We are joining forces of civil society to protect human rights: NGO Docudays announces a call for applications from civil society organisations and initiatives that wish to become partners of the RIGHTS NOW! Human Rights Programme within the 23rd Docudays UA, which will take place in June in Kyiv.

We have already begun forming the human rights programme of the 23rd Docudays UA International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival, and we invite civil society organisations and initiatives to co-create one of the key discussion platforms, the Coffee with Human Rights Defenders section. Year after year, it brings together human rights defenders, experts, and civil society actors around complex yet extremely important topics, from systemic human rights violations to new challenges caused by the war. The free format and informal atmosphere of these meetings create space for open conversation, analysis of uncomfortable issues, and a joint search for solutions.

​​In 2026, we will select six civil society organisations to work jointly on the section’s events. What matters to us is:

• the relevance and novelty of the topic or the perspective on it;

• the organisation’s expertise in the proposed topic;

• the professionalism and relevance of the speakers;

• interactivity, a creative approach, or an interesting event format.

In partnership with NGO Docudays, organisations will receive:

• a free platform for holding an event as part of the 23rd Docudays UA;

• an opportunity to join a cross-sectoral dialogue with the human rights community and the festival audience;

• technical support;

• information and communication support during the festival.

Events of the RIGHTS NOW! Human Rights Programme will take place from 6 to 11 June. Applications for participation in the open call can be submitted until 20 February by completing the form at the link. The selection results will be announced in early March.

For additional questions, please contact Anastasiia Bahalika, the Director of the Human Rights Department of NGO Docudays: [email protected].

Main photo: Anna Soli