2025 Human Rights, Climate Change and Business in the Pacific

Application deadline extended to 9 May 2025

The Diplomacy Training Program (DTP), in partnership with the Pacific Islands Association of NGOs (PIANGO), the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Pacific Regional Office is calling for applications for its Pacific regional civil society capacity building program, 2025 Human Rights, Climate Change and Business in the Pacific.

This 5-day program, to be held in Fiji, will build the knowledge, skills and capacities of advocates to protect and promote human rights and sustainable development in the Pacific. It will build knowledge of international human rights standards and mechanisms that can be applied and integrated into effective advocacy strategies. It will build practical skills for engaging with governments and business. Participants will learn from leading experts and practitioners, share knowledge with each other, and build practical skills and solidarity networks. Trainers on the program will include Professor Surya Deva, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development.

What will the participants learn?

The curriculum will be finalised to meet the needs of the selected participants. Program content will include the following:

• International human rights standards and mechanisms – including the Right to Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment, Right to Development and UN Special Procedures
• Updates on climate change litigation and what this means for advocacy on human rights and climate change
• How knowledge of human rights standards and mechanisms can inform and be integrated into climate change and environmental advocacy
• The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises
• Skills in strategic advocacy and lobbying and engaging the UN mechanisms, private sector and government.

Participants completing the training will receive a certificate from UNSW Faculty of Law and Justice.

Who should apply for the training?

The program is primarily for community advocates from Pacific Island nations who work for and with NGOs/CSOs/TUs and who have the capacity to apply the training to their work.

Who are the trainers?

DTP’s trainers are experienced local, regional and international human rights practitioners, academics, and officials who understand and support DTP’s philosophy of participatory training. Professor Surya Deva, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development, will be one of the trainers on the program.

What is the training methodology?

DTP recognises and values the experiences and skills that participants bring to its programs. The opportunity to share experiences and lessons with other participants and trainers is one of the real benefits and highlights of participating in the program. The training methodology is interactive with an emphasis on group work, role plays, case studies and discussion.

What is the cost involved?

The DTP is an independent NGO and course fees are an important source of income for its work.  The course fee for the program is US$1,000 and covers tuition, accommodation, food, field trips, and resource materials for the 5-day program. Travel expenses to and from Fiji are not included in this fee.

A number of scholarships (full or partial including travel) will be offered. Interested applicants are encouraged to enquire about subsidised spaces. DTP will help to ensure funding for successful applicants.