News
Browse our latest news, community stories and articles related to our work.
Search for news stories
In this issue, we profile DTP Indonesia alumna Ni Putu Candra Dewi, provide information about DTP's programs and upcoming webinars, share reports on recent programs and news from alumni, partners and the region, and calls from the UN for your engagement.
DTP Alumni Profile
DTP alumna Ni Putu Candra Dewi (known to colleagues and friends as Candra) is a change maker, feminist human rights lawyer, social justice activist and human rights defender, including disability rights.
DTP alumna Ni Putu Candra Dewi (known to colleagues and friends as Candra) is a change maker, feminist human rights lawyer, social justice activist and human rights defender, including disability rights.
In this issue, we profile DTP alumnus Basim Shamaon, a diaspora community leader in Sydney, provide information about DTP's programs and upcoming webinars, share reports on recent programs and news from alumni, partners and the region, and calls from the UN for your engagement.
DTP Alumni Profile
DTP Alumnus Basim Shamaon is a respected leader and advocate for his community. Living in Sydney he is Chair of the Refugee Support Network (RSN) for New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
DTP Alumnus Basim Shamaon is a respected leader and advocate for his community. Living in Sydney he is Chair of the Refugee Support Network (RSN) for New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
In Human Rights Defenders: Guidelines and Reflections from Practice, Swiss diplomat Cecilia Neyroud and Sri Lankan human rights defender Ruki Fernando will share their experiences in how diplomats can use the HRD Guidelines to protect human rights defenders.
In this issue, we profile DTP alumna Asma Abbasi, provide information about DTP's programs and upcoming webinars, share reports on recent programs and news from alumni, partners and the region, and calls from the UN for your engagement.
DTP Alumni Profile
DTP alumna Dr Asma Abbasi is working with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to promote and protect the rights of women, and to develop women’s skills and leadership in Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) sector.
DTP alumna Dr Asma Abbasi is working with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to promote and protect the rights of women, and to develop women’s skills and leadership in Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) sector.
In this issue we profile DTP alumnus Francelino Dos Santos Serra, provide information about DTP's programs and upcoming webinars, share reports on recent programs and news from alumni, partners and the region, and calls from the UN for your engagement.
DTP Alumni Profile
Francelino Dos Santos Serra is a Timorese human rights defender and rights educator. At present he is working as an assistant lecturer and a human rights project officer at the National University of Timor Leste (UNTL).
Francelino Dos Santos Serra is a Timorese human rights defender and rights educator. At present he is working as an assistant lecturer and a human rights project officer at the National University of Timor Leste (UNTL).
In this issue, we profile Indonesian DTP alumnus Mimin Dwi Hartono, who has over 20 years' experience working with KomnasHAM, provide information about DTP's programs and upcoming webinars, share reports on recent programs and news from alumni, partners and the region, and calls from the UN for your engagement.
DTP Alumni Profile
DTP alumna Tharushi Fernando is a human rights advocate and an attorney at law at the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka where she focuses her work on public law, minority rights, labour rights, and accountability for human rights violations, including cases related to police custodial killings, torture, and labour rights violations.
DTP alumna Tharushi Fernando is a human rights advocate and an attorney at law at the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka where she focuses her work on public law, minority rights, labour rights, and accountability for human rights violations, including cases related to police custodial killings, torture, and labour rights violations.
In this issue we profile DTP alumna Tharushi Fernando from Sri Lanka, provide information about DTP's programs and upcoming webinars, share reports on recent programs and news from alumni, partners and the region, and calls from the UN for your engagement.
In this issue, we highlight DTP’s just completed 2026 Human Rights, Climate Change and Business program in Suva, Fiji, in partnership with FCOSS, PIANGO and OHCHR.
We also provide information about DTP's programs and upcoming webinars, share reports on recent programs and news from alumni, partners and the region, and calls from the UN for your engagement.
DTP Alumni Profile
DTP alumna Tharushi Fernando is a human rights advocate and an attorney at law at the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka where she focuses her work on public law, minority rights, labour rights, and accountability for human rights violations, including cases related to police custodial killings, torture, and labour rights violations.
DTP alumna Tharushi Fernando is a human rights advocate and an attorney at law at the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka where she focuses her work on public law, minority rights, labour rights, and accountability for human rights violations, including cases related to police custodial killings, torture, and labour rights violations.
DTP Alumni Profile
DTP alumnus Victor Mambor is a journalist and film-maker in Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia. He is the co-founder and an editor at Jubi (Tabloid Jubi), a leading independent media outlet based in Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia. Victor is also the producer of the documentary Pig Feat, which chronicles the struggle of indigenous people in West Papua defending their ancestral lands from sugar plantations.
DTP alumnus Victor Mambor is a journalist and film-maker in Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia. He is the co-founder and an editor at Jubi (Tabloid Jubi), a leading independent media outlet based in Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia. Victor is also the producer of the documentary Pig Feat, which chronicles the struggle of indigenous people in West Papua defending their ancestral lands from sugar plantations.
In this issue we begin a new series on the human rights and environmental impacts of corporate and government practices on the seas and oceans in the Asia Pacific region. We also profile DTP alumnus Prakash Khadka, a dedicated human rights advocate and founder of Peace Himalaya, provide information about DTP's programs and upcoming webinars, share reports on recent programs and news from alumni, partners and the region, and calls from the UN for your engagement.
DTP Alumni Profile
DTP alumni Prakash Khadka is a dedicated human rights advocate and development practitioner in Nepal who for over 15 years has been working over issues such as child rights, migration and social justice. He is the Founder of Peace Himalaya, a not for profit organization in Nepal which is committed to foster peace, justice, and human dignity in society.
DTP alumni Prakash Khadka is a dedicated human rights advocate and development practitioner in Nepal who for over 15 years has been working over issues such as child rights, migration and social justice. He is the Founder of Peace Himalaya, a not for profit organization in Nepal which is committed to foster peace, justice, and human dignity in society.
In this edition, we profile DTP alumna Noha Roukoss who has over 25 years' experience working for the rights of vulnerable migrant domestic workers in Lebanon, we provide information about DTP's programs and webinars, and share news from alumni, partners and the region, and calls from the UN for your engagement.
DTP Alumni Profile
Noha Roukoss is the advocacy manager at Caritas Lebanon, where she leads Caritas’s national advocacy strategy on migration, protection, and humanitarian policy. Noha oversees integrated advocacy campaigns, produces evidence-based policy briefs, and ensures that frontline realities are translated into useful policy demands.
Noha Roukoss is the advocacy manager at Caritas Lebanon, where she leads Caritas’s national advocacy strategy on migration, protection, and humanitarian policy. Noha oversees integrated advocacy campaigns, produces evidence-based policy briefs, and ensures that frontline realities are translated into useful policy demands.
DTP Alumni Profile
Mory Sar is a Cambodian human rights and development practitioner currently working as a Program Coordinator at DanChurchAid (DCA). At DCA, Mory manages grants with partner organisations working on land rights, press freedom, digital rights, and local governance issues while monitoring Cambodia’s regulatory environment for civil society organisations.
Mory Sar is a Cambodian human rights and development practitioner currently working as a Program Coordinator at DanChurchAid (DCA). At DCA, Mory manages grants with partner organisations working on land rights, press freedom, digital rights, and local governance issues while monitoring Cambodia’s regulatory environment for civil society organisations.
In this first issue for 2026, we profile Cambodian DTP alumnus Mory Sar, now Program Coordinator with DanChurchAid, provide information about new training programs where calls for applications are now open and share news from alumni, partners and the region, and calls from the UN for your engagement.
DTP is calling for applications for up to three new Directors to join DTP's Board.
We pay tribute to Pat Walsh, one of Australia’s great human rights defenders and promoters, who passed away on December 29th, 2025.
Video produced with Global Campus of Human Rights of the 33rd Annual Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy Training Program in Timor-Leste.
DTP Alumni Profile
Puangchomphu Suwansirisilp is currently working as the Director of the Social Technology Institute (STI), a Bangkok-based non-profit advancing social innovation, cybersecurity awareness, civic engagement, and digital rights across Thailand and the Mekong region. Nearly 20 years since her own experience of DTP, Puangchomphu is investing in building new skills and knowledge of young leaders in Thailand and the Mekong in this critical dimension of human rights.
Puangchomphu Suwansirisilp is currently working as the Director of the Social Technology Institute (STI), a Bangkok-based non-profit advancing social innovation, cybersecurity awareness, civic engagement, and digital rights across Thailand and the Mekong region. Nearly 20 years since her own experience of DTP, Puangchomphu is investing in building new skills and knowledge of young leaders in Thailand and the Mekong in this critical dimension of human rights.
DTP Alumni Profile
Anna Takluem came to Australia as a refugee from Myanmar escaping Myanmar’s brutal military. She works as a Multicultural Education Aide at St Dominic’s Primary School in Melton, Melbourne, serving as a vital bridge between the school and families with Myanmar backgrounds. She also serves as Secretary of the Victoria Matu Chin Community, supporting diaspora families in Australia as well as displaced Chin people in refugee camps and those internally displaced following Myanmar’s 2021 military coup.
Anna Takluem came to Australia as a refugee from Myanmar escaping Myanmar’s brutal military. She works as a Multicultural Education Aide at St Dominic’s Primary School in Melton, Melbourne, serving as a vital bridge between the school and families with Myanmar backgrounds. She also serves as Secretary of the Victoria Matu Chin Community, supporting diaspora families in Australia as well as displaced Chin people in refugee camps and those internally displaced following Myanmar’s 2021 military coup.
DTP Alumni Profile
Ko Ko Aung is an award-winning lawyer and human rights advocate from Myanmar, now living in Australia. He works as a Special Counsel at Albert Arthur Lawyers. Forced into exile because of his support for democracy in Myanmar, he dedicates his time to supporting democracy and human rights in Myanmar.
Ko Ko Aung is an award-winning lawyer and human rights advocate from Myanmar, now living in Australia. He works as a Special Counsel at Albert Arthur Lawyers. Forced into exile because of his support for democracy in Myanmar, he dedicates his time to supporting democracy and human rights in Myanmar.
Program report from DTP's 33rd Annual Program held in Dili.
DTP Alumni Profile
Pascoela Barreto is a coordinator of the Alola Foundation in Timor-Leste. She leads Alola’s HALIKU Women’s Cancer Program, reaching over 20,000 people, training hundreds of health workers, and supporting at least 250 women to access diagnosis and care at Dili National Hospital, including arranging their transport, accommodation, and treatment support.
Pascoela Barreto is a coordinator of the Alola Foundation in Timor-Leste. She leads Alola’s HALIKU Women’s Cancer Program, reaching over 20,000 people, training hundreds of health workers, and supporting at least 250 women to access diagnosis and care at Dili National Hospital, including arranging their transport, accommodation, and treatment support.
DTP Alumni Profile
Patrick Niebo is a senior human rights advocate in Papua New Guinea (PNG) with more than a decade of service at PNG’s Ombudsman Commission. He now serves as a Director of the Kedu Safe House in Milne Bay Province, which provides shelter and advocacy for survivors of violence.
Patrick Niebo is a senior human rights advocate in Papua New Guinea (PNG) with more than a decade of service at PNG’s Ombudsman Commission. He now serves as a Director of the Kedu Safe House in Milne Bay Province, which provides shelter and advocacy for survivors of violence.
DTP Alumni Profile
Lelung Khumi is an Indigenous Peoples’ rights advocate from one of the smallest and most marginalised Indigenous peoples in Bangladesh – the Khumi people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). He is the Socio-Economic Specialist with TAHZINGDONG, a leading NGO in Bandarban.
Lelung Khumi is an Indigenous Peoples’ rights advocate from one of the smallest and most marginalised Indigenous peoples in Bangladesh – the Khumi people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). He is the Socio-Economic Specialist with TAHZINGDONG, a leading NGO in Bandarban.
DTP Alumni Profile
Dr Bablu Chakma is a Bangladeshi Indigenous rights advocate. He now works at the regional level as the Asia focal point for the Zero Tolerance Initiative (ZTI), a global coalition focused on business and human rights, defending human rights in the global supply chain.
Dr Bablu Chakma is a Bangladeshi Indigenous rights advocate. He now works at the regional level as the Asia focal point for the Zero Tolerance Initiative (ZTI), a global coalition focused on business and human rights, defending human rights in the global supply chain.
DTP Alumni Profile
Cathryn Eatock is a Gayiri and Badtjula woman who has dedicated 35 years of her life to promoting and defending Indigenous Peoples’ rights in Australia and the Pacific. Currently Cathy is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Indigenous Peoples’ Organization – Australia (IPOA).
Cathryn Eatock is a Gayiri and Badtjula woman who has dedicated 35 years of her life to promoting and defending Indigenous Peoples’ rights in Australia and the Pacific. Currently Cathy is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Indigenous Peoples’ Organization – Australia (IPOA).
Anis Hidayah is the Chair of Komnas HAM, Indonesia’s National Human Rights Commission. Before being appointed to Komnas HAM, Anis dedicated more than two decades to defending the rights of Indonesia’s migrant workers, whose rights had long been neglected and denied.
DTP Alumni Profile
Emmanuel (Manu) Peni is a human rights defender, environmental justice activist, and the Executive Director of Project Sepik, a community-led organisation working to save the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea (PNG) from the proposed Frieda River Mine – which threatens catastrophic environmental and social impacts.
Emmanuel (Manu) Peni is a human rights defender, environmental justice activist, and the Executive Director of Project Sepik, a community-led organisation working to save the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea (PNG) from the proposed Frieda River Mine – which threatens catastrophic environmental and social impacts.
25 Pacific human rights and climate change advocates gathered together from 23-27 June in Suva for the Diplomacy Training Program’s new program focusing on Human Rights, Climate Change and Business in the Pacific.
23 participants from 7 countries joined the The Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Business training program, in partnership with AIPP.
DTP Alumni Profile
Cipriano Manuel Das Neves is the Timor-Leste National Program Manager for the Australian charity Youth Off The Streets – Overseas Relief Fund, which provides support services to youth facing poverty, domestic violence, and educational exclusion. Most recently Cipriano was selected by the Ministry of Foreign and Cooperation Affairs in Timor–Leste to participate in its Future Leaders for ASEAN Program.
Cipriano Manuel Das Neves is the Timor-Leste National Program Manager for the Australian charity Youth Off The Streets – Overseas Relief Fund, which provides support services to youth facing poverty, domestic violence, and educational exclusion. Most recently Cipriano was selected by the Ministry of Foreign and Cooperation Affairs in Timor–Leste to participate in its Future Leaders for ASEAN Program.
DTP Alumni Profile
Karath Mal Waka is a well-known human rights defender from Porgera, Papua New Guinea (PNG). He is the Chairperson of the Human Rights Inter-Pacific Association and has spent nearly two decades in documenting and advocating against human rights abuses linked to mining operations in the resource-rich Porgera Valley.
Karath Mal Waka is a well-known human rights defender from Porgera, Papua New Guinea (PNG). He is the Chairperson of the Human Rights Inter-Pacific Association and has spent nearly two decades in documenting and advocating against human rights abuses linked to mining operations in the resource-rich Porgera Valley.
DTP Alumni Profile
Florence Swamy is the Executive Director at the Pacific Centre for Peacebuilding (PCP), an NGO based in Suva, Fiji. She is a respected Fijian human rights and social justice advocate with many years of experience in community development, gender equality, conflict resolution.
Florence Swamy is the Executive Director at the Pacific Centre for Peacebuilding (PCP), an NGO based in Suva, Fiji. She is a respected Fijian human rights and social justice advocate with many years of experience in community development, gender equality, conflict resolution.
DTP Alumni Profile
Bulu is a seasoned Indigenous Fijian community development practitioner, community leader, and traditional knowledge advocate. He is an adviser to a local Indigenous womens’ NGO called the Na I Soqosoqo Vakamarama I Taukei Cakaudrove in Cakaudrove Province Province, on Vanua Levu, Fiji. He is also the Local Project Coordinator & Community Liaison Officer for the NaVualiku Project at the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
Bulu is a seasoned Indigenous Fijian community development practitioner, community leader, and traditional knowledge advocate. He is an adviser to a local Indigenous womens’ NGO called the Na I Soqosoqo Vakamarama I Taukei Cakaudrove in Cakaudrove Province Province, on Vanua Levu, Fiji. He is also the Local Project Coordinator & Community Liaison Officer for the NaVualiku Project at the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
DTP Alumni Profile
Thanida Piyachot is currently working as a Human Rights Associate at the Fortify Rights, an international human rights NGO. In this role she systematically investigates human rights violations faced by refugees fleeing Myanmar after the Coup. Thanida is also a Barrister and serves as Secretary of Thailand’s Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Border Affairs, National Strategy, and National Reform in Thailand.
Thanida Piyachot is currently working as a Human Rights Associate at the Fortify Rights, an international human rights NGO. In this role she systematically investigates human rights violations faced by refugees fleeing Myanmar after the Coup. Thanida is also a Barrister and serves as Secretary of Thailand’s Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Border Affairs, National Strategy, and National Reform in Thailand.
Program report from DTP's 2024 Consultation Workshop for Climate Change, Human Rights and
Business, Pacific Program held in Suva, Fiji
DTP Alumni Profile
Kamal Thapa Kshetri is the Under Secretary and Head of the International Relations Division, Migration and Refugees at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nepal. Before joining the NHRC Kamal practiced law as an advocate, and developed his expertise in constitutional and human rights law. At the NHRC he has focused on the human rights of Nepal’s migrants, and victims of human trafficking.
Kamal Thapa Kshetri is the Under Secretary and Head of the International Relations Division, Migration and Refugees at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nepal. Before joining the NHRC Kamal practiced law as an advocate, and developed his expertise in constitutional and human rights law. At the NHRC he has focused on the human rights of Nepal’s migrants, and victims of human trafficking.
DTP's 2024 Annual Report showcases its activity throughout the year as we return to face-to-face programs.
DTP Alumni Profile
Bheem Reddy Mandha is a former journalist and life insurance agent who has turned into a dedicated migrant workers’ rights advocate, focusing on migrants to the Persian Gulf. He founded and has been actively involved in the Emigrants Welfare Forum and is a member of DTP partner network, Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA), where he collaborates with regional and international networks to push for policy reforms and greater protections for migrant workers.
Bheem Reddy Mandha is a former journalist and life insurance agent who has turned into a dedicated migrant workers’ rights advocate, focusing on migrants to the Persian Gulf. He founded and has been actively involved in the Emigrants Welfare Forum and is a member of DTP partner network, Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA), where he collaborates with regional and international networks to push for policy reforms and greater protections for migrant workers.
DTP Alumni Profile
Celine is an Indigenous peoples rights and environmental advocate based in Sarawak, Malaysia. She is the Managing Director of SAVE Rivers, a grassroots movement that defends Indigenous peoples’ land rights and environmental sustainability in Malaysia.
Celine is an Indigenous peoples rights and environmental advocate based in Sarawak, Malaysia. She is the Managing Director of SAVE Rivers, a grassroots movement that defends Indigenous peoples’ land rights and environmental sustainability in Malaysia.
Program report from DTP's 2024 Workshop on Establishing DTP Alumni Network in Indonesia held in Bogor, Indonesia
DTP Alumni Profile
Dhananjaya Tilakaratne is a veteran Sri Lankan human rights lawyer and activist with over 32 years of experience in defending human rights and promoting social justice. He currently works as the Legal Consultant and Secretary of the Action Network for Migrant Workers (ACTFORM), a national group advocating for the rights of Sri Lankan migrant workers and their families.
Dhananjaya Tilakaratne is a veteran Sri Lankan human rights lawyer and activist with over 32 years of experience in defending human rights and promoting social justice. He currently works as the Legal Consultant and Secretary of the Action Network for Migrant Workers (ACTFORM), a national group advocating for the rights of Sri Lankan migrant workers and their families.
Program report from DTP's 2024 DTP Alumni Business and Human Rights Network Workshop held in Bangkok, Thailand.
DTP Alumni Profile
Pratistha Koirala was working on children’s rights in her homeland of Nepal when she was selected as a DTP participant. Today, over ten years later, she is based in Canberra, Australia working on human rights and climate change in the Pacific for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Australia.
Pratistha Koirala was working on children’s rights in her homeland of Nepal when she was selected as a DTP participant. Today, over ten years later, she is based in Canberra, Australia working on human rights and climate change in the Pacific for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Australia.
Program report from DTP's online dialogue series, Australian and ASEAN Civil Society Exchange on Human Trafficking and Forced Labour in the Fishing Industry.
Program report from DTP's 32nd Annual Program held in Dili.
From December 12-14, 2024, 23 DTP alumni from nine countries across Asia met in Bangkok for a three-day alumni workshop on Business and Human Rights (BHR) Network Building, together with advocates on BHR from East Asia.
DTP/MFA alumni and representatives held a half-day workshop in Bangkok focused on business and human rights.
DTP Alumni Profile
Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy is the Vice President and Director at the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute. She is also a Ph.D. candidate in Economics at the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development (ISSCAD) at Peking University, Beijing, China. Anna is an advocate for the right to development of the Global South countries.
Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy is the Vice President and Director at the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute. She is also a Ph.D. candidate in Economics at the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development (ISSCAD) at Peking University, Beijing, China. Anna is an advocate for the right to development of the Global South countries.
DTP Alumni Profile
Gita Chaudhary is a lawyer and Indigenous Peoples’ Rights advocate in Nepal. Belonging to Indigenous Tharu community, Gita has dedicated her life in addressing the challenges faced by Tharu people in Nepal. She is a practicing lawyer focusing on human rights and justice for Indigenous peoples in Nepal.
Gita Chaudhary is a lawyer and Indigenous Peoples’ Rights advocate in Nepal. Belonging to Indigenous Tharu community, Gita has dedicated her life in addressing the challenges faced by Tharu people in Nepal. She is a practicing lawyer focusing on human rights and justice for Indigenous peoples in Nepal.
DTP Alumni Profile
Imam Shofwan is an award winning Indonesian human rights defender, journalist and researcher. He is the Head of Community Network at Jaringan Advokasi Tambang (JATAM), a mining advocacy network comprising Indonesian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community groups dedicated to protecting mining workers, the environment, and the land rights of Indigenous peoples.
Imam Shofwan is an award winning Indonesian human rights defender, journalist and researcher. He is the Head of Community Network at Jaringan Advokasi Tambang (JATAM), a mining advocacy network comprising Indonesian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community groups dedicated to protecting mining workers, the environment, and the land rights of Indigenous peoples.
DTP Board members, staff and volunteers joined with the Faculty of Law & Justice to host a special session on social justice and human rights with the President.
Program report from DTP's 2024 IPHRD Exchange Learning and Training from the 19th to the 23rd of August in Cambodia
DTP Alumni Profile
Alzira is a human rights advocate from Timor-Leste with decades of experience in the field of women and child rights. Currently, Alzira is the Country Director of ChildFund Timor-Leste part of ChildFund Australia.
Alzira is a human rights advocate from Timor-Leste with decades of experience in the field of women and child rights. Currently, Alzira is the Country Director of ChildFund Timor-Leste part of ChildFund Australia.
As advocates prepare for the General Assembly and COP29 in Azerbaijan, DTP was joined by trainer Joshua Cooper for a Brown Bag lunch discussion.
DTP Alumni Profile
Htoo Chit is the Executive Director of the Foundation for Education and Development (FED), an NGO he established to support Burmese migrants in Thailand. Originally from Myanmar, Htoo Chit was targeted by the military junta because of his support for democracy and he had to leave Myanmar for Thailand following the 1988 democracy rising.
Htoo Chit is the Executive Director of the Foundation for Education and Development (FED), an NGO he established to support Burmese migrants in Thailand. Originally from Myanmar, Htoo Chit was targeted by the military junta because of his support for democracy and he had to leave Myanmar for Thailand following the 1988 democracy rising.
DTP Alumni Profile
Bertha is an Indonesian Indigenous Tanimbarese woman and Asia-Pacific Coordinator of the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS/MIEC) Pax Romana. In this role, Bertha focuses on supporting young people/students by building their capacity through leadership training and human rights advocacy. She is based in Manila, Philippines.
Bertha is an Indonesian Indigenous Tanimbarese woman and Asia-Pacific Coordinator of the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS/MIEC) Pax Romana. In this role, Bertha focuses on supporting young people/students by building their capacity through leadership training and human rights advocacy. She is based in Manila, Philippines.
DTP Alumni Profile
Milika worked as a Policy and Research Officer at the Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF) when she participated in DTP’s 31st Annual Program in Timor-Leste. Today she lectures and teaches law at the Fiji National University. In this teaching role Milika uses her legal expertise and passion for human rights to influence the next generation of change makers.
Milika worked as a Policy and Research Officer at the Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF) when she participated in DTP’s 31st Annual Program in Timor-Leste. Today she lectures and teaches law at the Fiji National University. In this teaching role Milika uses her legal expertise and passion for human rights to influence the next generation of change makers.
The 32nd Annual Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy Training program opens in Timor-Leste on 12 August at University of Timor-Leste.
DTP's founder, President Jose Ramos-Horta shared with participants of the 32nd Annual Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy Training program stories from his time as an advocate on the opening day of the program.
DTP Alumni Profile
Rufus Kamran is the Executive Director at the Society for Peace and Sustainable Development (SPSD), an NGO working in Punjab province in Pakistan. A major focus of SPSD’s work is addressing gender-based violence especially early and forced child marriages, forced religious conversion, minority rights and human trafficking.
Rufus Kamran is the Executive Director at the Society for Peace and Sustainable Development (SPSD), an NGO working in Punjab province in Pakistan. A major focus of SPSD’s work is addressing gender-based violence especially early and forced child marriages, forced religious conversion, minority rights and human trafficking.
Rosslyn Noonan joined DTP to discuss the role and future of NHRIs in Asia and the Pacific.
DTP Alumni Profile
Naweed Harooni is a Pakistani born human rights defender now living in Malaysia, with his Malaysian spouse. After experiencing and witnessing hurdles and discrimination towards foreign spouses, he founded Malaysian Foreign Spouses Network (MFSN) to raise greater awareness of this discrimination and to fight for the rights of foreign spouses in Malaysia.
Naweed Harooni is a Pakistani born human rights defender now living in Malaysia, with his Malaysian spouse. After experiencing and witnessing hurdles and discrimination towards foreign spouses, he founded Malaysian Foreign Spouses Network (MFSN) to raise greater awareness of this discrimination and to fight for the rights of foreign spouses in Malaysia.
17 CSO representatives and experts from the region participated in a consultation workshop in Suva, Fiji on Climate Change, Human Rights and Business in the Pacific, 25-27 June.
DTP Alumni Profile
Dr. Natasha Khan is an academic, change maker and human rights defender in Fiji, and also the current Chair of the Pacific Human Rights Defenders’ Network. Natasha teaches at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Fiji, and leads their programs on leadership, governance, and human rights.
Dr. Natasha Khan is an academic, change maker and human rights defender in Fiji, and also the current Chair of the Pacific Human Rights Defenders’ Network. Natasha teaches at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Fiji, and leads their programs on leadership, governance, and human rights.
On Saturday 15th June, 20 community leaders, together with 5 members of the Fairfield Multicultural Interagency Community Capacity Building working group gathered in Fairfield for an advocacy training workshop.
DTP partnered with FORUM-ASIA to deliver the 3rd ASEAN Human Rights Advocacy Academy in Jakarta from June 4-6.
DTP Alumni Profile
Norberta Vicente Soares Da Cruz is the Executive Director of Community Based Rehabilitation Network Timor Leste (CBRN-TL), advocating for the empowerment of people with disabilities, particularly women. She joined the advocacy to persuade Timor-Leste to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which it did in 2022, and now advocates for its implementation.
Norberta Vicente Soares Da Cruz is the Executive Director of Community Based Rehabilitation Network Timor Leste (CBRN-TL), advocating for the empowerment of people with disabilities, particularly women. She joined the advocacy to persuade Timor-Leste to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which it did in 2022, and now advocates for its implementation.
DTP Alumni Profile
Frederic is the Regional Program Officer for the human rights and advocacy program of DTP partner, Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP). His advocacy springs from his own experience as a member of the Indigenous Dusun Putih Llivagu people of Sabah, Malaysia. Frederic plays a key role in developing the AIPP/DTP partnership and collaboration on capacity building initiative - with a special focus on business and human rights.
Frederic is the Regional Program Officer for the human rights and advocacy program of DTP partner, Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP). His advocacy springs from his own experience as a member of the Indigenous Dusun Putih Llivagu people of Sabah, Malaysia. Frederic plays a key role in developing the AIPP/DTP partnership and collaboration on capacity building initiative - with a special focus on business and human rights.
10 DTP alumni attended the first meeting of DTP's Malaysia alumni. The event brought the alumni together to explore the establishment of a DTP Malaysia alumni network.
Twelve month follow up report from 2023 30th Annual Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy Training program, Thailand
Six month follow up report from 2023 31st Annual Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy Training program, Timor-Leste
Over 30 refugee and migrant community leaders from 14 countries joined the Human Rights and Advocacy trianing program held in partnership with The NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS)
20 participants from Indigenous Peoples organisations in Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia gathered for capacity building program.
DTP Alumni Profile
Emeline Siale Ilolahia is the Executive Director of DTP partner organisation Pacific Islands Association of Non-governmental Organisations (PIANGO). Through PIANGO, Siale brings together diverse stakeholders to address pressing challenges facing the Pacific communities, from climate change, human rights violations, protection of Indigenous lands, gender inequality and food security.
Emeline Siale Ilolahia is the Executive Director of DTP partner organisation Pacific Islands Association of Non-governmental Organisations (PIANGO). Through PIANGO, Siale brings together diverse stakeholders to address pressing challenges facing the Pacific communities, from climate change, human rights violations, protection of Indigenous lands, gender inequality and food security.
DTP Alumni Profile
Yotam Wakum is a volunteer legal expert at the Biak Customary Council (BCC) in West Papua, Indonesia. He provides free legal advice to members of his community and others. He recently visited the DTP offices in Sydney along with DTP alumnus Sabela Gayo.
Yotam Wakum is a volunteer legal expert at the Biak Customary Council (BCC) in West Papua, Indonesia. He provides free legal advice to members of his community and others. He recently visited the DTP offices in Sydney along with DTP alumnus Sabela Gayo.
DTP Alumni Profile
DTP alumna and trainer Sumitha Kishna is the Founding Director of Our Journey, a civil society organisation advocating for an internationally compliant migration system and migrant rights in Malaysia. She is also the Chairperson of Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA).
DTP alumna and trainer Sumitha Kishna is the Founding Director of Our Journey, a civil society organisation advocating for an internationally compliant migration system and migrant rights in Malaysia. She is also the Chairperson of Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA).
DTP Alumni Profile
Dr Sabela Gayo is a human rights defender and lawyer from the Gayo Indigenous Peoples in Aceh, Indonesia. His focus now is on alternate dispute resolution and mediation, seeking to build peace at the community level. He is the founding President of the Indonesia Dispute Board (IDB).
Dr Sabela Gayo is a human rights defender and lawyer from the Gayo Indigenous Peoples in Aceh, Indonesia. His focus now is on alternate dispute resolution and mediation, seeking to build peace at the community level. He is the founding President of the Indonesia Dispute Board (IDB).
DTP Alumni Profile
Chalida is a prominent Thai human rights defender with over 30 years of experience of working on peace building, human rights, solidarity and democracy in Thailand and across Asia. She currently is the Chairperson of People’s Empowerment Foundation (PEF). In 2019 her solidarity for human rights and self-determination in Timor-Leste was recognised by the Timorese government with the Order of Timor-Leste.
Chalida is a prominent Thai human rights defender with over 30 years of experience of working on peace building, human rights, solidarity and democracy in Thailand and across Asia. She currently is the Chairperson of People’s Empowerment Foundation (PEF). In 2019 her solidarity for human rights and self-determination in Timor-Leste was recognised by the Timorese government with the Order of Timor-Leste.
DTP Alumni Profile
Swandaru is an Indonesian human rights defender now working as a senior researcher at Centra Initiative (CI), an Indonesian human rights organisation. His work involves communicating research findings through media briefings, lobbying, and networking.
Swandaru is an Indonesian human rights defender now working as a senior researcher at Centra Initiative (CI), an Indonesian human rights organisation. His work involves communicating research findings through media briefings, lobbying, and networking.
Report from DTP's Asian Alumni Workshop in Bangkok, Thailand, June 2023.
DTP International Advisory Council member Lopeti Senituli provided insights into the current crisis in Tonga and the regional context for democracy and human rights in the Pacific at roundtable discussion.
DTP Alumni Profile
Laddawan is a DTP alumna and prominent Thai human rights advocate whose leadership on human rights and democracy spans several decades, including distinguished service as a former Secretary General of Thailand’s Law Reform Commission of Thailand, Vice Chairperson of Political Development Council and former Chairperson of Amnesty International in Thailand. She attended one of the first DTP programs and is currently working for democracy in Myanmar and Thailand.
Laddawan is a DTP alumna and prominent Thai human rights advocate whose leadership on human rights and democracy spans several decades, including distinguished service as a former Secretary General of Thailand’s Law Reform Commission of Thailand, Vice Chairperson of Political Development Council and former Chairperson of Amnesty International in Thailand. She attended one of the first DTP programs and is currently working for democracy in Myanmar and Thailand.
DTP's 2023 Annual Report showcases its activity throughout the year as we return to face-to-face programs.
Indonesian alumni Sabela Gayo and Yotam Wakum visited the Diplomacy Training Program sharing about their current work in Indonesia which is focused on alternative dispute resolution
DTP Alumni Profile
Anselmo is one of the Asia’s most prominent and experienced human rights advocates, with decades of experience and contributions to human rights and civil society movements in Asia. He is Regional Coordinator at the Asia Civil Society Partnership for Sustainable Development (APSD), board member at the May 18 Memorial Foundation in Gwangju, Korea, and an adjunct professor at Kyunghee, SungKongHoe and Ajou University teaching about human rights and SDGs, global governance and NGOs.
Anselmo is one of the Asia’s most prominent and experienced human rights advocates, with decades of experience and contributions to human rights and civil society movements in Asia. He is Regional Coordinator at the Asia Civil Society Partnership for Sustainable Development (APSD), board member at the May 18 Memorial Foundation in Gwangju, Korea, and an adjunct professor at Kyunghee, SungKongHoe and Ajou University teaching about human rights and SDGs, global governance and NGOs.
DTP alumna/trainer and former Philippines Human Rights Commissioner Karen Gomez-Dumpit links the global campaign on abolition of the death penalty to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and shares insights into the successful campaign against re-introduction of the Death Penalty in the Philippines as a model for the anti-death penalty work. She highlights the value of research, of understanding public perceptions, and the importance of international collaboration and solidarity – and in this case, support from Australia and Australians.
DTP Alumni Profile
Renuga is a young Australian human rights defender and 3rd year law student who is passionate about Tamil refugee rights and the rights of culturally and linguistically diverse community members in Australia. Renuga is also a spokesperson for the Australian Tamil Refugee Council and volunteers for DTP.
Renuga is a young Australian human rights defender and 3rd year law student who is passionate about Tamil refugee rights and the rights of culturally and linguistically diverse community members in Australia. Renuga is also a spokesperson for the Australian Tamil Refugee Council and volunteers for DTP.
The hybrid program, held on 16th November, brought together staff from Jubilee Australia and DTP staff and volunteers for a three-hour session that looked at climate activism, human rights and accountability in the Pacific.
