AFFILIATED WITH THE FACULTY OF LAW AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES
A training program for peoples of the Asia-Pacific region
Program Background and Overview
Many Burmese human rights advocates have participated in human rights advocacy courses conducted by the Diplomacy Training Program since 1990.
In 2007, DTP conducted a special program for community advocates from Burma concerned with the continuing violation of human rights in Burma. Approximately 30 advocates completed the program which provided knowledge on international human rights standards, the UN system and the Australian political environment, as well as training on building skills in lobbying, media and internet research.
As a result of evaluations and recommendations made by the 2007 participants, and following further discussions with community representatives, DTP has agreed to develop a new intensive human rights advocacy course. The course is the initiative of participants from the 2007 DTP course, the Diplomacy Training Program and of a specially formed Steering Committee, chaired by Sai Thet Naing Oo.
The Intensive Burma Human Rights Advocacy Program will be held over two weekends in 2008. The first part of the program is on September Friday 5th, Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th for 3 days and the second part ,in October for 2 days. (The dates are yet to be confirmed)
The aim of this year’s course is to enable Burma activists who have received some training to further consolidate and build on some targeted skills. It will support Burmese human rights defenders to come together and deepen their knowledge of human rights campaigning and lobbying in the Australian context. Participants will learn from each other and work with DTP’s expert resource people to build on their current experience.
Participants can opt for either or both of the weekend courses, but preference in selection will be given to participants who wish to complete both weekend courses.
Course participants will be given, and will be expected to complete assignments as part of their commitment to complete the course.
What Will Participants Learn?
September 3 day course –
• Developing Campaign Strategies - Case Studies including some focus on Intra-community communication.
• The UN, Human Rights & Burma - Australia’s Role
• Engaging the Australian Parliament and Government and Lobbying Skills
October 2 day course –
• Using the Internet for Research and Advocacy
• Media Skills – including meeting with journalists
Program Location
The first weekend’s sessions will be held at a conference centre in Bellambi ,about an hour south of Sydney on the coast, and will be a ‘live in’ situation for the Friday and Saturday nights. The following weekend, will be held in Sydney as day sessions and will be non-residential.
Who Should Apply for the Training?
The course is intended to offer practical assistance to approximately 20-25 Australian based advocates from different Burmese communities.
Applications are welcome from advocates who:
• Are, or want to be, actively involved in lobbying the Australian government in relation to human rights in Burma
• Have enough English skills that enable them to interact with government and media
• Have some knowledge of Human Rights advocacy or have attended a DTP course in the past
DTP actively encourages women to apply for this course. DTP is committed to creating a group that reflects the diverse ethnic groups of Burma, and a range of both younger and older advocates
DTP encourages applicants from outside Sydney to apply.
Learning Style
DTP training methodology is interactive, with an emphasis on group work, role-plays, discussion and simulations so as to ensure the practical relevance of all training sessions.
Who are the Trainers?
DTP trainers are experienced and highly respected local, regional and international human rights leaders, academics, diplomats, media and United Nations professionals who understand and support DTP’s philosophy of participatory training. Trainers for this course are still being finalized.
Cost
The course is free of charge. Training and materials are covered by DTP. Accommodation and most of the food at the conference centre is also covered by DTP. We ask that participants pay $25 as a contribution to food costs. Transport to the training programs are a participant cost, although consideration will be given to supporting the travel costs of participants from outside Sydney. Please let us know if you are seeking travel assistance.
How to Apply
An application form can be requested by email from DTP dtp@unsw.edu.au or by ringing Sarah at DTP on 9385 3549. Ask for the application form for the ‘Intensive Program for the People of Burma 2008’ Applications close on Friday 16th August. Please ring Liz Newell if you are making a late application request on 02 95699820.
