Strengthening Regional Temporary Relocation Pathways for Human Rights Defenders

14–16 October 2026 | Tirana, Albania

Araminta, together with SCiDEV, ProtectDefenders.eu, Justice and Peace, and Shelter City Global, invites civil society organisations, municipalities, universities, cultural institutions and other partners to apply for a regional workshop dedicated to strengthening temporary relocation pathways and protection mechanisms for human rights defenders (HRDs).

The workshop will bring together organisations already providing – or interested in developing – temporary relocation, shelter, hosting and rest-and-respite programmes. It will offer a unique opportunity to exchange practical experience, strengthen regional partnerships and explore new models of cooperation across EU candidate countries and neighbouring EU Member States.

Why this workshop matters

Across Europe and neighbouring regions, many organisations already support human rights defenders at risk through temporary hosting, emergency accommodation and other protection measures. Much of this important work, however, remains informal, fragmented and disconnected from wider European protection networks.

This workshop aims to strengthen regional cooperation by connecting existing initiatives, encouraging new partnerships and exploring sustainable approaches to temporary relocation and protection. Participants will work together to identify practical solutions, share operational experience and help build stronger regional protection ecosystems.

Who should apply?

Applications are welcome from organisations and institutions working in, or interested in, the protection of human rights defenders, including:

• Civil society organisations
• Temporary relocation, shelter and hosting initiatives
• Organisations providing emergency support to HRDs
• Municipalities and local authorities
• Universities and fellowship programmes
• Cultural institutions
• Grassroots organisations
• International organisations
• Emerging initiatives exploring future protection mechanisms

Applications are particularly encouraged from organisations based in:

• EU candidate countries
• Neighbouring EU Member States
• Organisations working across regional borders
• What participants can expect

During the three-day workshop, participants will:

• exchange experiences and good practices
• discuss existing relocation and protection models
• strengthen regional partnerships
• meet municipalities, universities and institutional partners
• identify opportunities for future cooperation
• contribute to building stronger regional protection ecosystems for human rights defenders
• Financial support

A limited number of participants may receive financial support to cover travel and accommodation costs.

Priority will be given to grassroots organisations, emerging initiatives and applicants with limited financial resources whose participation would strengthen the diversity and regional impact of the workshop.

Workshop details

Location: Tirana, Albania

Dates: 14–16 October 2026

Working language: English

Application deadline: 10 August 2026

Questions?

For further information, please contact: Evgeny Shtorn, es@araminta-advisers.eu

About the organisers

This regional initiative is jointly organised by Araminta, SCiDEV, ProtectDefenders.eu, Justice and Peace, and Shelter City Global. Together, the partners work to strengthen protection mechanisms and sustainable support systems for human rights defenders across Europe and neighbouring regions.