Call for Applications: Rights Experts Programme 2026
Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD) & The Inclusivity Project (TIP)
AFRICA | ASIA | EUROPE | LATIN AMERICA
Who We Are
The Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD) and The Inclusivity Project (TIP) are committed to voicing the rights of communities discriminated on work and descent (CDWD). We aim for the full realisation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for CDWD, ensuring they are not left behind in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
What is Discrimination Based on Work and Descent (CDWD)?
This refers to any exclusion or restriction based on inherited status—such as caste, ancestral occupation, or social origin—that impairs the enjoyment of human rights in political, economic, and social life. Communities discriminated on work and descent (CDWD) include Roma (in Europe and Latin America), Dalit and Burakumin (in Asia), Palenque and Quilombola (in Latin America), Haratin and other African communities (in Africa), among others.
The 2026 Programme Opportunity
We are seeking eight passionate Rights Experts (REs) to join our flagship leadership initiative. This program builds the capacity of community leaders—particularly women and youth—to lead evidence-based advocacy at national, regional, and international levels.
General Profile: Rights Expert (RE) for CDWD Advocacy
The ideal candidate possesses the “courage to confront injustice” and the ambition to translate the lived realities of their communities into actionable policy recommendations on the global stage. A Rights Expert acts as a transformative leader and evidence-gatherer, serving as a vital link between marginalized grassroots communities and high-impact policy forums.
The Rights Expert will be trained to navigate the complexities of the United Nations system to ensure CDWD issues are no longer overlooked. This includes:
1) Preparing and coordinating shadow reports and technical submissions for bodies such as CEDAW (Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women) and CERD (Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination);
2) Drafting and submitting written inputs to UN Special Rapporteurs and thematic mandate holders to highlight status-based discrimination. Support the drafting of shadow reports for UN Treaty Bodies and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).
3) Supporting strategic interventions at the Human Rights Council and the UN General Assembly to influence global non-discrimination norms.
Rights Experts will lead efforts to hold states accountable by engaging with domestic and regional legal frameworks:
1) Conducting legal reviews of national legislation (e.g., land rights, labour rights, and citizenship laws) and documenting gaps between domestic law and international human rights standards.
2) Systematically documenting patterns of systemic violence and discrimination through case studies and qualitative testimonies to inform litigation and reform efforts.
3) Promote visibility of CDWD issues within regional human rights platforms (i.e., African Commission, Council of Europe).
4) Advance youth-led advocacy and document challenges specifically facing CDWD youth.
Rights Experts will focus on the 2030 Agenda.
Providing strategic support and technical inputs for interventions at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), Voluntary National Reviews (VNR) and regional sustainable development forums.
Developing specific indicators to track progress in reducing status-based discrimination within national development plans.
Candidate Requirements
Must be a member of a CDWD community (e.g., Haratine, Roma, Dalit, Burakumin, Quilombola, etc)
Proven experience or strong interest in gender mainstreaming, youth leadership, and human rights documentation.
Ability to participate in a rigorous 6-month curriculum designed to build advanced research, documentation, and advocacy skills
Ability to participate in a rigorous curriculum-based training program designed to strengthen advanced research, documentation and advocacy skills.
Programme Details
Remuneration: 500 USD per month for 6 months.
Hours: Approximately 45–50 hours per month.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their CV and a short strategy note outlining how they would approach one or two of the tasks illustrated in the Rights Experts General Profile section from a regional perspective, and how they would contribute to strengthening programme implementation, to: admin@theinclusivityproject.org subject line: Rights Experts Application 2026
Deadline for Applications: 5th of June 2026