IThe North-South Centre of the Council of Europe has launched the Human Rights Education for Youth (HEY) program The aim is to help young people strengthen their human rights skills and become more aware of their media use. While new technologies play a key role in connecting people and supporting democratic processes, they can also contribute to the spread of disinformation, hate speech, and human rights violations, with impacts both locally and globally.

A free online course will be held in English and French from March 2 to 29, 2026. Young people between the ages of 18 and 30 from Council of Europe member states (with priority given to North-South member states), engaged in civil society, and with a particular interest in media and information, are eligible to apply. A total of 100 people will be selected (50 for the English-language course and 50 for the French-language course), based on the quality of the applications.

The course aims to develop a critical understanding of the interconnections between human rights and the digital sphere; to analyze the impact of new technologies on the right to privacy and non-discrimination online; and to strengthen young people's resilience and digital participation in the context of information clutter and new technologies.

It will take place entirely online on the HEY Program's e-learning platform with three support tutors. The deadline for submitting your application is 22 February 2026.

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