OVERVIEW

The Diplomacy Training Program (DTP) in partnership with the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP) and Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) is calling for applications for a regional capacity strengthening program – ‘Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Business – to be held in Bangkok in June 2019.

This program will strengthen the knowledge and skills of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) advocates to protect and promote human rights in the context of rapid economic development and the impact of large-scale development on the lands and livelihoods of IPs. The program will build knowledge of international human rights standards and mechanisms that can be applied and integrated into effective advocacy strategies.

The program will also enable the sharing of experience and building of networks to share knowledge and support. The Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Business program will coincide with the annual forum of the OECD, which will take place for the first time in Bangkok from 12-13 June, and which may provide opportunities for program participants to interact with officials and experts.

WHY THIS TRAINING?

Rapid economic development, mining, deforestation and mega-dams are impacting on Indigenous Peoples and communities who often become the victims of displacement, environmental degradation and conflict. There are an increasing number of international mechanisms that advocates can engage with to promote rights and to seek protection, accountability and redress when human rights are abused and violated. DTP recognises the need for a more specialised capacity building program, targeted at its alumni and other experienced advocates for the rights of Indigenous peoples, to build more specialised knowledge and skills in the field of business and human rights. DTP sees the opportunity of the first OECD Annual Forum being held in Bangkok from June 12-13, 2019 as a good opportunity to bring advocates together for a more in-depth training.

WHAT WILL PARTICIPANTS LEARN?

Participants will learn about:
•International business and human rights standards and mechanisms;
•Engaging the UN Special Procedures and the complaints process of the OECD Guidelines onMNEs, and the processes of multi-stakeholder initiatives
•The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs)
•Skills in strategic advocacy and lobbying

TRAINERS AND TRAINING METHODOLOGY

Trainers on DTP programs are experienced local, regional and international human rights practitioners, academics, and officials who understand and support DTP’s philosophy of participatory training. DTP recognizes and values the experiences and skills that participants bring to its programs. The training is interactive and sharing experiences and lessons with other participants and trainers is actively encouraged.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

This is a specialised capacity strengthening program targeted at DTP’s alumni from Indigenous Peoples, and Business and Human Rights programs who are working to defend and promote human rights and who have the capacity to apply the training to their work. Consideration is given to ensuring a gender and geographical balance within each course. The training is conducted in English and an ability to participate in discussions is essential.

COURSE FEES

The DTP is an independent NGO and course fees are an important source of income for its work. The course fee for the program is US$1000 and covers tuition, accommodation, food, field trips, and resource materials for the 4-day program. Travel expenses to and from Bangkok are not included in this fee. A number of scholarships (full or partial including travel) will be offered. Interested applicants are encouraged to enquire about subsidised spaces.
DTP will help to ensure funding for successful applicants.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM PARTNERS

AIPP is a regional organization founded in 1988 by indigenous peoples’ movements. AIPP is committed to the cause of promoting and defending indigenous peoples’ rights and human rights and articulating issues of relevance to indigenous peoples. AIPP strengthens the solidarity, cooperation and capacities of indigenous peoples in Asia to promote and protect their rights, cultures and identities, and their sustainable resource management systems for their development and self-determination.

FORUM-ASIA works to promote and protect human rights, including the right to development, through collaboration and cooperation among human rights organisations and defenders in Asia and beyond. FORUM-ASIA is committed to building a peaceful, just, equitable and ecologically sustainable community of peoples and societies in Asia, where all human rights of all individuals, groups and peoples – in particular, the poor, marginalised and discriminated – are fully respected and realised in accordance with internationally accepted human rights norms and standards.

DTP is an independent NGO affiliated with the Faculty of Law at UNSW providing practical training in human rights and people’s diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific region. It seeks to advance human rights and empower civil society in the region through quality education and training and the building of skills and capacity in NGOs. The DTP was founded in 1989 by José Ramos-Horta, the 1996 Nobel Peace Laureate and President of Timor-Leste.

HOW TO APPLY 

Please send the completed application form to [email protected]

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