25 August - 5 September, 2025
The Diplomacy Training Program (DTP), joined with the Global Campus of Human Rights, and in partnership with the UNTL Human Rights Centre, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), the Pacific Islands Association of NGOs (PIANGO), Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA), Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP), and The Judicial System Monitoring Program (JSMP) held its 33rd Annual Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy Training Program for Human Rights Defenders from the Asia-Pacific Region and Indigenous Australia.
31 participants (16 women and 15 men) from 13 countries from across the Asia-Pacific region participated in this two-week intensive residential program of learning, sharing, and skills building. Participants work on a diverse range of human rights concerns, including the rights of migrant workers, women and children, LGBTQIA+, the rights of persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples rights, peacebuilding and self-determination, and struggles for the environment.
This annual, comprehensive human rights and advocacy training course is the longest established human rights training program in the region, building the capacity of individuals, institutions and movements at this time of shrinking space for civil society. It builds knowledge of international human rights standards and the UN system. Similar to a summer school the program includes intensive sessions on human rights and development, advocacy and media skills.
Through its participatory teaching methodology, the program builds lasting links and solidarity between advocates in the region. The course will focus on contemporary human rights challenges including climate change, violence against women, SOGI, land-grabbing, freedom of association, the rights of migrant workers and of Indigenous peoples, transitional justice, democracy and integrating human rights into the sustainable development goals.
The course was held in Timor-Leste, at the invitation of DTP’s Patron and Founder, the Nobel Peace Laureate, President José Ramos-Horta. There is no better place to learn about human rights, peace and international solidarity than today’s Timor-Leste.
Opening remarks by Professor Armindo Maia, Director, Human Rights Centre - UNTL
Opening remarks by Clare Sidoti, Programs and Communications Manager, Diplomacy Training Program
Opening remarks by Mana Ana Paula Marçal, Executive Director, JSMP
Opening remarks by Adriano Remiddi, Head of Capacity Development, Global Campus of Human Rights
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The Diplomacy Training Program's 33rd Annual Human Rights and People's Diplomacy capacity building program receives support from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
