Past Training Programs
2011
2011 Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Advocacy Training Program, held in partnership with the Fred Hollows Foundation, 21-25 November, Lake Bennett, NT, Australia
Following on successful 2009 and 2010 programs in partnership with the Fred Hollows Foundation in the Northern Territory, the DTP and the Fred Hollows Foundation worked together to hold a training program for Indigenous Australians in Lake Bennett, NT. The program brought together expert trainers with participants from across the top end of the Northern Territory.
2011 Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Justice Advocacy Training Program, held in partnership with Amnesty International Australia, 14-18 November, Townsville, Australia
In partnership with Amnesty International Australia, DTP held a special program in Townsville with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders from across Queensland. The Indigenous and non Indigenous trainers on the program included lawyers with extensive experience in international law and Indigenous rights, community advocates with effective skills in lobbying and campaigning, people with media background and community workers with a history of justice advocacy.
2011 Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Advocacy - Empowering Community Advocates, held in partnership with Amnesty International Australia, 28-29 June 2011, Alice Springs, Australia
DTP joined forces with Amnesty International Australia this year to deliver a two day intensive training for Indigenous community advocates in Alice Springs. The program was held at Charles Darwin University and was developed with a specific focus to support the engagement of representatives from Homelands around Alice Springs in Amnesty International Australia’s Homelands campaign.
The participants appreciated both the guidance of the trainers and the sharing of experiences of the other participants, many of whom were community leaders themselves.
2011 Human Rights Advocacy and Business: A Capacity Building Program for Advocates in the Asia-Pacific Region held in partnership with Human Rights Working Group, Business Watch Indonesia and Oxfam Australia, 13-18 June 2011, Jakarta, Indonesia
DTP was delighted to hold its sixth regional program on human rights advocacy and business in Indonesia, which currently holds the chair of ASEAN. The program was held in partnership with Human Rights Working Group, Business Watch Indonesia and Oxfam Australia and was enriched by the contributions of its 25 participants from 11 countries around the Asia Pacific in various sectors of business and community.
2011 Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Advocacy—United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) Preparatory Training, a program in partnership with Oxfam Australia, 2-3 May 2011, Faculty of Law, UNSW, Sydney
Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Advocacy—UNPFII Preparatory Training was held on May 2 and 3, 2011 at the University of NSW Faculty of Law. The eighteen participants and two partner group representatives were delegates to the 2011 United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). Their level of experience with the United Nations and international law ranged from several years involvement through to first time attendees. Participants came from a diverse range of organisations and communities including universities, legal, health and community organisations and traditional owner groups. All states and territories, except South Australia and Tasmania were represented and were inclusive of remote, regional and urban experiences.
2011 Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Advocacy: A Training Program for Indigenous Advocates from the Asia-Pacific Region
held in partnership with Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact and the Cordillera Indigenous Peoples’ Legal Center (DINTEG),
6-15 April 2011, Baguio City, Philippines
United in the cause for Human Rights recognition for Indigenous peoples, 41 participants from 14 countries in the Asia Pacific attended DTP's Regional Indigneous Peoples, Human Rights and Advocacy program in Baguio City, Philippines. The program was held from 6-15 April 2011 in partnership with Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact and the Cordillera Indigenous Peoples’ Legal Center (DINTEG). The diverse range of Indigenous cultures present allowed for a rich exchange of culturual practices and individual accounts of struggles for Indigenous rights.
2011 Indigenous Peoples Human Rights and Advocacy: A Training Program for Community Advocates in partnership with Oxfam Australia and the Victorian Indigenous Youth Advisory Council , 7-11 February, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
In partnership with Oxfam Australia and the Victorian Indigenous Youth Advisory Council, the Diplomacy Training Program hosted “Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Advocacy: a Training Program for Community Advocates” at La Trobe University, Victoria from 7-11 February 2011. Young Indigenous Victorians from across the state attended the program to develop their knowledge of human rights and build their advocacy skills.
2010
2010 Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Advocacy: A Training Program for Community Advocates in partnership with the Fred Hollows Foundation, 25 - 29 October 2010, Alice Springs, NT, Australia
One month following the successful program in Katherine, the Diplomacy Training Program and Fred Hollows Foundation, with continued support from partner organization, Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education (BIITE), tailored the program for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community advocates of Alice Springs. DTP delivered a dynamic course, empowering the 26 participants from 8 regions in and around Central Australia with key skills for the protection and advancement of human rights.
2010 Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Advocacy: A Training Program for Community Advocates in partnership with the Fred Hollows Foundation, 27 September - 1 October 2010, Katherine, NT, Australia
The Diplomacy Training program and Fred Hollows Foundation joined forces again in Katherine NT to host the town's second Human Rights and Advocacy program specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community adovcates from Katherine and surrounding regions. In partnership with the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education (BIITE), DTP delivered a 5 day intensive course to the 23 participants from 12 regions around Australia — equipping them with the necessary skills in lobbying and advocacy to be effective Indigenous community advocates. Participants left feeling empowered with a comprehensive understanding of their universal rights and the tools to protect and similarly empower their communities.
2010 Capacity Building on Human Rights and Migrant Workers in the Asia-Pacific Region – A Training Program for Advocates, 22 - 26 September 2010 Lombok, Indonesia
DTP's 7th Human Rights and Migrant Workers training program was held on the Island of Lombok, Indonesia. The 28 participants from 12 countries - India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mongolia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Timor Leste, Qatar and Burma received intense instruction from high profile trainers including Homayoun Alizadeh, Regional Representative for South East Asia UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights; Mariette Grange, Advocacy Director of Human Rights Watch; and Albert Bonasahat, National Coordinator of the ILO Migrant Workers Project, International Labour Organisation. The program served as a modest contribution to the dynamic movement in the region that is seeking respect and protection of migrant workers' human rights.
20th Annual Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy Training Program: A Training Program for Advocates from the Asia-Pacific Region, 26 July—13 August 2010, Dili, Timor-Leste
DTP’s Founder and Patron, Dr José Ramos-Horta, President of Timor-Leste and Dr George Aditjondro from Indonesia opened the 20th Annual Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy Training Program. There were 25 participants in the program from countries across the Asia-Pacific region. The program was enriched by the sharing of participants’ experiences and the contribution of trainers including Dr Sarah Pritchard, Professor Virginia Dandan, Sam Gregory, Louis Gentile, Jony da Cunha, Aderito Soares, Joao Pequinho, Rafendi Djamin, Professor Paul Redmond and Joshua Cooper.
The warm welcome from all in Timor-Leste and the opportunity to learn from the East Timorese made this a very special 20th Anniversary program.
Human Rights Advocacy and Business: A Capacity Building Program for Advocates, 24-28 May 2010, Jakarta, Indonesia
DTP's fifth regional program on human rights advocacy and business was held from 24-28 May 2010 in Jakarta, Indonesia in partnership with Human Rights Working Group and Business Watch Indonesia. There were 26 participants from Bangladesh, Burma, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste and West Papua.
1st Preparatory Program for the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, 11-12 April 2010, Sydney, Australia
DTP’s 1st preparatory program for the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) took place from 11-12 April 2010, at the University of New South Wales in Sydney. 14 participants attended the program, with 9 women and 5 men. Most participants were Sydney based, but there were also participants from WA, Queensland and South Australia. The program provided participants with a unique opportunity to hear from trainers representing a range of different views within the Australian delegation to the UNPFII.
7th Regional Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights Advocacy Course, 22-28 March 2010, Chiang Mai, Thailand
The Diplomacy Training Program’s 2010 Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Advocacy program was held from 22-28 March 2010 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The program was held in partnership with Asia Indigenous Peoples' Pact. 35 participants (15 female and 20 male) took part in the program, from 13 countries: Australia, Bangladesh, Burma, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Laos, Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand. The 2010 program had a thematic focus on the issues surrounding Indigenous people, climate change and the impact of global corporations on Indigenous peoples.
Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Advocacy: A Training Program for Community Advocates in partnership with Oxfam Australia, 9-12 February, Perth, Western Australia
The Diplomacy Training Program (DTP) and Oxfam Australia’s Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Advocacy: Human Rights Training for Community Advocates program was held from 9-12 February 2010 in Perth, Western Australia. The program was funded by Oxfam Australia and was organised by the DTP in partnership with Oxfam Australia, the Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies at Curtin University and the School of Indigenous Studies at the University of Western Australia. 27 participants from across Western Australia attended the program, with 9 men and 18 women.
2009
19th Annual Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy Training Program: A Training Program for Advocates from the Asia-Pacific Region, 23 Nov - 11 Dec, 2009, Dili, Timor-Leste
DTP Founder and Patron President José Ramos Horta opened the 19th Annual Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy Training Program on November 23rd in the main hall of the new Presidential Palace in Dili, Timor Leste. There are 30 participants in the program from 10 countries including Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Thailand, Burma, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Australia and the Solomon Islands.
Corporate Accountability: Tools to Promote Responsible Business Conduct, a Capacity Building Program for NGOs and Trade Unions. A Partnership Between OECD Watch and the Diplomacy Training Program, 4-6 November 2009, Bangkok, Thailand
The Diplomacy Training Program and OECD Watch's Corporate Accountability: Tools to Promote Responsible Business Conduct program was held from 4-6 November 2009 in Bangkok, Thailand. The program was held for advocates from Asia/Pacific countries who work for, and with, non-government, labour and community organisations and was particularly relevant to OECD Watch members from the region, and NGOs and trade unions working on specific cases and considering using the OECD Guidelines. The overall objective of the program was to enhance the capacity of civil society organisations to influence corporate behaviour and business regulations in accordance with
human rights standards, sustainable development and poverty eradication.
Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Advocacy: A Training Program for Community Advocates in partnership with the Fred Hollows Foundation, 27-30 October, Alice Springs, NT, Australia
The Diplomacy Training program and Fred Hollows Foundation's Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Advocacy program was held from 27-30 October in Alice Springs, NT in partnership with the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education (BIITE). Following the successful program for Indigenous community advocates in the Katherine region, this program was held for advocates from Alice Springs and the surrounding region.
Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Advocacy: A Training Program for Community Advocates in partnership with the Fred Hollows Foundation, 22-25 September, Katherine, NT, Australia
The Diplomacy Training program and Fred Hollows Foundation's Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Advocacy program was held from 22-25 September in Katherine, NT in partnership with the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education (BIITE). The 4 day intensive program aimed to develop the lobbying and advocacy skills of Indigenous community advocates. 21 participants from communities in the Katherine region attended the program.
Capacity Building on Human Rights and Migrant Workers in the Asia-Pacific Region: A Training Program for Advocates, 7-11 September 2009, Dili, Timor-Leste
The Diplomacy Training Program’s 6th Regional Capacity Building Program focusing on the rights of migrant workers took place in Dili, Timor-Leste from September 7 – 11 2009, at the invitation of DTP’s Founder and Patron, President José Ramos-Horta. The program was held in partnership with Migrant Forum Asia (MFA), the leading regional network of NGOs working on the rights of migrant workers from Asia, the Asia-Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions and local NGO partner, Forum Tau Matan. The 31 program participants came from both migrant sending and migrant receiving countries, including Timor-Leste, Sri Lanka, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Thailand, Mongolia, Indonesia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Singapore, Philippines, Maldives, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
Human Rights Advocacy and Business: A Capacity Building Program for Advocates, 13-20 July 2009, Chiang Mai, Thailand
DTP's fourth regional program on human rights advocacy and business was held from 13-20 July 2009 in Chiang Mai, Thailand in partnership with Cividep-India. The program attracted 27 participants
from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Mongolia, Malaysia, India, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Australia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Philippines, and Vietnam.
6th Regional Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights Advocacy Course, 4-13 May 2009, Darwin and Batchelor, Northern Territory, Australia
The Diplomacy Training Program’s 2009 Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Advocacy program was held from 4-13 May in Darwin and Batchelor, NT, in cooperation with the Fred Hollows Foundation and the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education. There were 25 participants from Indigenous communities across Australia and from nine other countries across the region.
Oxfam Indigenous Youth Program, 16-20 February 2009, Sydney, Australia
DTP's "Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Advocacy: A Training Program in Human Rights and Advocacy for Indigenous Youth" was held from 16-20 February 2009 at the Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales, Sydney. The program was held in partnership with Oxfam Australia. Thirty-two young Indigenous advocates from across Australia participated in the program. The program was held shortly after the one year anniversary of the National Apology to Indigenous Australians by the Prime Minister and Parliament.
2008
18th Annual Regional Human Rights Defenders Course, 24 November - 12 December 2008, Sydney and Canberra, Australia
DTP’s 18th Annual Regional Human Rights Defenders Program was successfully conducted in Sydney and Canberra Australia between November 24th and December 12th, 2008. The program brought together 29 participants from 17 countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
The 18th Annual Program was significant for a number of reasons. It was the first time in over a decade that the Annual Program was held in Australia. The program was officially opened at the Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia by the Honourable Robert McClelland MP, Attorney General of the Commonwealth Government. Justice Michael Kirby gave a speech at the closing ceremony of the program which was also held at the Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales. Other program events included a special event at the Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales featuring Lord Bingham and Justice Elizabeth Evatt in honour of the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10th. The event was held in partnership with the Australian Human Rights Centre and the UNSW Initiative on Health and Human Rights.
For the first time, a Human Rights Football Tournament was also held in honour of the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Human Rights Football Tournament was held in partnership with Football United on December 9th. Sixteen teams took part in the tournament, including the Diplomacy Training Program staff and participants, teams from Football United, Caritas, Oxfam, the Wilderness Society, Childfund Australia, the Darfur Australia Network, the Sydney Burmese Community and the Faculty of Law, UNSW. The tournament was organised by Jason Deutsch and the winning team was the Darfur Australia Network.
Trainers included Dr Sarah Pritchard, Paul Redmond, Andrea Durbach, Andrew Byrnes, Philip Chung, Janelle Saffin, Mick Dodson, Hilary Charlesworth and Sam Gregory. The participants work on a range of Human Rights issues, such as the rights of children, women and Indigenous peoples. Participants went on field trips to the Australian Parliament, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Gilbert + Tobin. The program was made possible through funding support from NZAID and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
5th Migrant Workers, Human Rights and Advocacy Program in the Asia-Pacific Region, 22-30 October 2008, Manila, the Philippines
DTP's 5th Migrant Workers, Human Rights and Advocacy Program was held in Manila, the Philippines from 22-30 October. The program was held in partnership with Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA) and was timed to coincide with the 2nd Global Forum on Migration and Development in Manila. The program brought together 22 advocates from across the Asia-Pacific region. The program was developed as a follow-up program, with most participants having completed an earlier DTP course.
Intensive Program for the People from Burma 2008, 5-7 September and 4-5 October, 2008, Sydney, Australia
The Diplomacy Training Program (DTP) held the Intensive Program for the People from Burma from 5-7 September and 4-5 October 2008. This year’s program brought together 26 advocates, with representatives of Burma’s many ethnic communities, including the Burmese, Chin, Karen, Kuki, Rohingya, and Shan. The program was developed as a follow-up program, with most participants having completed an earlier DTP course.
5th Regional Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights Advocacy Course, 11 - 20 August 2008, Northern Territory, Australia
DTP’s 5th regional program on Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Advocacy was held in Darwin, Batchelor and Katherine, Australia from 11 – 20 August 2008. The program brought together 24 community advocates from Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Burma, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea and Sri Lanka. The program was held in partnership with the Batchelor Institute for Indigenous Tertiary Education (BIITE) and the Fred Hollows Foundation (FHF). This was the first regional DTP course on Indigenous Peoples Rights to take place since the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in 2007.
Human Rights Advocacy and Business - A Regional Capacity Building Program for Advocates, 23 - 27 June 2008, Manila, the Philippines
DTP’s 3rd regional program focusing on human rights advocacy and business assisted advocates to respond to the challenges for human rights posed by the growing power and influence of corporations, particularly multi-national corporations. The five-day intensive course was held in partnership with Action for Economic Reform and the Institute of Human Rights of the University of the Philippines Law Centre.
Human Rights and Advocacy - A Capacity Building Program for Australian Indigenous Advocates: Follow-Up Program, 28 April - 2 May 2008, Sydney, Australia
This program followed on from the Human Rights and Advocacy training program that was run in partnership with Oxfam Australia and held in February 2007. The program aimed to build on the earlier training that participants had undertaken with Oxfam Australia’s Indigenous program staff and partner organisations in order to deepen knowledge of human rights and their application. This was the first time that the Diplomacy Training Program has been able to organise such a follow-up program and it provided an important opportunity to reflect on the outcomes and value of previous training of Australian Indigenous advocates.
Human Rights and Trade Program, 28 March - 4 April, Malaysia
DTP’s Human Rights and Trade Program brought together advocates from the human rights movement, development non-government organisations, trade justice advocates, women’s organisations, National Human Rights Institutions and trade unions. The course provided participants with knowledge about key aspects of the development framework including the evolution of trade and aid policies, and human rights accountability mechanisms relating to trade. Participants also developed practical skills in advocacy, lobbying and working with the media to promote the nexus between international trade and human rights.
Oxfam Indigenous Youth Program, 11-15 February, Sydney, Australia
DTP’s program with Indigenous Australian Youth took place in Sydney from February 11-15. The timing proved fortuitous, coinciding with the National Apology to Indigenous Australians by the Prime Minister and Parliament. There were 26 participants from communities across Australia. The commitment, enthusiasm and skills of the participants are a cause for some hope and encouragement and their response to the program affirmed its value.
2007
17th Annual Regional Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy Course, November 19-December 13, Wellington, New Zealand
This 3-week flagship course welcomed 29 participants in 2007 from 17 countries including, Mongolia, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, PNG, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Laos, Cambodia, the Philippines and Australia. The program included participants from places torn by conflict over issues of self-determination including Mindanao, Kashmir and West Papua. The course was held in partnership with Amnesty International New Zealand and the Council for International Development (CID). The course was opened on November 19th by the Governor-General of New Zealand, the Hon Anand Satyanand. The course focused on the international human rights framework, advocacy, the rights based approach to development and the relationships between peace, justice and reconciliation. Trainers included Dr Sarah Pritchard, Professor Paul Redmond, Clarence Dias, Philip Chung, Ced Simpson and Joy Liddicoat.
Special Project for the People of Burma, 10 sessions over July - December 2007, Sydney, Australia
From July 2007 to December 2007, the Diplomacy Training Program (DTP) conducted a special capacity building program for advocates from Burma living in Australia . The program built on longstanding support that DTP has provided to the Burmese human rights movement. Previously this support has mainly been provided through training with advocates living as refugees in countries neighbouring Burma . Australia is now home to an increasing number of refugees from Burma – including some DTP alumni.
Within the communities of people from Burma now settled in Australia, there is a strong commitment to promoting and protecting human rights in Burma – and a desire to develop the knowledge and skills do so more effectively, and to reach out to the wider Australian community for support. A special non-residential program was designed and took place on alternate Saturday’s from July – December. 35 participants started the course including drawn from the Karen, Mon, Shan and Rohingya, Arakanese and Burman communities.
The course coincided with a renewed international focus on Burma in response to the mass protests of Buddhist monks and others, and the subsequent and continuing crackdown. The course participants were significantly involved in efforts to give support to these protests and to bring international pressure to bear on the military regime. The course was designed and conducted in partnership with Burmese community organisations and was very positively evaluated.
The DTP remains committed to assisting Burmese human rights advocates in Australia and the region.
4th Migrant Workers Rights in the Asia-Pacific, October 15-19, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Next Program
October 15-19, 2008 in Vietnam
The project was aimed at building the capacity of NGO and Trade Union advocates in the Asia-Pacific region to promote the human rights of migrant workers. The main focus of the project was creating a five-day training program to develop understanding of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Family (ICRMW) and other international legal standards of particular relevance to migrant workers in the Asia-Pacific region such as ILO Conventions and the UN Convention on Trafficking.
2nd Human Rights Advocacy and Business, August 20-25, Jakarta, Indonesia
Next Program May, 2008 in Manila, Philippines
This capacity building program brought together 31 community advocates from the Asia-Pacific region for a five day intensive course to build knowledge and understanding of the relationships between corporations and human rights, and to develop advocacy skills in relation to business.
4th Indigenous Peoples, Minorities, Human Rights and Advocacy in the Asia-Pacific, April 14-23, Darwin, Australia
Next Program August 2008 in Batchelor, Australia
The focus was on enhancing skills and networking of Indigenous advocates from Australia and the region, with an emphasis on issues around natural resource development and attention paid to the new Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples in Australia, February 5-9, Sydney, Australia
Next Program April 2008 in Sydney, Australia
The Diplomacy Training Program in partnership with Oxfam Australia facilitated a program for Oxfam’s Indigenous Australia Program staff and Oxfam’s Indigenous partner organisations from around Australia. There were 28 participants in the course. The course provided information on the international human rights framework and Australia’s commitments to, and its obligations relating to, international human rights standards. The course had a particular focus on the right to health and the rights based approach to development. Regular DTP trainers Dr Sarah Pritchard, Garth Nettheim, and Jacqui Katona were joined by Professor Daniel Tarantola, Maria Graterol, Jane Singleton and Gary Highland. The course was very positively evaluated by participants.
Notable Quotes:
“This training helped me to establish international solidarity, strategic allies and networking as well as share information and further the human rights agenda.”
“I’m saddened to hear about the international participants’ situations. The international participants were very interested in my work and the issues surrounding Indigenous Australia. I now have a better appreciation of life in Australia.”
2006
16th Annual Regional Human Rights and Peoples Democracy Course, November 26-December 13, Timor Leste
The course was held in partnership with the Peace and Democracy Foundation, Timor Leste and brought together 27 participants from 12 countries. The Opening and Closing Ceremonies were held at the home of DTP’s Founder and Patron, Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, the Prime Minister of Timor Leste. The training was conducted in Dare, Baucau and Dili. The program was enriched by its location in Timor-Leste and the hospitality of the East Timorese. It was possible to learn more about the suffering endured by the East Timorese, the struggle for self-determination and human rights inside and outside the country and the current situation in Timor Leste. The course focused on the international human rights framework, advocacy, the rights based approach to development and the relationships between peace, justice and reconciliation. Trainers included Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, Dr Sarah Pritchard, Professor Paul Redmond, Bishop Gunnar Stålsett, former British Ambassador, Tina Redshaw, Joaquim Fonseca, Catherine Anderson and Sam Gregory of WITNESS.
Human Rights Advocacy and Business, September 25-29, Sydney, Australia
The Diplomacy Training Program's first course on human rights advocacy and business was held in Sydney from September 25th-29th and brought together 27 participants from 15 countries. The course was held in partnership with the Australian Human Rights Centre.
The program explored some of the challenges relating to human rights advocacy and business. These challenges include shifts in the balance of power between government and private sector, a lack of clear international standards guiding or binding corporate responsibilities with respects to human rights, a lack of political will to hold companies accountable, and corruption. Participants learnt of international developments around industry codes of conduct, the UN Norms on Human Rights and Business and the OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises and exchanged experiences on strategies for holding companies accountable.
The program was officially opened by Justice Elizabeth Evatt and was closed by Justice Michael Kirby of the Australian High Court. Expert resource people on the program included Emeritus Professor Paul Redmond, Justine Nolan, Professor David Kinley, Richard Meeran, Tim Connor and Jacqui Katona.
The program was made possible through funding support from Oxfam Australia, Caritas Australia, NZAID and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Advocacy, May 3-12, Darwin, Australia
This was the fifth program on the theme of Indigenous Peoples and human rights to be held by the Diplomacy Training Program since 2003. This program brought together 22 advocates from around Australia and the region with participants from Indonesia, East Timor, Malaysia, New Caledonia and the Philippines. There was a particular emphasis on the Right to Health. The UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health traveled to Australia to participate in the program. Other trainers included Dr Sarah Pritchard, Professor Garth Nettheim, Minnie Degawan, Jacqui Katona, Ursula Raymond and Olga Havnen. Participants were welcomed to Parliament House by Barbara McCarthy and certificates were presented by Mathew Bonson. The program was made possible through funding support from Oxfam Australia, Caritas Australia, NZAID and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Migrant Workers and the UN Convention on Migrant Workers’ Rights in the Asia-Pacific Region, April 7-11, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
This was the third regional program to be held on this thematic issue - one of the region's most pressing human rights issues. This was the first time that the program was held in a country that is a major destination for the region's migrant workers. There were 31 participants from 13 countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Nepal and South Korea. Trainers included Shanthi Dairiam, of the UN Committee on Discrimination Against Women, Clarence Dias, Laurie Berg from Australia, Temesgen Samuel from the ILO and Nisha Varia, Researcher with Human Rights Watch. The program was held in partnership with Migrant Forum Asia, the Malaysian Trade Union Congress, Pusat KOMAS, Aliran and Messrs Charles Hector. The program was made possible through a grant from the Myer Foundation and the support of Oxfam Australia and Migrant Forum Asia.
2005
15th Annual Regional Human Rights and Peoples Democracy Course, November 26-December 13, Timor Leste
The course was held in partnership with the Peace and Democracy Foundation, Timor Leste and brought together 26 participants from 13 countries. This was the first time in its fifteen year history that DTP’s annual regional human rights defenders program was held in Timor-Leste. The considerable East Timorese input into the program - through the hosts PDF, through the East Timorese trainers and participants and through a focus on the lessons from East Timor's history and current challenges - made the program an inspiring experience for all involved.
For three weeks participants and trainers learnt about the UN and international human rights law, discussed human rights in the region, and learnt from each other’s experiences. DTP and its participants were particularly appreciative of the high level of involvement of José Ramos-Horta in the program – both through formal presentations and the time he made available for informal small group discussions on weekends. The participants were also deeply appreciative of the opportunity to meet with the former political prisoner and leader of the East Timorese resistance and now Prime Minister of Timor Leste, Xanana Gusmao.
Human Rights, Trade and the WTO, September 14-20, Cambodia
The program was held in collaboration with Oxfam's International Youth Parliament and Women's Agenda for Change in Cambodia.
It brought together young advocates from Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific to explore the relationship between emerging international regimes on trade and the human rights framework. It developed the skills of advocates at the same time as providing information on how human rights agreements can be used by advocates for trade justice.
Migrant Workers' Rights and the UN Convention, August 15-20, Bangladesh
The program was held in Dhaka in partnership with Migrant Forum Asia, the Welfare Association for Returned Bangladeshi Employees and the Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit at Dhaka University. Participants came from countries across the region including Malaysia, Nepal, Indonesia, Timor Leste, Burma and Bangladesh.
Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Advocacy, June 20-29, 2005, Batchelor, Australia
The program was held in partnership with Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education and the Northern Land Council. It brought together 29 participants from around Australia and Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Fiji, Solomons, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines.
2004
Migrant Workers Rights and Migrant Workers Convention Training Program, Nov 29- Dec 3, Jakarta, Indonesia
Held In partnership with Migrant Forum in Asia, the Asian Center for the Progress of People's and the Center for Indonesian Migrant Workers.
Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Development A Human Rights Training Program for Indigenous Advocates in the Asia-Pacific Region, July 25-August 4, Darwin, Australia
Indigenous Youth, Human Rights and Advocacy Training In co-operation with 2nd International Youth Parliament, Oxfam Community Aid Abroad, July 13-16, Sydney, Australia
14th Annual Human Rights and Peoples’ Diplomacy Training Program, February 2-20, Bangkok, Thailand
In co-operation with Asian Regional Resource Center for Human Rights Education (ARRC) and the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (Forum Asia).
2003
Children’s Rights in the Pacific Training Program, November 6-13
Human Rights Training for Indigenous Civil Society in the Philippines, August 11-23
13th Annual Human Rights and Peoples’ Diplomacy, February 3-21, Bangkok, Thailand
In Cooperation with Asian Regional Resource Center (ARRC) and Forum Asia, Thailand
Annual Training participating organisations included:
Chittagong Hill Tracts Students Council, Bangladesh; Hotline, Bangladesh; East Timor Students Solidarity Council; Family Rehabilitation Centre, Sri Lanka; Aceh Student Front for Reform, Malaysia; Mekong Coordinating Team on Migrants & Victims of Trafficking, Thailand; Karenni Foreign Affairs, Thailand; Democratic Commission for Human Development, Pakistan; Friends Association for Rural Reconstruction, India; Mindinao Indigenous Peoples Consultative Council, Philippines; Indonesia Legal Aid Foundation; Cambodian Human Rights Task Force; Informal Sector Service Centre, Nepal; Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies; SHAN Herald Agency for News, Thailand; Cambodia Civil Society Project; Philippine Association for Intercultural Development; The Restoration Council of the Shan State, Thailand; Rakhaing Women's Union, Bangladesh; Zazao Environment Organisation, Solomon Islands; Jumma Peoples Link, India.
Trainers:
Prof Prasit Aekaputra, Faculty of Law, Thammasat University, Thailand
Mr Stephen Bibi, ALTSEAN, Thailand
Ms Evelyn Balais-Serrano, Forum-Asia, Thailand
Mr Jose Campino, Political Affairs Officer, United Nations, New York
Dr. Sarah Pritchard, DTP Board Member, UNSW Faculty of Law
Mr Philip Chung & Ms Siobhan McCann, AustLII, Australia
Dr. Clarence Dias, President, International Center for Law and Development, New York
Mr W.P.J. Basil Fernando, Executive Director, Asian Human Rights Commission, Hong Kong
Mr Tyler Giannini, Director, EarthRights International, Thailand
Mr Somchai Homlaor, Secretary General, Forum-Asia, Thailand
Ms Theresa Limpin, Coordinator, ARRC, Thailand
Prof Vitit Muntarbhorn, Faculty of Law, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Mr Charivat Satraputra, Deputy Director General, Dept. of International Organisation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand
Dr. Chaiwat Satha-Anand, Associate Professor, Political Science, Thammasat University
Ms Sudarat Sereewat, Secretary General, Face (Coalition to Fight Against Child Exploitation)
Ms Joan Staples, Executive Director, Diplomacy Training Program
Ms Chalida Tajaroensuk, Program Coordinator, Forum-Asia
Ms Srisak Thaiary, Chairperson, Child Rights ASIANET
Dr Amnat Wongbandit, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, Thammasat University
2001 / 2002
Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy Training for Melanesia, mid-2002
12th Annual Human Rights & Peoples' Diplomacy Training, Feb 25-March 15, Colombo, Sri Lanka
In cooperation with Lawyers for Human Rights and Development and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.
Adelaide, Australia, 18-23 November, 2001
Participated in the delivery of:
"Certificate Course II"
Held by the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre operating in association with the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS).
Nuku’alofa, Tonga, 18-22 June, 2001
Participated in the delivery of:
"Human Rights and Good Governance Workshop" for the youth of Tonga,
Held by the Tonga Human Rights and Democracy Movement, 32 participants.
Bangkok, Thailand, 26 February - 16 March, 2001
"11th Annual Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy Training"
In co-operation with Thammasat University and Forum-Asia, Bangkok, 26 participants from 16 countries.
2000
Darwin, Australia, 24 January-11 February 2000
"10th Annual Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy Training", Northern Territory University, 35 participants from 16 countries
Dharamsala, India, 9-16 October 2000
"Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy Training" for young Tibetans in India, with the Department of Information and International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration, 27 participants.
Suva, Fiji, 2-12 October 2000
"Peoples' Diplomacy for Human Rights and the Environment" for peoples of the Pacific, with the Pacific Concerns Resource Centre, 24 participants from 12 countries.
1999
Darwin, Australia, 4-10 December 1999
"Human Rights Training for East Timorese Human Rights Defenders", with the East Timor Human Rights Centre, at Nungalinya College, 14 participants
Sydney, Australia, 14-19 November 1999
"Young Indigenous Leaders Training", 20 participants
Cairns, Australia, 10-17 October 1999,
"Young Indigenous Leaders Training", 18 participants
New Delhi, India, 12-28 November 1999
"Human Rights Training for Burmese Human Rights Defenders", with the Burma Lawyers' Council, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, 38 participants
Bangkok, Thailand, 26 Sept-9 Oct 1999
"Human Rights Training for Burmese Human Rights Defenders" Oct with the Burma Lawyers' Council, in cooperation with Thammasat University, Forum-Asia and Thai Action Committee for Democracy in Burma, 39 participants.
1998
Sydney, Australia, 25 Jan-19 February 1998
"Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy", 9th Annual Training Session, 30 participants
Taipei, Taiwan, 2-6 March 1998
"DTP In-country Training" in coordination with the Medical Professionals Association in Taiwan and MPAT International Health and Human Rights Program, 25 participants
1997
Taipei, Taiwan, 2-12 December 1997
"Health and Indigenous Peoples' Rights" in coordination with Taiwan for WHO Alliance
Auckland, New Zealand, 6-11 October 1997
"Maori People and Indigenous Peoples' Rights", in coordination with Maungarongo Ki Otara Law Centre, 22 participants
Manila, Philippines 7-28 January 1997
"Human Rights and Peoples Diplomacy", 8th Annual Training, in cooperation with the Philippines Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) and the College of Law at the University of the Philippines, 23 participants
1996
Colombo, Sri Lanka, 1-6 October 1996
"International Human Rights in Theory and Practice", co-sponsored by the Sril Lanka Information Monitor (INFORM), the Center for the Study of Human Rights at the University of Colombo, the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) and the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, 33 participants
Perth, Australia, 22-23 July 1996
"Human Rights Education and Training: The Rights of the Child", in conjunction with Community Aid Abroad's South-West Indigenous Rights Program
Sydney, Australia, 25 August 1996
"The Right to Human Rights Education", Workshop on Asia-Pacific Human Rights Education: Tasks for the UN Decade for Human Rights Education (1996-2004), in conjunction with the Australian Human Rights Information Centre
Alice Springs, Australia 27-31 May 1996
"DTP Training: Indigenous Peoples' Rights" in coordination with the Institute for Aboriginal Development
Bangkok, Thailand, 9 Jan-2 February 1996
"Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy", 7th Annual DTP Training, in conjunction with the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM Asia), The Program for the Promotion of Non-violence in Thai Society, the Thai House Committee on Human Rights and Justice, Duang Prateep Foundation, held at Thammasat University, 30 participants
1995
Suva, Fiji, 6-18 November 1995
"DTP In-Country Training", in conjunction with the Catholic Committee of Justice and Development and local Catholic Bishops, 44 participants
Sydney, Beijing Conference Workshop, 24-26 July 1995
for Indigenous Women going the UN Fourth World Conference on Women, with collaboration and sponsorship from ATSIC's Office for Indigenous Women, Canberra, 9 participants
Kathmandu, Nepal, May 1-16 1995
"DTP In-country training", in coordination with South Asia Forum on Human Rights (SAFHR), 31 participants Bangkok, Thailand, January 1995 "Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy," 6th Annual DTP Training
1994
Sydney, Australia, January 1994
"Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy", 5th Annual DTP Training
Sydney, Australia, May 1994
"Pacific Islander session" in coordination with the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council and the Uniting Church's Board for Social Responsibility, held at Vaughan College, Macquarie University, 21 participants
Thailand/Burma border, 6-17 July 1994
"DTP In-country Training", in conjunction with the Democratic Alliance of Burma, Australian Council of Churches, Committee Catholique Contre la Faim France, 35 participants
1993
Sydney, Australia, 11 January - 5 February 1993
"Human Rights and Peoples Diplomacy", 4th Annual DTP Training Alice Springs, Australia, 28 June-3 July 1993 "DTP Training: Indigenous Peoples' Rights" in coordination with the Institute for Aboriginal Development, 60 participants
1992
Sydney, Australia, January 1992
"Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy", 3rd Annual DTP Training, 32 participants
Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, July 1992
"Human Rights in Development" Workshops in coordination with Australian International Development Assistance Bureau and the Australian Council for Overseas Aid, 40 participants
Dharamsala, India, 13-21 April 1992
"DTP In-country training" for representatives of the Tibetan Government in Exile, in conjunction with the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation (UNPO) and the Government in Exile's Department of Information and International Relations, 27 participants
1991
Sydney, Australia, January 1991
"Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy", 2nd Annual DTP Training
Alice Springs, Australia 3-8 June 1991
"DTP Training: Indigenous Peoples' Rights" in coordination with the Institute for Aboriginal Development, 35 participants
Bangkok, Thailand, 13-18 May 1991
"DTP in-country Training", Chulalongkorn University in coordination with the Asian Cultural Forum on Development (ACFOD), and Chulalongkorn University Law Faculty, 32 participants 1990
1990
Alice Springs, Australia, 28 May- 2 June 1990
"DTP Training: Indigenous Peoples' Rights" in coordination with the Institute for Aboriginal Development
Sydney, Australia, January 1990
"Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy", 1st Annual DTP Training, 30 participants
Diplomacy Training Program - making a difference
Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales
NSW 2052 Australia
tel: + (61 2) 9385 3549
fax: + (61 2) 9385 1778
email: dtp@unsw.edu.au
www.dtp.unsw.edu.au |
