Location: Timor-Leste
Dates: 23 August – 6 September 2026 (TBC)
Deadline: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
The Diplomacy Training Program (DTP) – in partnership with the Global Campus of Human Rights, UNTL Human Rights Centre, FORUM-ASIA, PIANGO, Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA), Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP), and the Judicial System Monitoring Program (JSMP) – invites applications for the 2026 34th Annual Human Rights and Peoples’ Diplomacy Training Program, one of the longest-running human rights capacity-building programs in the Asia-Pacific region.
Held annually since 2006, this intensive two-week program strengthens the knowledge, skills, networks, and advocacy capacity of human rights defenders at a time of rapidly shrinking civic space. The 2026 cohort will once again convene in Timor-Leste, hosted at the invitation of Nobel Laureate and President of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta, offering a unique setting to learn about human rights, peacebuilding, and people’s diplomacy.
About the Program
The Human Rights and Peoples’ Diplomacy Course is DTP’s core flagship program, recognized for its depth, regional relevance, and participatory approach. It provides:
Foundational Knowledge
- International human rights law and principles, including political, civil, economic, social, and cultural rights
- Human rights standards and UN accountability mechanisms
- The relationship between human rights, peace, climate, sustainable development, and democracy
Practical Skills Training
- Strategic advocacy and lobbying
- Working effectively with the UN human rights system
- Media engagement, video advocacy, and digital communications
- “Peoples’ diplomacy” to advance rights at grassroots, national, and international levels
Key Issues Covered
- Gender-based violence
- Disability rights
- Indigenous Peoples’ rights
- Migrant workers’ rights
- Climate justice & environmental rights
- Torture, enforced disappearances, transitional justice
- Land rights & self-determination
Who Should Apply?
This program is designed for:
- Human rights defenders, advocates, and practitioners in the ASEAN and broader Asia-Pacific region
- Individuals working on community-level or national human rights challenges
- Members of civil society organizations, grassroots movements, Indigenous communities, migrant rights groups, and environmental defenders
- Those committed to sharing and applying new knowledge within their communities
Training Methodology
DTP emphasizes interactive, participatory learning, valuing the lived experiences participants bring. The methodology includes:
- Group work & collaborative problem-solving
- Real-world case studies
- Role plays & simulation exercises
- Facilitated discussions
- Sessions with leading academics, UN experts, and regional human rights practitioners
Participants consistently highlight the peer-learning and shared experiences across countries as one of the most valuable aspects of the course.
Costs & Scholarships
Through support from the Global Campus of Human Rights and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, full participation costs will be covered for selected participants — especially:
- Applicants from long-standing human rights organizations
- Community leaders from marginalized or underrepresented groups
DTP is securing additional funds to expand scholarship availability in 2026.
Why Join This Program?
- Build deep, long-lasting regional solidarity networks
- Strengthen your advocacy tools in a critical geopolitical moment
- Gain first-hand exposure to global and regional human rights mechanisms
- Learn directly from leading experts and practitioners
- Spend two transformative weeks in Timor-Leste, a global symbol of peace, resilience, and people-led diplomacy
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
Apply here: 2026 34th Annual Program – Timor-Leste | Diplomacy Training Program
Applicants will be notified of results shortly after the deadline.
For more information: Click Here
