About this opportunity
RightsLab Morocco 2026 brings together twenty young defenders for a short, intensive lab on how to protect human rights and civic space in Morocco. Avocats Sans Frontières designed it as a working space, not a classroom. Participants bring a real problem from their own practice, test ideas against the experience of the room, and leave with methods they can use the following week. The initiative is supported by the Belgian Directorate-General for Development Cooperation.
The lab is open to lawyers and legal professionals, activists and organisers, journalists and researchers, communicators, and people who use culture and art for advocacy. Sessions cover legal accompaniment, documenting violations, community mobilisation, advocacy and communication, and research that feeds direct action. Anyone who has spent time in this field knows the bottleneck is rarely motivation. It is the gap between knowing something is wrong and knowing what to do next, and those three to four days are built for exactly that gap.
Participation is fully funded and the organisers prefer a residential format so the exchange does not stop when the sessions end. The exact location is still to be confirmed. Sessions run in Arabic, Darija and French. This is a genuine opportunity for defenders working outside the capital, since applicants from diverse regions of Morocco and from less institutionalised local initiatives and collectives receive special consideration.
What you receive
- Fully funded participation in a three to four day in person lab
- Practical training in legal accompaniment and documentation of violations
- Structured peer exchange with 20 defenders working across Morocco
- A residential format designed to keep the network active after the sessions
- Support to turn a specific challenge from your own work into an actionable plan
- Delivery in Arabic, Darija and French
Who can apply
- Moroccan nationals or residents
- Aged 18 to 30 at the time of application
- Actively working in human rights defence, in law, activism, journalism, research, communication, or arts based advocacy
- Able to attend the full three to four day programme between October and November 2026
- Able to take part in Arabic, Darija or French
- Able to commit to collective exchange and contribute to group sessions
Who should not apply
- Applicants who are not based in Morocco
- Applicants outside the stated age range of 18 to 30
- Applicants unable to attend the in person sessions for the full duration
Documents to prepare
- A completed application form
- A description of your background and your human rights engagement
- A statement of motivation for taking part
- A short outline of one specific challenge you want to explore during the event
- A curriculum vitae of no more than two pages
How to apply
- Open the official RightsLab Morocco 2026 application form at https://forms.gle/NwXBEMgDbPvWgjLGA.
- Enter your contact details and a summary of your background and current human rights work.
- Describe why you want to join and what you hope to bring to the group.
- Set out the specific challenge you would like to explore during the lab.
- Attach a curriculum vitae of no more than two pages.
- Confirm your availability for the three to four day programme between October and November 2026.
- Submit the form before midnight on 10 October 2026, Morocco time.
Selection process
- Applications are reviewed against the published eligibility criteria.
- Reviewers assess how each profile contributes to the balance and group dynamics of the cohort.
- Special consideration is given to applicants from diverse regions of Morocco and to less institutionalised local initiatives and collectives.
- Shortlisted candidates are contacted directly by the organisers.
- Twenty participants are selected in total.
Sources and verification
Questions applicants ask
When is the deadline for RightsLab Morocco 2026?
Applications close on 10 October 2026 at midnight, Morocco time.
Who can apply?
Young human rights defenders from Morocco aged 18 to 30, including lawyers, activists, journalists, researchers, communicators and arts based advocates.
How long does the programme last?
The lab runs for three to four days between October and November 2026.
Which languages are used?
Sessions are delivered in Arabic, Darija and French.
Where will the event take place?
The exact location is still to be confirmed. A residential format is preferred so participants can stay for the full exchange.
Does it cost anything to take part?
The call describes the lab as fully funded and applications are made through the official form. It does not publish a separate cost or stipend figure.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
