The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) are organizing a training programme on international and regional human rights mechanism tentatively in the month of October, 2011 aimed at building the capacity of representatives of African human rights NGOs with knowledge and skills to effectively use the African human rights and international system in their work towards human rights promotion and protection on the continent.
Expected Outcomes
At the end of the course, participants will be:
- Equipped to engage the African Commission, the African Court (apply for observer status, file complaints/cases, make statements at Commission’s sessions etc) and the UN
- Meet in person and forge relationship with the Commissioners and Special Rapporteurs of the Commission
- Get opportunity to network with a wide range of civil society organisations on issues of common interest
- Equipped with increased knowledge in advocacy and lobbying strategies
Duration
The training programme, which is scheduled to precede the NGOs Forum, would last for five days. It will be followed by the NGOs Forum (duration of 3 days),which usually precedes the Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The tentative dates are 17th-21st October 2011, which shall be confirmed in due course of time.
Venue
The Venue shall be notified in due course of time.
Participants
Participants numbering about 15 to 20 would be drawn from mainly African countries.
Resource Persons
Resource Persons will be drawn from the organisers’ wide pool of eminent defenders and activists who are experts in the field of democracy, rule of law and human rights on the continent.
Selection Requirements
Interested applicants must meet the following selection requirements:
- Aged between 25 and 40 years
- Must submit abridged curriculum vitae (maximum one page)
- Must be fluent in either English and or French
- Must occupy position relevant to training as well as demonstrate ability to related training benefits to work
- Must have been actively involved in the last three years in human rights work in the continent either in as part of a movement, Non Governmental sector or in a national human rights institution
- Qualified women are highly encouraged to apply.
Funding/Scholarship
Both the ACDHRS and OHCHR would raise funds for the organisation of the event and would therefore be able to offer partial scholarship to qualified applicants. However, due to the anticipated high demand for participation, participants are encouraged to raise funds to cover the cost of travel, accommodation and sustenance.
A certificate of attendance would be awarded to participants at the end of the training programme.
Last date for submission of application is August 15, 2011
For more information and details, visit this link.
