Media and Communications
'This was the most informative and also the most fun
workshop I’ve attended.'
Participant from the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives
The media is an incredibly influential forum that can help national human rights institutions draw attention to important issues, stimulate public debate and generate community action.
With such a broad range of media operating today – from traditional news media through to new media – APF members have numerous opportunities to work with journalists and editors on stories that promote human rights.
The Media and Communications training program provides APF members with an overview of how media outlets work, how news is selected and proven strategies for engaging the media on human rights issues.
Through a range of ‘hands on’ activities, Commissioners and staff develop practical skills in all aspects of developing and implementing a media and communication program.
The program also includes one-on-one media interview training, as well as a facilitated dialogue with journalists and editors from local media outlets.
Each training program is developed in partnership with the APF member institution to take into account their role and functions, country-specific issues and the media environment.
Representatives from non-government organisations and other civil society groups are invited to participate in a number of training sessions.
Since 2008 the program has included an additional two days for strategic communication planning involving upcoming projects of the APF member institution.
The training program and resources are developed and delivered by Dr Judy McGregor (EEO Commissioner, New Zealand Human Rights Commission) and James Iliffe (Public Affairs Consultant for the APF).
Training programs have been run with the following APF member institutions:
- National Human Rights Commission of Nepal; 2 - 6 February 2009
- Human Rights Commission of the Maldives; 30 June - 4 July 2008
- Jordan National Centre for Human Rights; 13 - 17 January 2008 (follow-up training)
- Palestine Independent Commission for Human Rights; 28 - 30 November 2005
- Jordan National Centre for Human Rights; 22 - 24 November 2005
- New Zealand Human Rights Commission; 10 - 12 August 2005
- Human Rights Commission of Malaysia; 14 - 18 March 2005
