PBI-USA Solidarity Fellowship 2026: A Unique Human Rights Fellowship for Emerging Leaders Committed to Global Justice

Are you passionate about human rights, social justice, advocacy, grassroots activism, and international solidarity? The PBI-USA Solidarity Fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity for emerging leaders to deepen their understanding of human rights protection while supporting the work of frontline human rights defenders around the world.

The Solidarity Fellowship is a leadership and advocacy initiative organized by Peace Brigades International-USA (PBI-USA), an organization dedicated to protecting human rights defenders and promoting nonviolent approaches to conflict transformation. Through this fellowship, participants gain hands-on experience in advocacy, communications, movement-building, and international solidarity while contributing to the protection of activists facing threats and violence in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

The fellowship is designed for individuals who are committed to advancing justice, amplifying marginalized voices, and supporting communities working to defend human rights, environmental justice, land rights, indigenous rights, and democratic freedoms.

About Peace Brigades International-USA (PBI-USA)

Peace Brigades International (PBI) is an internationally recognized non-governmental organization founded in 1981 with a mission to protect human rights and promote the nonviolent transformation of conflicts. For more than four decades, PBI has worked alongside threatened human rights defenders, providing protective accompaniment and international support that helps create safer environments for activists and civil society organizations.

PBI’s work spans multiple countries where human rights defenders face risks due to their efforts to promote justice, accountability, environmental protection, indigenous rights, gender equality, and peacebuilding. The organization’s presence and international networks help deter violence and create space for local activists to continue their important work.

The Solidarity Fellowship reflects PBI-USA’s commitment to building a new generation of human rights advocates who understand the importance of international solidarity and grassroots action.

What is the PBI-USA Solidarity Fellowship?

The Solidarity Fellowship is a professional development and leadership opportunity that allows fellows to engage directly with human rights advocacy efforts while learning about international human rights protection mechanisms.

The fellowship provides participants with practical experience and exposure to:

• Human rights advocacy
• International solidarity campaigns
• Communications and storytelling
• Public education and awareness initiatives
• Community organizing
• Policy engagement
• Nonviolent conflict transformation
• Movement-building strategies
• Human rights accompaniment models

Fellows become part of a network of activists, advocates, and organizations dedicated to advancing human rights and supporting communities at risk.

Why the Fellowship Matters

Across the world, human rights defenders often face intimidation, criminalization, threats, surveillance, and violence because of their work.

Many defenders advocate for:

• Indigenous rights
• Women’s rights
• Environmental protection
• Land rights
• Community development
• Freedom of expression
• Access to justice
• Democratic participation

PBI’s work focuses on creating safer environments for these defenders by mobilizing international attention and solidarity. Through the fellowship, participants gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by activists globally and learn how international networks can contribute to their protection.

Fellowship Learning Areas

Participants in the Solidarity Fellowship can expect to strengthen their knowledge and skills in several key areas.

1. Human Rights Advocacy

Fellows learn how advocacy campaigns are developed and implemented to support threatened communities and human rights defenders.

2. Strategic Communications

The programme helps participants understand how storytelling, media engagement, and public education can amplify important human rights issues.

3. International Solidarity

Fellows gain insight into how global networks collaborate to support local movements and protect activists facing risks.

4. Nonviolent Peacebuilding

Participants explore approaches to conflict transformation that prioritize dialogue, protection, and community-led solutions.

5. Leadership Development

The fellowship helps emerging leaders strengthen their communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.

6. Global Human Rights Issues

Participants deepen their understanding of international human rights frameworks and contemporary human rights challenges affecting communities worldwide.

Benefits of the PBI-USA Solidarity Fellowship

The fellowship offers numerous professional and personal development benefits.

Professional Experience

Participants gain meaningful experience within an internationally respected human rights organization.

Mentorship and Networking

Fellows have opportunities to engage with experienced advocates, human rights defenders, and professionals working across the human rights sector.

Leadership Development

The programme helps participants build leadership skills that can support future careers in advocacy, nonprofit management, public policy, law, international development, and social justice.

Human Rights Knowledge

Participants develop a stronger understanding of international human rights systems and grassroots organizing strategies.

Career Advancement

The experience gained through the fellowship can strengthen future applications for graduate studies, advocacy roles, nonprofit positions, and international development opportunities.

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship is ideal for:

• Emerging human rights advocates
• Students and recent graduates
• Social justice organizers
• Community leaders
• Aspiring nonprofit professionals
• Individuals interested in international affairs
• Peacebuilding practitioners
• Human rights researchers
• Advocacy and communications professionals

Applicants who are passionate about justice, human rights, and global solidarity are particularly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should visit the official PBI-USA Solidarity Fellowship webpage to review current opportunities, eligibility requirements, application instructions, and programme details.

Applicants are encouraged to prepare strong application materials that clearly demonstrate their commitment to human rights, advocacy, social justice, and community engagement.

Why You Should Consider This Fellowship

The PBI-USA Solidarity Fellowship is more than a professional opportunity. It is an opportunity to contribute to a global movement that protects human rights defenders and supports communities working for justice and peace.

For individuals seeking practical advocacy experience, leadership development, and a deeper understanding of international human rights work, the fellowship offers a powerful platform to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact.