All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights

The Elena Bonner School of Human Rights was originally established by the Sakharov Center. After its liquidation by Russian authorities the School became an independent project. Our intensive online program on the theory and practice of human rights is aimed at those who live in Russia and abroad. We provide a space to connect with like-minded people and take the first steps toward human rights advocacy.

The program is completely free. Fill out an application form and wait for our feedback. Applications are accepted twice a year. The School runs for three months, offering lectures, seminars, and hands-on workshops.

No prior in-depth knowledge of human rights is required to join. The program is designed to be accessible to a wide audience.

We welcome everyone interested in learning more about human rights and contributing to their protection!

You will find out

How and why did human rights emerge?

How were human rights fought for in the USSR?

How do Russian human rights activists operate today?

How can one organize and lead human rights campaigns?

What IT skills are useful for human rights activists?

Numbers

>1,200

people have graduated from the School since 2020

5075

applications were submitted to the School over the past 4 years

>288

hours of lectures, seminars, and workshops have been conducted

countries and Russian regions — geography of participants

Our partners

Our speakers

Feedback

Yulia Rychalsu

Moscow

Great speakers and important initiatives! The fear of not understanding is gone — I’m no longer afraid to ask questions, even if they seem silly. :) The organizers were amazing.

Sonya

Moscow

Thank you for the chance to find my people, not only in Russia but also around the world. It means so much. While I am in Russia, this School is especially valuable because it creates a space where I can feel a little freer.

Afi

Zurich, Switzerland

Thank you to the School team and all the lecturers! At this stage in my life, the course helped me move from stagnation to a desire to grow and enjoy learning again. It was a huge support and a driving force for me. It even helped me find new job opportunities, organize letter-writing to political prisoners, and not feel so alone in my struggles.

Yulia

Istanbul, Turkey

A huge thank you to the School for officially allowing me to dream! That one lecture on pre-trial detention centers — it might have seemed like just a lecture, but for me, it was transformative! The School is amazing; every class was fantastic. I truly felt like I was reborn as a better version of myself!

Anastasia

Russia

The lectures on international law were the most memorable — the cases were so interesting. I also appreciated the variety of lecturers from leading human rights initiatives, especially Nasiliyu.Net (NGO that supports victims of domestic violence in Russia). I learned about many volunteer projects, including support groups for political prisoners, and the participants did an incredible job.

Anastasia

Russia

Very practical topics and excellent speakers! I slept less than usual :D but I have less anxiety now because I know what to do. Thank you!

Tatyana Maryana

Moscow

Participating in the School was incredibly valuable for me. I don’t regret applying at all, and I’m grateful to have been accepted. Due to family circumstances, I sometimes had to attend sessions only half-focused, and if there were any tests, I probably wouldn’t have scored well. But I don’t regret a second of the time spent — something meaningful stayed with me.

Angelina M

Moscow

Thank you for the useful knowledge! I hope not all of it will be needed in practice. And thank you for the inspiration to keep moving forward and not lose hope!

FAQ

Yes, absolutely! While we primarily focus on participants in Russia, we sometimes accept motivated individuals who have relocated.

Yes, you don’t need to be an activist or a lawyer to join the School. What matters most is your motivation and commitment to the values of freedom and justice.

Probably not. The School is designed for those just starting to explore human rights, rather than for those seeking advanced legal qualifications.

You can apply through our Telegram bot when the application period is open. If it's closed, you can still fill out the form to be notified when the next round opens. We typically hold the program twice a year.

All sessions will be held online via Zoom.

If you are selected, you'll receive an invitation to an introductory meeting with details on the start date and time. The program typically lasts 3 months, with classes held twice a week — on weekends and weekday evenings.

After the introductory meeting, all participants will receive a calendar through our bot. We recommend pinning the link in your chat to easily access the schedule.

We strive to keep a balance between theoretical and practical sessions, including homework. We expect active participation, especially during group work in the practical sessions. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions during lectures.

No, you won’t earn a formal qualification. For that, you would need to attend a university. Our focus is on the work of human rights defenders and organizations, offering practical skills for activism rather than academic law.

Probably not right away. Our goal isn’t to turn every graduate into a human rights defender overnight. However, you’ll gain valuable knowledge and take your first steps toward contributing to a more just world, with our support along the way.

We do not issue certificates or diplomas, as our educational activities are free of charge. However, for those who stand out during the program, we are happy to provide letters of recommendation.