[Call for Applications] 24th Annual Human Rights & People’s Diplomacy Training Program in partnership with INSEC, Nepal

    Apply by: August 31, 2014
    Organization: University of New south Wales

    The Diplomacy Training Program (DTP) and INSEC Nepal are calling for applications for DTP’s24th Annual Human Rights and People’s Diplomacy Training Program for Human Rights Defenders from the Asia-Pacific Region and Indigenous Australia.

    The Diplomacy Training Program (DTP) and INSEC Nepal are calling for applications for DTP’s24th Annual Human Rights and People’s Diplomacy Training Program for Human Rights Defenders from the Asia-Pacific Region and Indigenous Australia.

    This annual, comprehensive human rights and advocacy training course is the longest established human rights training program held in the region. It builds knowledge of international human rights standards and the UN system, and their relevance to advocacy on a wide range of human rights concerns. There are intensive sessions on human rights and development, advocacy and media skills.

    Civil society advocacy has a vital role to play in closing the gap between agreed human rights standards and their implementation.  The advocacy and engagement of civil society is a key driver of better governance, of accountability.  Participation is recognised as essential to sustainable development outcomes, and effective participation requires both knowledge and skills. 
    This course will increase the capacity of civil society advocates to engage effectively with governments and others – locally, nationally and internationally.  It will equip participants with the knowledge, skills and confidence to engage in dialogue and will build their support networks.

    NEPAL AND THE DIPLOMACY TRAINING PROGRAM

    This course will be held in Nepal, and will draw on local and international human rights experts and practitioners.  Nepal is currently negotiating the place of human rights in a new Constitution – and confronting the challenges of poverty and development as it overcomes a legacy of feudalism and war.   Issues of transitional justice, accountability and reconciliation are pressing issues – together with poverty, the rights of women, the recognition of Indigenous peoples’ rights and mass labour migration.   Nepal’s human rights movement has successfully engaged international solidarity and the UN system and has in turn contributed to regional and global movements for human rights.  There will be opportunities to learn from these experiences.

    DTP’s engagement with human rights in Nepal dates back to its first course in 1990 and DTP’s alumni include some of Nepal’s best known human rights defenders.    In May 2013, INSEC hosted the first meeting of DTP’s Nepal alumni.  From February 2013-2014 DTP developed a special program to build the capacity of advocates working for Nepal’s migrant workers.  Holding the 24th Annual Regional Human Rights & Peoples’ Diplomacy Training Program in Nepal will enable the sharing of lessons and the building of practical links between people facing shared challenges.

    THE DIPLOMACY TRAINING PROGRAM

    The Diplomacy Training Program (DTP) is an independent, non-governmental organisation (NGO) advancing human rights and empowering 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 former President of Timor-Leste. It is affiliated with the UNSW Faculty of Law in Sydney.  DTP has trained over 2500 community advocates and human rights defenders across the Asia-Pacific region.  Learn more at www.dtp.unsw.edu.au

    INFORMAL SECTOR SERVICE CENTER (INSEC)

    The Informal Sector Service Center (INSEC) was founded in 1988 by the late human rights defender Prakash Kaphley, and prominent human rights activist Sushil Pyakurel. INSEC’s goal as an NGO is to protect and promote human rights in Nepal. INSEC monitors and documentshuman rights, organises campaigns, runs awareness and education programs enabling people to claim their human rights Further information atwww.insec.org.np.

    APPLICATIONS &COURSE FEES

    Application forms can be downloaded from the DTP website or can be requested from [email protected].  Closing date for applications is31 August, 2014.DTP is an independent organisation and course fees are an important source of income.  The course fee ofUS $4000 covers tuition, accommodation, food, field trips, and resource materials during the training.   Travel expenses to and from the training are not included in this fee.  Applicants are invited to enquire about subsidies.

    www.dtp.unsw.edu.au www.dtp.unsw.edu.au