The Regional Training of Trainers on the ASEAN Human Rights Mechanisms is a training initiated by FORUM-ASIA since 2010. The training was designed as a tool to impart and to strengthen skills and knowledge of civil society organizations (CSOs) and human rights defenders (HRDs) in Southeast Asia region about the existing ASEAN human rights mechanism, particularly the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), and the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC).

Six years after the establishment of the AICHR (2009) and the ACWC (2010), knowledge and skills about the use of the ASEAN Human Rights Mechanisms remain limited among CSOs and HRDs. The limited mandates for addressing human rights cases maybe one of the reasons for CSOs’ hesitation to use these mechanisms. However, the lack of knowledge and skills may also be the reason that dissuades CSOs and HRDs to engage with the ASEAN human rights mechanisms. FORUM-ASIA views that CSOs participation in these mechanisms is important both to benefit for whatever limited protection they have to offer and also to reassure and strengthen the work of these human rights bodies. To this end, FORUM-ASIA facilitates capacity building for CSOs and HRDs by conducting a regional training of trainers on annual basis.

The Regional Training of Trainers on the ASEAN Human Rights Mechanisms 2016 (ASEAN HR ToT 2016) aims to produce a pool of trainers who would, following the ToT, conduct trainings in ASEAN countries among CSOs and their networks. The new batch of trainers will add to the efforts being made by the alumni of the previous trainings, who are now providing training on human rights and ASEAN human rights mechanisms in the ASEAN region.

Prominent trainers on ASEAN and human rights issues will facilitate the ToT. AICHR and ACWC commissioners, ASEAN diplomats and experts in diverse fields of human rights will also be invited to facilitate specific sessions. Jakarta has been chosen as the venue since the training includes a study visit to the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta.

SCHOLARSHIP

FORUM-ASIA will provide scholarships for CSOs and HRDs from ASEAN countries on the basis of following criteria:

1)     At least 2 years of experience of work with CSOs in the ASEAN region;

2)     Some experience of prior engagement with the ASEAN human rights mechanisms, ASEAN institutions, and/or CSO advocacy on ASEAN;

3)     Strong commitment to conduct capacity development activities for national and local CSOs;

Selection of participants will take into consideration gender equality and diversity. Participants with special needs (person with disability) will be given priority.

The training will be conducted in English and no translation support will be provided. The organizer does not require a formal English proficiency test, but a proof of English proficiency will be preferable.

The scholarship covers: travel cost from home country to Jakarta, accommodation and meals during the training

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates are required to fill out the application form (annex 1) and send the application to [email protected] (Please put subject email as: Application ASEAN HR TOT 2016 – your name). Completed application must be received by 31 October 2016.

SELECTION PROCESS

All applications will be acknowledged by email. Incomplete applications may result in a low possibility of acceptance. Gender balance, participants with special needs (person with disability), and diversity of sectors/ issues will be duly taken into account when selecting candidates. Applicants will be informed of their final selection at the latest by 5 November 2016.

For more details about the training program and requirement please see the brochure and application form attached.

For any query, please contact:  [email protected]