Elena Bonner School of Human Rights
An intensive online program on the theory and practice of human rights, connecting like-minded people and fostering human rights advocacy
Our Mission
Originally established by the Sakharov Center, the Elena Bonner School became independent after the Center's liquidation by Russian authorities. We provide a completely free intensive program that welcomes everyone interested in learning about human rights and contributing to their protection, requiring no prior knowledge and designed to be accessible to a wide audience.
4-Year Impact Overview
Total Graduates
Since 2020
Total Applications
Over 4 years
Learning Hours
Per program cycle
Countries & Regions
Global reach
Core Learning Areas
Human Rights Theory
Comprehensive understanding of human rights mechanisms and international law foundations
Practical Advocacy
Real-world skills for organizing grassroots aid and community building
Legal Navigation
Understanding laws on organizations, documentation of violations, and courtroom conduct
Digital Security
Hands-on workshops for digital safety and NGO resilience in crisis situations
Program Structure
A comprehensive 3-month program featuring lectures, seminars, and hands-on workshops led by leading experts in human rights, law, and civil society.
Mechanisms for Human Rights Protection
Expert: Natalia Kravchuk
Role: Human Rights Expert
The Life and Legacy of Elena Bonner
Expert: Natalia Samover
Role: Historian & Biographer
Foundations of International Humanitarian Law & the Work of HRW
Expert: Tanya Lokshina
Role: Human Rights Watch
Transitional Justice
Expert: Ekaterina Schulmann
Role: Political Scientist
'Lighthouse' Charity: How to Organize Grassroots Aid
Expert: Lida Moniava
Role: Civil Society Leader
Performance as Activism: A Pussy Riot Case Study
Expert: Maria Alyokhina
Role: Activist & Performer
Navigating Laws on 'Undesirable,' 'Extremist,' and 'Foreign Agent' Organizations
Expert: OVD-Info Team
Role: Legal Rights Organization
How to Document War Crimes
Expert: Alexander Cherkasov
Role: Memorial Human Rights Center
Courtroom Conduct: Insights from a Forensic Photojournalist
Expert: Alexandra Astakhova
Role: Forensic Photojournalist
NGO Management: Community Building, Internal Communications, and Infrastructure
Expert: Ruslan and Khristofor
Role: NGO Management Experts
Debate: Should History Be Managed?
Expert: Dmitry Dubrovsky
Role: Social Scientist
Digital Security: A two-part, hands-on workshop
Expert: Teplitsa of Social Technologies
Role: Digital Rights Organization
NGO Resilience: Sustaining Your Organization in Crisis Situations
Expert: Olga Sadovskaya
Role: Organizational Development Expert
Gender-Based Violence as a Human Rights Issue
Expert: Mari Davtyan
Role: Gender Rights Specialist
How to Join
Completely Free
The program is offered at no cost to ensure broad accessibility
Twice Yearly
Applications are accepted twice a year for each 3-month cycle
Open to All
No prior knowledge required - designed for wide accessibility