Focus: ASIA  

21 – 22 August 2008  

Are you interested in being a positive instigator of change? 

Do you want to contribute to the human rights movement in Asia?  

The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) in conjunction with No Peace Without Justice and the Netherlands Institute of International Relations (Clingendael) will host a capacity building training programme in The Hague, the Netherlands on human rights activism with a regional focus on Asia, including Asian 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 of 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. 

Eligible participants are between the age of 18 and 30, have a good command of oral and writtten English, and are dedicated to the protection and promotion of indigenous and minority rights in Asia.

Questions or Queries? Contact UNPO at Tel: +31 (0)70 3646504 or [email protected]

Programme Summary 

Date:                  21 – 22 August 2008

Location:            Clingendael, The Hague 

Training Sessions include: 

Workshop: Human Rights and the United Nations

• Introduction to Asian and Human Rights Instruments

Participants are introduced to and discuss the main Asian and 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, Committee against Torture, Bangkok Declaration and other ASEAN instruments. 

• 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-a-thons 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. 

Workshop: Networking  

• Participants are given the opportunity to practice their skills in a networking evening with representatives from UNPO, No Peace Without Justice, Clingendael and a variety of NGOs and government leaders in The Hague.

Guided Tour: The Hague, City of Peace and Justice

•  Attendees are welcome to join the group on a trip to one of The Hague’s leading centers of peace of justice.