Human rights fellowship established

Two international human rights campaigners will come to Scotland to study under a new research fellowship as part of ongoing work to promote human rights.

The Scottish Human Rights Defender Fellowship will be a partnership between the Scottish Government and the University of Dundee, supported by campaign groups Front Line Defenders, Amnesty International, Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund and Beyond Borders Scotland.

Participants will shortly be invited to apply to spend three months in Scotland, combining study at the University of Dundee with the chance to build relationships and share expertise with Scottish human rights and equality organisations.

Equalities Secretary Angela Constance said: “Across the globe there are people defending basic human rights that everybody should be able take for granted. From standing against torture, arbitrary detention and discrimination, to campaigning for access to housing, health care, education, food and water. Often this requires great self-sacrifice in the face of persistent difficulties, abuse and even threats to personal safety.

“This fellowship provides a place of safety so participants can carry out research, develop new skills, build networks and return better equipped to continue their work fighting for the fundamental rights we need to demand for each other.”