Applications are currently being accepted for The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI) Afghanistan Fellowship 2027. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law is an independent academic institution working to advance understanding and respect for human rights and international humanitarian law. Its activities combine interdisciplinary research, education, institutional support and public outreach.
RWI operates in more than 40 countries and maintains offices in Lund, Harare, Jakarta, Kyiv, Nairobi, Phnom Penh and Yerevan. Through its Afghanistan programme, the institute supports Afghan scholars and professionals seeking to continue human rights research and advocacy despite the challenging circumstances following August 2021.
The programme also promotes the development and publication of quality research and encourages dialogue on human rights and gender equality. RWI collaborates with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, who has served as a visiting professor at the institute since September 2022.
Fellows receive:
This call for applications is open to all Afghan researchers and human rights professionals who meet the following eligibility criteria:
Afghan National;
Advanced degree in human rights or related area;
Extensive experience working academically and/or practically for/with human rights;
Ability to communicate professionally in oral and written English (proficiency in English demonstrated through certificates, sample texts and oral interviews with RWI) as well as in at least one Afghan national language;
Capacity to work full time on the research project and related tasks included in the fellowship for the entire duration of the fellowship. See further below regarding the requirements implied in accepting the fellowship.
In order to be considered, applications must include:
Title: A clear, concise title that reflects the focus of your research.
Introduction/Background: Briefly explain the background and rationale for your research topic.
Problem Statement: Identify the main issue or gap in the field that your research will address.
Relevance: Connect the problem to current debates, policies, or developments. Highlight why it is important in relation to the goals of the fellowship programme.
Research Objectives: Clearly state the objectives or aims of your research. These should align with the Fellowship's priorities and broader themes.
Research Questions: List the main research question(s) that will guide your work. Make sure they are focused, clear, and answerable within the scope of the Fellowship.
Proposed Methodology: Describe the methodology or approach you plan to use. Indicate how you will collect data (e.g., interviews, surveys, archival research). Explain how you will analyse the data or information gathered.
Expected Outcomes: Outline the expected results or contributions of your research.
The recommended length of your concept note is 800-1500 words.
A personal statement in support of your application (maximum 800 words) outlining your motivation for applying, and how your research interests, expertise and experience align with the aims of RWI’s Afghanistan programme and Fellowships;
A CV (maximum 3 pages);
Optional annex to applications:
Application deadline is 10 November 2026. Applicants can expect to be notified of the selection in January 2027.
Apply for RWI Afghanistan Fellowship
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