About the Training Programs - What and How We Teach

The Diplomacy Training Program builds on 27 years of working in partnership with organisations and advocates in the region to develop and implement training programs to strengthen the knowledge and skills of community advocates and human rights defenders.

DTP’s teaching methodology is participatory, providing space for course participants to share and learn from each other’s experiences and to develop mutual support networks.  DTP’s methodology is based on respect for the knowledge, skills and perspectives that participants bring to the program – and the value of enabling these to be shared. 

All programs provide participants with knowledge of internationally agreed human rights standards and of the UN system, along with practical advice on how to engage this system effectively to protect human rights.  

All the programs emphasise building practical skills in strategic advocacy, including the capacity to engage with governmental processes at the national, regional and international level.There are sessions on the role of the media and enhancing skills to engage the media.

Using ‘role play’ scenarios, practical exercises and case studies, advocates enhance their negotiation and lobbying techniques and develop the skills needed to seek change in their own society.  ‘Hands-on’ sessions help advocates to learn how to utilise the media, the internet and video effectively in order to affect peaceful, positive change in human rights for the people in their communities and societies.

DTP’s methodology and program content continues to evolve and develop each year, responding to changes in the region and in technology.The approach of balancing knowledge and skills and providing the space to share experience and develop networks of support has proved very flexible.The commitment to participation keeps the programs grounded in the realities that human rights defenders face on the ground in their societies.