Two international campaigners will be invited to Scotland to study and work with campaigning organisations here

A new scheme has been launched to attract renowned human rights campaigners to Scotland.

Two international campaigners will be invited to study under a new research fellowship as part of ongoing work to promote human rights at home and abroad

The Scottish Human Rights Defender Fellowship will see the Scottish Government and the University of Dundee work together, supported by campaign groups Front Line Defenders, Amnesty International, Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund and Beyond Borders Scotland.

Participants will be suggested by the four charities, and selected by an advisory board. The successful students will spend three months in Scotland, combining study at the university with the chance to build relationships and share expertise with Scottish human rights and equality organisations.

Equalities secretary Angela Constance said: “Across the globe there are people defending basic human rights that everybody should be able take for granted.

“From standing against torture, arbitrary detention and discrimination, to campaigning for access to housing, health care, education, food and water.

“This fellowship provides a place of safety so participants can carry out research, develop new skills, build networks and return better equipped to continue their work fighting for the fundamental rights we need to demand for each other.”