2023 Human Rights Advocacy and Migrant Workers in the Asia-Pacific Region

The Diplomacy Training Program (DTP) and Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA) are inviting applications for a regional Asia-Pacific training course on migrant workers’ rights and advocacy in the Asia-Pacific. This training course will take place 8-12 May in Sri Lanka.

The training program will build the knowledge and skills of advocates working to protect and promote the human rights of migrant workers. It will enable them to more effectively use internationally agreed standards and mechanisms in their advocacy. The residential program will also provide a valuable forum for the sharing of knowledge and skills, and for the building of support networks.

Who should apply for the training?

The program is aimed at individuals who work for and with NGOs/CSOs who have the commitment and capacity to apply the training to their work for the rights of migrant workers. Consideration is given to ensuring a gender and geographical balance within each course. The program will be in English.

What will participants gain from the program?

• Increased capacity to integrate knowledge of the international human rights framework, and specific human rights treaties including CMW, ILO Conventions, human rights mechanisms and complaints processes and Global Compact into migrant worker’s advocacy
• Increased understanding of the role the UN system can play in the promotion and protection of human rights, including the rights of migrant workers, and influencing policy and practice
• Knowledge and understanding gained from interaction with experienced practitioners – including trainers and facilitators.
• The opportunity to build skills in strategic advocacy techniques including lobbying and media
• The opportunity to develop collaborative working relationships across the region and between countries of origin and destination.

Who are the trainers?

Trainers on DTP programs are experienced and highly respected local, regional and international human rights practitioners, academics, and officials who understand and support DTP’s philosophy of participatory training.

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.

Background to the program

The treatment of migrant workers is one of the key human rights challenges in Asia for the 21^st Century. The COVID pandemic has increased poverty and inequalities and these are key drivers of labour migration. State control over movement has increased. Migrant workers are subject to discrimination, unsafe and unhealthy working conditions, non-payment of wages violence and detention. COVID, and the mass returns of migrant workers, has made wage theft a major issue – for individuals and the families and societies depend on remittances. Women migrant workers are particularly vulnerable to abuse and violations of their human rights. The abuses experienced by migrant workers are reported in heartbreaking stories the media in the Philippines and Indonesia and in the reports of Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. Effective advocacy is vital to narrowing the gap between internationally accepted standards and the real-life experiences of many migrant workers. This program will assist participants to work together in developing practical strategies to protect and promote migrant workers’ rights at the national and regional level.

Course fees

DTP is an independent organisation and course fees are an important source of income. The course fee of US$1000 covers tuition, accommodation, food, field trips, and resource materials during the training. DTP has grant support to assist with the program and is able of offer subsidised spaces on this program.  Individuals working in NGOs are encouraged to enquire about the possibility of subsidised spaces.