The Tom Lantos Institute (TLI), in partnership with the Ludovika University of Public Service (Budapest), the Human Rights Consortium (University of London), and the Unrepresented Nations & Peoples Organization (UNPO), invites applications for the 14th Global Minority Rights Summer School (GMRSS) 2026. The theme for 2026 is “Self-determination and Minority Rights.” This one-week intensive program will bring together approximately 20–25 participants from around the world for an in-person academic and practical training experience in Budapest. The Summer School offers a unique platform to critically examine the relationship between self-determination and minority rights through legal, political, cultural, and economic perspectives. Background and Theme Self-determination is a foundational principle of international law and human rights law. Recognized in the UN Charter and enshrined in Article 1 of both the ICCPR and ICESCR, the right of “all peoples” to freely determine their political status and pursue their development remains central to global political discourse. International courts and human rights bodies have affirmed self-determination as a peremptory norm (jus cogens), creating obligations for all states. However, key questions remain: Who qualifies as a “people” under international law? Do minorities meet this definition? What does self-determination mean in practice—participation, autonomy, power-sharing, or secession? How should states respond to claims for self-determination? The 2026 Summer School will explore these complex and often contested issues exclusively from minority rights perspectives. Special attention will be given to postcolonial contexts, internal versus external self-determination, autonomy arrangements, peace negotiations, and mobilization strategies. Participants will also engage with emerging debates, including self-determination in digital spaces, decolonial approaches, and self-determination as a peace strategy. Each theoretical lecture will be complemented by case study presentations delivered by selected participants, ensuring a practical and interactive learning experience. Confirmed Speakers The Summer School will feature internationally recognized experts, activists, policymakers, and academics. Preliminarily confirmed speakers include: The UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues Professor Nicolas Levrat Hon. Dr. Litha Musyimi-Ogana (African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights) Professor Mohammad Shahabuddin (University of Birmingham School of Law) The full program agenda will be released in Spring 2026. Learning Outcomes Participants will: Gain a critical understanding of international and regional minority protection frameworks Explore recent developments in minority rights and self-determination Examine case studies of minority groups and related advocacy efforts Analyze the role of international mechanisms and civil society Develop practical skills through presentations and thematic panel discussions Strengthen advocacy strategies informed by legal and political analysis Who Should Apply? The program welcomes applicants with strong English proficiency, including: MA and PhD students pursuing academic or professional careers in related fields Public servants, policymakers, journalists, and educators Civil society representatives and minority rights practitioners Individuals interested in advanced training in minority rights protection Tuition Fee and Scholarships The participation fee is 200 Euros, covering tuition, accommodation in shared on-campus dormitories, breakfast and lunch, and course materials. The remaining program costs are subsidized by the Ludovika University of Public Service. Financial Support Limited scholarships are available: Full Scholarships: Cover tuition and travel to Budapest Partial Scholarships: Cover tuition only Scholarship applicants must demonstrate: Proven interest or work in minority rights Strong motivation to develop knowledge and skills Clear plans to apply learning in future professional or advocacy work Preference is given to individuals belonging to national, ethnic, linguistic, religious, racialized minorities, and Indigenous communities. Scholarships are highly competitive and intended for those with demonstrated financial need. Recipients will be expected to contribute through case study presentations or panel participation. Location and Logistics The Summer School will take place in person in Budapest at the Ludovika University of Public Service. Preparatory materials will be available via the University of London’s RESHAPED online learning platform. Some lectures may be delivered in hybrid format. Accommodation is provided in shared campus dormitories. Breakfast and lunch are included, while participants cover their own dinners except for a gala dinner on the final evening. Application Process Applicants must: Complete the official application form. Submit a signed letter of recommendation from an academic or professional referee. Refrain from submitting additional documents beyond those requested. Application Deadline: Monday, 9 March 2026, 09:00 CETApplicants will be notified shortly after the deadline. For inquiries, contact: gmrss@tomlantosinstitute.hu LEARN MORE Remarks The Global Minority Rights Summer School 2026 provides a rare opportunity to engage deeply with one of the most complex principles in international law from a minority rights perspective. Combining rigorous academic discussion with practical engagement, the program equips participants with both theoretical insight and actionable skills to address contemporary challenges surrounding self-determination worldwide. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.