Asia Pacific Training Course on Migrant Workers Rights

The Diplomacy Training Program (DTP) is inviting applications for its 7th Regional Asia-Pacific training course on migrant workers’ rights and advocacy. This training course will take place in Lombok, Indonesia from September 22-26.

Economic globalization, and growing gaps between rich and poor, is seeing increasing numbers of people leaving their communities in search of work in other countries. Migrant workers and their families are vulnerable to a wide range of human rights abuses in both sending and receiving countries.

The international community has recognised the particular vulnerabilities and rights of migrant workers in a number of international standards including the UN Convention on the Rights of Migrant Workers and their Families and ILO Conventions.

These standards also set out the responsibilities of governments in sending and receiving countries and complement the protections provided by other international human rights standards, including the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.

This program will assist participants from NGOs/CSOs and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) to work together in developing practical strategies to protect and promote migrant workers’ rights at the national and regional level.

The course will bring together representatives of civil society and national human rights institutions. The course will focus on building knowledge and understanding of the key international standards relevant to migration policy and practice, seek to develop practical cooperation between civil society and NHRIs, within and between countries and build skills in lobbying and advocacy.

Indonesia has been has been chosen for the location of this program as millions of Indonesians have become migrant workers, and there are many civil society organisations working to promote and protect their rights. Indonesia has signed, but not yet ratified the Convention on the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Their Families (CMW).

Indonesia will Chair ASEAN in 2011 and the rights of migrant workers is a key focus of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights.

Who should apply for the training?

The program is particularly for people from Asia-Pacific countries who work for and with NGOs and national human rights institutions and who have the commitment and capacity to apply the training to their work. Priority in selection goes to active human rights defenders. Consideration is given to ensuring a gender and geographical balance within each course.

What will participants learn?

• Knowledge of the international human rights framework, and specific human rights treaties including ICMRW, human rights mechanisms, ILO conventions and complaints processes
• Strategies for using ICMRW to advance the rights of migrant workers through interaction withgovernments, the UN system and development agencies
• The role and functions of NHRIs in protecting and promoting the rights of migrant workers
• Practical skills in advocacy, lobbying and working with the media

Program partners

The Diplomacy Training Program (DTP) is an independent non-governmental organisation (NGO) providing practical training in human rights and advocacy skills in the Asia-Pacific region. It seeks to advance human rights and empower civil society through quality education and training and the building of skills and capacity in NGOs.

Migrant Forum Asia (MFA) is a regional network of non-government organizations (NGOs), associations and trade unions of migrant workers, and individual advocates in Asia who are committed to protect and promote the rights and welfare of migrant workers. It is guided by a vision of an alternative world system based on respect for human rights and dignity, social justice, and gender equity, particularly for migrant workers.

The Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) is the leading regional human rights organisation in the Asia Pacific. The APF is a member-based organisation that supports the establishment and strengthening of national human rights institutions in the region by providing a framework for national human rights institutions to work together and cooperate on a regional basis, through a wide range of services, including training, capacity building, networks and staff exchanges.

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 

The DTP recognizes 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. The training is conducted in English and an ability to participate in discussions is essential.

Course fees

DTP is an independent organisation and course fees are an important source of income. The course fee of US$2,000 covers tuition, accommodation, food, field trips, and resource materials during the training.

Individuals working in NGOs are encouraged to enquire about the possibility of subsidised spaces.

For further information: Phone: (612) 9385-3549 Fax: (612) 9385-1778
Email: dtp@unsw.edu.au Website: www.dtp.unsw.edu.au