31st Annual International Human Rights Training Program - CANADA

Call for Applications for the 31st Annual International Human Rights Training Program (IHRTP)

The International Human Rights Training Program (IHRTP) is at the heart of the Equitas’ activities. Since 1980, this annual three-week training session brings together approximately 120 participants from over 60 countries. The IHRTP provides a unique opportunity for human rights workers to deepen their understanding of human rights and of the essential role of human rights education in effecting change. As recognized by the United Nations:

"There is a growing consensus that education in and for human rights is essential and can contribute to both the reduction of human rights violations and the building of free and peaceful societies. Human rights education is also increasingly recognized as an effective strategy to prevent human rights abuses."



GOAL OF THE PROGRAM

The goal of the IHRTP is to strengthen the capacity of human rights organizations to undertake educational efforts aimed at building a global culture of human rights. The IHRTP aims at enabling participant organizations to undertake more effective human rights education activities. To this end, the Program places a strong emphasis on transfer of learning and on follow-up activities. Participants will be asked to develop an individual plan for putting their learning into action as part of the training.

CURRICULUM MODEL
The curriculum model is based on principles of adult experiential learning, in which participants and facilitators engage in a process of mutual teaching and learning. Participants work for the most part in groups of about 15 with a facilitator whose role is to provide guidance in achieving the Program objectives. In addition, internationally recognized human rights experts are also invited to give presentations and participate in panel discussions throughout the three-week session.

PROGRAM CONTENT

The IHRTP is an intermediate-level program that focuses on international human rights standards, current human rights issues and human rights education strategies. The exploration of human rights principles and instruments, ongoing critical reflection and inquiry and extensive sharing of experiences allow participants to strengthen their capacity to engage in effective human rights education.

*Week 1

Participants will get to know the members of their working group and engage in activities that lay the
groundwork for developing a productive group dynamic based on mutual respect. They will become familiar with the overall Program content and methodology and begin a process of reflection on their individual societies, the human rights work of their organizations and their own role within those organizations. Participants will also compare their roles as human rights activists/educators and reflect on the universality of rights.

*Week 2

Participants will begin the week discussing issues of particular interest, leading to an examination of their roles as human rights workers and educators in the current global context. Through case studies and discussions, participants will examine major international human rights instruments in order to explore the usefulness of these instruments in their work.

*Week 3

Regional workshops will provide participants from the same geographic region the opportunity to work together to examine key components of effective monitoring and advocacy and the role of these activities in human rights education. Participants will synthesize previous themes and examine emerging human rights issues. Participants will also become familiar with methods of evaluating educational activities.

ORGANIZATION AND PARTICIPANT PROFILES

Organizations that nominate candidates must be representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), national human rights institutions, government bodies or education institution; have a demonstrated commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights; be involved in human rights education activities, such as training sessions, workshops, public awareness campaigns, advocacy, monitoring and be committed to providing opportunities for their Candidate to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the Program within the organization.

Candidates from qualifying organizations must be active members of their organization for at least 2 years; be in a position to influence the human rights education work of the organization; have a knowledge of human rights principles and major international instruments; be committed to transferring knowledge and skills gained during the Program to colleagues and to others with whom they work; be sensitive to the issues which arise when working in multicultural groups, and respectful of diversity and be proficient in either English or French.

PROGRAM LOCATION AND DATES

The IHRTP will be held from June 6th to June 25th, 2010 at John Abbott College in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, Canada.

PARTICIPATION FEE

The participation fee is $5,175 Canadian. This includes tuition, program materials, accommodation, meals, and emergency medical insurance. There are a limited number of bursaries available.

HOW TO APPLY

Your application must include:

- The completed Application Form (Part A completed by the Director of the Candidate’s organization; Part B completed by the Candidate)

- The Memorandum of Agreement duly signed by the Candidate and the director of the Candidate’s organization

- Two supporting letters from national and/or international human rights organizations (other than the candidate’s) familiar with the Candidate’s work and/or the work of his or her organization

- A brochure (and/or mission statement) describing the Candidate’s organization

All Application documents can be obtained by visiting the Equitas website or by contacting the IHRTP Team at ihrtp-pifdh@equitas.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS NOVEMBER 21ST, 2009. We encourage all candidates to submit their Application documents as soon as possible.

Ian Hamilton
Executive Director
Equitas
Centre international d'éducation aux droits humains / International Centre for Human Rights Education
666 Sherbrooke ouest, Bureau 1100
Montréal, QC, Canada H3A 1E7

Tel: +1.514.954.0382; Fax: +1.514.954.0659

E-mail : ihrtp-pifdh@equitas.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

More information can be found HERE.

SOURCE & APPLICATION FORM: CLICK HERE