The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI) has announced an important opportunity for Afghan scholars and human rights professionals through its 2026 Research Fellowship Programme. Two full-time, paid fellowships will be awarded to Afghan nationals living outside Afghanistan, providing them the chance to contribute meaningfully to advancing human rights and gender equality research in the Afghan context. About the Raoul Wallenberg Institute RWI is an independent academic institution dedicated to combining multidisciplinary research, education, and international collaboration in human rights and humanitarian law. Headquartered in Lund, Sweden, the institute has a global footprint, with offices in Addis Ababa, Bangkok, Harare, Jakarta, Kyiv, Nairobi, Phnom Penh, and Yerevan. Its work spans more than forty countries, promoting understanding, dialogue, and respect for human rights principles through academic and practical initiatives. About the Afghanistan Programme Following the political changes in Afghanistan after August 2021, RWI launched its Afghanistan Programme to support Afghan scholars, researchers, and human rights practitioners displaced or affected by the current context. The programme helps these professionals continue their work by offering academic mentorship, research opportunities, and platforms for global dialogue on issues affecting Afghanistan. RWI also hosts and collaborates closely with UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett, who serves as a Visiting Professor at RWI and guides much of the programme’s research direction. Purpose of the Fellowship The RWI Afghanistan Research Fellowship aims to empower Afghan scholars and human rights experts to conduct original research on key human rights and gender equality challenges under Taliban rule. Fellows will work closely with the UN Special Rapporteur, contributing to his research and public reporting, as well as producing their own independent analyses. Beyond research, fellows will participate in seminars, roundtables, and collaborative policy discussions organized by RWI and Lund University, helping to strengthen academic exchange and advocacy for Afghan rights at the international level. Fellowship Structure and Work Environment Two fellows will be selected for the 2026 cycle, beginning in January 2026 and running for twelve months. The fellowship may be undertaken either on-site in Lund or through a hybrid format, which combines remote work with at least three months in residence at RWI. On-site fellows will require a Swedish work permit, while hybrid fellows do not. In both cases, RWI will provide a supportive and inclusive research environment with access to the institute’s resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Each fellow will work under the academic supervision of RWI’s Director of Research and Education and will contribute directly to the research priorities of the UN Special Rapporteur. Fellows will also take part in RWI’s academic community, which includes diverse scholars, visiting experts, and research seminars hosted at Lund University. 2026 Research Focus Areas For the 2026 fellowship cycle, applicants are encouraged to develop research proposals that explore how the Taliban’s efforts to transform Afghan society have affected human rights and everyday life. Research may focus on the impact of decrees, edicts, institutional changes, or ideological enforcement within Afghan society. Suggested areas of inquiry include: Media narratives, including both state-controlled and social media; The changing conditions for women, girls, and marginalized groups; Reforms in education systems and curricula; The long-term impact of Taliban governance on rights awareness; The broader economic consequences of Taliban rule; The normalization and international acceptance of Taliban ideology. Applicants are strongly encouraged to propose a specific, focused, and manageable research question, ideally addressing a particular institution, community, or discourse. Proposals should incorporate intersectional, context-sensitive, and evidence-based approaches, drawing on qualitative and quantitative methods wherever possible. Eligibility and Selection Criteria The fellowship is open to Afghan nationals currently residing outside Afghanistan who meet the following requirements: An advanced degree in human rights, law, political science, sociology, or a related discipline; Proven academic or professional experience in human rights or humanitarian work; Excellent command of English and at least one Afghan national language; Ability to work full-time on the fellowship project for twelve months in 2026. RWI encourages applications from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. Diversity in gender, ethnicity, and area of expertise will be considered in the final selection to ensure complementarity among fellows. Application Requirements All applicants must submit the following materials in English: A Research Concept Note (800–1500 words) outlining the title, background, problem statement, research objectives and questions, methodology, and expected outcomes; A Personal Statement (maximum 800 words) describing motivation, relevant experience, and alignment with the fellowship’s goals; A Curriculum Vitae (maximum three pages). Optional documents may include a list of publications highlighting the applicant’s most relevant works. Evaluation and Selection Applications will be assessed based on the clarity and relevance of the research proposal, academic rigor, and the applicant’s ability to contribute to RWI’s ongoing human rights work on Afghanistan. English proficiency and demonstrated engagement with Afghan human rights issues are essential. The final selection will be made by RWI’s academic and programme teams, ensuring balance and diversity among chosen fellows. Timeline Application Deadline: 19 November 2025 (12:00 CET) Notification of Results: December 2025 Fellowship Commencement: January 2026 Duration: 12 months Depending on funding availability, a second call for additional fellowships may open in April 2026. Support and Resources Selected fellows will gain access to RWI’s comprehensive research resources, including library databases, academic mentorship, and a community of scholars engaged in global human rights research. Fellows will also have opportunities to present their findings in public seminars and contribute to policy-oriented discussions at the UN Human Rights Council and other international forums. Application Submission Complete applications should be submitted by email to david.eile@rwi.lu.se before the deadline. Applicants can find more information about the programme, eligibility, and submission requirements at https://rwi.lu.se/afghanistan-programme/. A Transformative Opportunity The RWI Afghanistan Research Fellowship 2026 represents a rare opportunity for Afghan academics and practitioners to continue advancing human rights discourse in exile while influencing global understanding of Afghanistan’s evolving realities. With mentorship from leading experts, access to world-class research facilities, and direct engagement with the UN Special Rapporteur, the fellowship offers both intellectual depth and practical impact. It empowers Afghan voices to shape evidence-based narratives, inform policy, and strengthen international advocacy for justice, equality, and human rights in Afghanistan. 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 funding institute. For any inquiries, please contact the official institute directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. 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