2026 34th Annual Program – Timor-Leste

The Diplomacy Training program (DTP), joining with the Global Campus of Human Rights, and in partnership with the UNTL Human Rights Centre, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), the Pacific Islands Association of NGOs (PIANGO), Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA), Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP) and the Judicial System Monitoring Program (JSMP) is calling for applications for its 2026 34^th Annual Human Rights and Peoples’ Diplomacy Training Program for Human Rights Defenders from the Asia-Pacific Region and Indigenous Australia.

This two-week annual, comprehensive human rights and advocacy training program is the longest established human rights training program in the region, building the capacity of individuals, institutions and movements at this time of shrinking space for civil society. It builds knowledge of international human rights standards and the UN system. Similar to a summer school, the program includes intensive sessions on human rights and development, advocacy, and media skills.

Through its participatory teaching methodology, the program builds lasting links and solidarity between advocates in the region. The course will focus on contemporary human rights challenges including climate change, violence against women, SOGIE, land-grabbing, freedom of association, the rights of migrant worker and of Indigenous Peoples, transitional justice, democracy and integrating human rights into the sustainable development goals.

The course will be held in Timor-Leste, at the invitation of DTP’s Patron and Founder, Nobel Laureate, and President of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta. There is no better place to learn about human rights, peace, and international solidarity than today’s Timor-Leste.

What will participants learn?

• Knowledge of international human rights law and principles, including civil and political, economic, social, and cultural rights;
• Understanding of the relationship between human rights, peace, the environment, development, and democracy;
• Practical skills in engaging the UN human rights accountability mechanisms and the UN;
• Practical skills in strategic advocacy, lobbying, media, and ‘peoples’ diplomacy’.

Who should apply for the training?

The program is for human rights defenders and practitioners working in the ASEAN/Asia-Pacific region committed to developing and sharing their knowledge and skills in human rights advocacy.

What is the 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 participant and trainer is one the of the real benefits an highlights of participating in the program. The training methodology is interactive with an emphasis on group work, role plays, case studies, and discussion.

What is the cost involved?

Thanks to the partnership with Global Campus of Human Rights, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is supporting the full participation costs of some participants. These are available to applicants from organizations with a track record in human rights work, or for community leaders from marginalised groups. DTP is seeking funding to meet the costs of other participants and some scholarships will be available.

Click here to download the Program's Concept Note.