The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing a prolonged security and humanitarian crisis, particularly in the eastern region, where millions have been displaced. Misinformation and hate speech are spreading rapidly, mainly through social media, exacerbating community tensions and weakening social cohesion. Young human rights defenders and civil society actors are on the front lines of these issues, often becoming targets of defamation campaigns, identity theft, and cyberattacks.
Eleza Fact has announced a call for applications for a fact-checking training program aimed at young human rights defenders and civil society members in Bukavu and Kolwezi. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote reliable information and protect civil society actors from digital risks. The training seeks to enhance participants' skills in fact verification, combating misinformation, and data protection. The program is open to members of civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and community leaders aged 20-40 residing or working in Bukavu or Kolwezi.
To be eligible, applicants must be involved in civil society organizations, human rights defense, or community animation. They should demonstrate a genuine interest in fighting misinformation and have experience in collecting, verifying, or documenting information within their organization or community. Candidates must also be able to identify relevant information sources, cross-check information before dissemination, and sensitize their community or organization to potential misinformation.
The training will cover essential topics such as fact-checking techniques, digital security, and data protection. Participants will learn how to verify information, identify misinformation, and develop strategies to counter its spread. The program aims to equip young human rights defenders with the skills and knowledge necessary to promote reliable information and protect their communities from digital threats.
The call for applications is open until November 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM Lubumbashi time. Interested candidates can submit their applications using this link: https://forms.gle/A9CVHyxju5ET8oZC9. For further information, applicants can contact Eleza Fact at [email protected]. The training program is organized by Eleza Fact as part of the NAFASI program, supported by Magamba Network, DefendDefenders, and the Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD), with funding from Sida.
The selected candidates will benefit from a comprehensive training program, including logistical support to ensure their participation. The exact date and location of the training will be communicated to successful applicants. Eleza Fact encourages female candidates to apply and also welcomes applications from people with disabilities, who will receive necessary accommodations.
This initiative is a crucial step towards promoting a culture of fact-based information and protecting human rights defenders from digital threats in the Democratic Republic of Congo. By empowering young defenders with the skills to verify information and combat misinformation, Eleza Fact aims to contribute to a safer and more informed online environment for civil society actors and communities in Bukavu and Kolwezi.
Key points
- The training program aims to equip young human rights defenders with skills in fact verification, combating misinformation, and data protection.
