2025 Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Business

The Diplomacy Training Program (DTP) in partnership with the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP), is calling for applications for their next regional capacity strengthening program – ‘Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Business'. The program will be held from June 9-13 (TBC) in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

This program will strengthen the knowledge and skills of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) advocates to protect and promote human rights in the context of climate change, the “just transition” rapid economic development and the impact of large-scale development on the lands and livelihoods of IPs.

The program will build knowledge of international human rights standards and mechanisms that can be applied and integrated into effective advocacy strategies. The program will also enable the sharing of experience and building of networks to share knowledge and support.

Why this training?

Climate change, rapid economic development, mining, deforestation and mega-dams are impacting on IPs who often become the victims of displacement, environmental degradation and conflict. There are an increasing number of international mechanisms that advocates can engage with to promote rights and to seek protection, accountability and redress when human rights are abused and violated.

Knowledge of rights and skills in peoples’ diplomacy are critical in defending and promoting these rights and in holding governments and business accountable to their responsibilities. Networking is important to share knowledge and experience and to build solidarity. Strategic advocacy by Indigenous Peoples’ organisations is vital to ensuring that agreed standards and policies on human rights are implemented. This program will help to build more specialised knowledge and skills for effective advocacy in the field of business and human rights.

What will the participants learn?

Participants will learn about:

• International business and human rights standards and mechanisms
• The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs)
• Engaging the UN Special Procedures and the complaints process of the OECD Guidelines on MNEs, and the processes of multi-stakeholder initiatives / supply chains and investor engagement.
• Skills in strategic advocacy and lobbying.

Who should apply for the training?

This capacity strengthening program is targeted to IP advocates who have participated in previous DTP courses or similar human rights/advocacy training, and who are see the need to develop more specialised knowledge on BHR advocacy. Consideration is given to ensuring a gender and geographical balance within each course. The training is conducted in English and an ability to participate in discussions is essential.

Who are the trainers and is the training methodology?

Trainers on DTP programs are experienced local, regional and international human rights practitioners, academics, and officials who understand and support DTP’s philosophy of participatory training. DTP recognises and values the experiences and skills that participants bring to its programs. The training is interactive and sharing experiences and lessons with other participants and trainers is actively encouraged.