SPEAKOUT!
International Human Rights Training Programme

The potential of youth to instigate positive change is especially large in indigenous communities, where marginalization has left society particularly vulnerable to human rights violations. Currently amongst the least equipped to defend their own rights, indigenous peoples around the world could experience a significant improvement of their situation, if their younger generations were empowered with the necessary skills in human rights advocacy.

The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization UNPO, in conjunction with the The Hague Municipality, the Haella Foundation and the Netherlands Institute of International Relations (Clingendael), will host a capacity-building training programme in The Hague, between 14-16 July 2010, on human rights activism with on indigenous populations and ethnic minorities.

Training will cover how to apply universal principles of democracy and human rights in grassroots campaigns, effective media and public outreach techniques and active lobbying practices in the United Nations and other international forums. A trip to one of The Hague’s leading centers of peace and justice is also included.

Participants will receive hands-on training from leading human rights defenders dedicated to providing the next generation of leaders with the necessary repertoire of tools and skills needed to defend their human rights.

Applications are open to motivated individuals aged between 18 and 30 years old who have experience or an interest in the promotion of indigenous human rights. The cost of participation for the full training is €30, covering lunches, dinners, drinks and a social networking event. 

To register please fill in this online form by Friday 2 July.

For more information:
Caroline de Bruin,  Office of the General Secretary
Tel: +31(0)70 3646 504
cdebruin [at] unpo.org - www.unpo.org
Laan van Meerdervoort 70
2517 AN The Hague - The Netherlands

Workshop: Human Rights and the United Nations

• Introduction to Asian and Human Rights Instruments
Participants are introduced to and discuss the main international human rights mechanisms, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, International Covenant on Economic Cultural and Social Rights, Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

• Effective Lobbying at the United Nations
Training will identify the main UN treaty bodies are and how an individual can utilize the treaty mechanisms for their cause, including submitting complaints and reports, making statements, organizing events on site and general advocacy and networking tips.

Workshop: Creative Activism

• Introduction to Innovative Non-Violent Activism Techniques
Participants are introduced to a variety of creative activism techniques from die-ins and read-athons to marches and street theater, then will be faced with a series of scenarios and challenged to develop awareness raising programmes using non-violent methodology.

Workshop: Utilizing the Media and Harnessing Funds

• Using the Media to Raise Human Rights Awareness
Training will focus on setting up effective communication strategies, including writing and sending press releases, holding press conferences and general media relations tactics.

• Financing Human Rights Initiatives
Attendees gain valuable insight on where to find funding sources, writing project proposals, developing project budgets and building your own network of funders.

Networking

Participants are given skills, insights and opportunity to meet and build contacts with representatives from The Hague’s diplomatic, judicial, and civic spheres working on indigenous human rights issues.

Guided Tour: The International Criminal Court

Participants are welcome to attend a trip to one of The Hague’s leading centers of peace and justice.