DTP has extended applications for the Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Business: A Regional Capacity Building Strengthening Program for Indigenous Peoples Human Rights Defenders in partnership with AIPP. Please send in late applications by October 16.

DTP began its 1st online course this week – on Business and Human Rights and the SDGs in the Pacific, as UN human rights experts raise concerns about a new mine proposed for the Sepik region of PNG, and in the lead-up to the 1st Pacific Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights to be held on Dec 1 & 2. 

The program has attracted over 40 participants from 16 countries across the Pacific. Sessions run twice weekly through October.

Yuyun Whyuningrum writes that the Covid-19 pandemic highlights the need to focus on economic, social and cultural rights and improve human rights protection of vulnerable groups, including migrants, and that this is an obligation under the 2012 ASEAN Human Rights Declaration.

Peoples Watch and other NGOs are demanding action following recent rapes of Dalit women. The UN in India has called on the government to bring the perpetrators to justice and provide support for the victims. Henri Tiphagne shares an international ‘zoom’ protest meeting with current and former UN Special Rapporteurs.

The Awaj Foundation is supporting garment workers who have lost their jobs because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Anisur Khan tells us that that 5746 families have been helped so far.

OKUP documents the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on Bangladeshi migrant workers. The report is based on a survey from workers in Saudi Arabia, Maldives, Qatar, Oman, Malaysia, Singapore, UAE, and Lebanon.

WITNESS Arul Prakash from Witness has compiled a series of resources for Thais who are taking part in protests throughout Thailand. READ MORE

MIGRANT FORUM IN ASIA and the International Organization for Migration have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on ethical recruitment and migrant worker protection. READ MORE

To further protect migrant workers impacted by Covid19 MFA is holding a Justice for Wage Theft poster competition ENTER HERE, and organising a Say Yes To Justice Now! petition SIGN HERE

CITIZENS CONSTITUTIONAL FORUM, FIJI marked International Peace Day on 21 September, paying tribute to the lives lost in peaceful protests around the world. READ THE STATEMENT

ASIA INDIGENOUS PEOPLES PACT is collaborating with the National Indigenous Women's Federation in Nepal in distributing its Position Paper on Indigenous Women's Land Rights listing 29 factors governments must consider to protect the land rights of Indigenous women. READ THE PAPER

DTP's 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Report is out now.

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One of DTP's strengths is you, our alumni and networks. As we see the Covid-19 pandemic spreading and the different responses of government, business and communities, you have never been more important in communicating impacts, and enabling/driving solidarity, action and accountability. If you have news, opinion pieces, resources or examples of best practice to share, or have questions on human rights and Covid-19, please send them to us at [email protected]. Please stay safe.

Issue #112 October 2020

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We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work, the Bedegal people of the Eora Nation