2022 Diplomatic Outreach for Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights Defenders

The Diplomacy Training Program (DTP) and Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP), in collaboration with other partners, are holding a special capacity building program, Diplomatic Outreach for Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights Defenders, to be held online between November and December 2022.

This program will focus on enabling Human Right Defenders (HRDs) advocating for Indigenous people’s rights in Asia Pacific countries to engage with the diplomats of countries that have policies on human rights defenders and the rights of Indigenous people. Participants will learn from leading experts and practitioners, share knowledge with each other, and build networks. The course will involve 5 online sessions of 1.5 hours over 6 weeks, as well as an online or face-to-face engagement with diplomats.

This program aims at enabling HRDs to engage with diplomats to exchange their concerns around Indigenous peoples’ rights and HRDs. The program will increase the knowledge of HRDs on the international standards and guidelines on HRDs and promote knowledge of policies on the rights of Indigenous peoples. It will provide practical help and support to participants in their approaches to diplomats giving advice and support.

This training is an initiative to strengthen and support the role of civil society and HRDs at a critical time. It will lead to the participation of Indigenous peoples and HRDs in the development of effective strategies for safe space for civil society, and the promotion of the role of HRDs and the rights of Indigenous peoples.