The objective of advocacy grants is to leverage strategic linkages of new and existing networks of individuals and civil society to advocate for policy changes related to freedom of expression and religion online nationally, regionally and globally.
Available grants
1. Developing a policy brief and organising a consultation with policy makers on issues related to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) and freedom of expression (FoE) online in Bangladesh, India and Indonesia.
Three grants available for developing a policy brief and organising a consultation with policy makers in the three countries. Applicants can propose to develop the policy brief in one of these three countries: Bangladesh, India or Indonesia.
Indicative topics for this policy brief could include relevant national legislation, including information and communications technology legislation; the use of religion to target women and LGBTIQ communities; the role of media, social media and internet service providers and platforms in perpetrating and curbing hate speech; and the censorship of artistic content in the name of religion. However, the applicant may propose a topic outside this list as long as it relates to the thematic area of focus in the project. The policy brief must advocate a human rights-based approach and include gender perspectives on the issue in question.
Amount available: USD 2,200 for each grant.
2. Developing a Universal Periodic Review (UPR) submission through consultation with relevant stakeholders on issues related to freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression online in Bangladesh, India and Indonesia.
Three grants available for making UPR submissions in the three countries. Applicants can propose to develop a submission to the UPR process for one of these three countries: Bangladesh, India or Indonesia. The submission must be developed through a process of consultation with relevant stakeholders, especially civil society. It must specifically focus on issues related to FoRB and FoE online.
Amount available: USD 2,200 for each grant.
3. Organising a consultation with national human rights institutions (NHRIs) on issues related to freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression online in Bangladesh, India and Indonesia.
Three grants available for conducting consultations with the national human rights institutions in the three countries. Applicants can propose to hold a consultation in one of these three countries: Bangladesh, India or Indonesia. The consultations must be to advocate for or build awareness with NHRIs on issues related to FoRB and FoE, especially as they are exercised online.
Amount available: USD 1,200 for each grant.
4. Other advocacy
The applicant may propose any other advocacy that they are interested in carrying out as long as it relates to the thematic area of focus and countries of focus in the project.
To apply for a Challenge advocacy grant, click here.