The Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ESCR) Fellowship is a remunerated 18-month program aimed at early and mid-career lawyers to create positive societal change. Fellows work to improve access of Nepali citizens to their fundamental rights, through a combination of strategic litigation, research and advocacy, and community outreach.
The fellowship was launched in 2018 in collaboration with the Kathmandu-based Law and Policy Forum for Social Justice (LAPSOJ). Since then, our fellows have filed important public interest litigations (PILs) before the Supreme Court of Nepal. These include petitions to address the digital gap across social classes during the COVID-19 pandemic, to decriminalise abortion in the country fully, and to make public transportation and infrastructure accessible for persons with disabilities.
Each fellow works to develop strategic litigation and advocacy in an ESCR area of their choice. Over the course of the fellowship, they receive support from local and international experts on developing their projects. They also work with a mentor to identify issues, conduct research, and draft and file strategic litigation.
The fellows also produce advocacy materials and articles to build public awareness and consensus on ESCR in Nepal. This ensures that the fellowship reflects the needs and demands of vulnerable communities in Nepal.
Each fellow has access to regional experts, mentoring and professional development, as well as networking sessions to build their skills. They are required to conduct capacity-building events with key stakeholders on the topic of their research, to build public opinion on ESCR.
They also work with previous fellows to maintain a professional network promoting probono lawyering in Nepal and internationally.
“The fellowship was an incredible learning experience and a chance to connect with supportive professionals. Presenting my research to key stakeholders strengthened its foundation and guided its future direction. The insights gained will stay with me for a lifetime.”
-Sajita Ghimire, Former ESCR Fellow.
We welcome applicants from varied backgrounds. We select candidates with the highest potential for the program through the three-stage process detailed below.
Submit an application form along with a detailed CV, video or written cover letter and writing sample expressing interest and suitability.
Attend the first round of interviews.
Attend a virtual interview with members of the Fellowship Selection Committee.
