FORUM-ASIA is calling for applications for the 13^th Annual Training and
Study Session for Asian Human Rights Defenders (ATSS), which will take place in Bangkok
from 18 to 30 October 2009.

Date: 18 – 30 October 2009

Venue: Bangkok, Thailand

Introduction

Asian
Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) would like to announce the
opening of the application process for the 13^th Annual Training and
Study Session for Asian Human Rights Defenders (ATSS), to take place in Bangkok
from 18 to 30 October 2009.

Since
1997 FORUM-ASIA
has been organising the ATSS on an annual basis as part of its efforts to
empower Asian human
rights defenders to meet challenges, strengthen the
human rights movement and promote solidarity and cooperation among
the human rights organisations in the Asian region.

Objectives

The
general objective of the 13^th ATSS is to empower Asian human
rights defenders by providing the opportunity to gain the necessary knowledge
and skills to carry out their human rights work and
missions in a more effective manner.

In
particular, the 13^th ATSS aims to facilitate the participants to:

• Affirm the concept, mandate and role of human rights
  defenders in Asia
• Build a common understanding of the human rights
  situation and trends in Asia from an NGO perspective based on a critical
  reflection on the values and principles underlying human
  rights work, including
  gender mainstreaming
• Acquire necessary knowledge and skills
  for effective campaigns
  and advocacy
• Develop and implement strategic advocacy plans
  nationally and regionally

Learning Methodology

The Training Session will be
conducted in a participatory manner using methods such as presentation, group discussion,
sharing and
exercises. Several resource persons from diverse backgrounds (NGOs, professionals, researchers
and academics, etc.) will be invited to conduct sessions. Audio-visual
materials will also be used to facilitate communication and inter-cultural
learning. Exposure visits to organisations may also be planned to provide
first-hand experience.

Main Components of the ATSS 2009

The main
components of the 13^th ATSS
are the following:

1. Basic knowledge about human rights
   theories and practices
2. Key human rights issues and trends in the Asia region
3. International human rights norms and
   standards
4. Role of human rights defenders and NGOs
5. Documentation of human rights violations
6. Advocacy and campaigning skills and methodologies
7. Strategic advocacy planning

Course Venue and Accomodation

The Training session will be held at the St. Gabriel Foundation, Bangkok, Thailand.

The participants will be accommodated at the same venue.

Cost of the ATSS 2009

Total cost
of the 13^th ATSS for two weeks excluding
international travel expenses is 1,200 USD (one thousand and two hundred
US dollars). The
fee covers full board and lodging (500 USD), course materials (200
USD), fees for resource persons (300 USD) and local organising
expenses such as social activities, field exposure, insurance, etc. (200
USD).

The
participants are expected to raise their own funds to attend the Training.
A financial subsidy may be available for those who are not able to raise funds
to cover their own expenses. Those who wish to apply for a financial subsidy
should indicate their request in the application form.

Who Can Apply

The
application is open to any human rights activist interested in and working on
human rights issues in Asia. Below are some required qualifications:

1. Minimum
   2 years work experience in local, national or regional human rights NGOs or
   human rights-related organisations
2. Strong
   indication on
   how to make use of the knowledge and skills acquired in the training in future
   advocacy work
3. Ability
   to communicate in English (both spoken and written)

How to Apply

Candidates
are required to fill out the Application Form and the Questionnaire attached
to the Brochure and to submit them with only one of
the following documents. 

1. If candidates are from FORUM-ASIA
   member organisations, please submit a letter of endorsement from the
   head of the organisation.
2. If candidates are NOT from
   FORUM-ASIA member organisations, please submit a letter of recommendation
   from any of FORUM-ASIA's 46 member organisations.
3. If candidates are from other
   countries, please submit a letter of recommendation from a reference person .

Completed
applications must be sent by email to FORUM-ASIA at [email protected].

Closing date
for applications is (Friday) 4 September 2009.

Selection Process

• Received
  applications will be acknowledged by email. Incomplete applications may result
  in a low possibility of acceptance.
• FORUM-ASIA's
  Selection Committee consider geographic and gender balance when selecting
  candidates.
• Applicants
  short-listed for skype interviews
  will be interviewed on 14-15 September.
• Applicants
  will be informed of their final
  selection by email before 18 September.
• Final
  participants are expected to arrive in Bangkok no later than 18 October and
  leave no earlier than 31 October.

To download the complete brochure, please click here (pdf).