention, interviews with victims, among others.

Proposed activities must be completed by 31 December 2025. The OMCT may provide technical advice and/or participate in implementing proposed activities. Applicants should indicate in the application form if the OMCT support is requested.

All proposed actions must:

> Promote participatory and inclusive methodologies among anti-torture organisations;

> Ensure appropriate safeguards for the safety of participating individuals, organisations, and victims of torture and other ill-treatment.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

• Registered or unregistered civil society groups, organisations, or coalitions;
• Local anti-torture organisations aiming to increase the impact and reach of their work while fostering sustainability, resilience, and the growth of the movement.

APPLICATION SUBMISSION

Applications submitted jointly by more than one organisation will be prioritised. However, the lead organisation must be identified to manage financial resources and submit narrative and financial reports. The division of tasks between applicant organisations must be clearly specified in the proposal. Personnel from the applicant organisation(s) and/or consultants may be hired to carry out activities as part of the project.

Two applications, one from the OPT and one from Israel, will be selected based on eligibility criteria and an evaluation of the proposal’s content, scope, and methodology.

HOW TO APPLY

Download the application form (available here) and submit it by 7 March 2025 via email with the subject line “Grant Call – CAT Review of Israel” to: Ilef Kassab, OMCT MENA Human Rights Adviser [ika@omct.org], with Helena Solà [hs@omct.org] and Marie Salphati [msa@omct.org] in cc.

This Open Call for financing country projects has been made possible with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT). They can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.