31st International Human Rights Training Program

This annual, intensive three-week program brings together over 100 participants from over 60 countries. The goal of the International Human Rights Training Program (IHRTP) is to strengthen the capacity of human rights organisations 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.

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 recognised human rights experts are also invited to give presentations and participate in panel discussions throughout the three-week session.

Level: professional

Location: Montreal, Canada

Participants: Organisations that nominate candidates must be non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or community-based organisations (CBOs); have a demonstrated commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights; and be involved in human rights education activities, such as training sessions, workshops, public awareness campaigns, advocacy, monitoring, etc. Priority in the selection will be given to candidates affiliated with NGOs and CBOs. However, in a limited number of cases, consideration will also be given to candidates affiliated with other types of organisations, such as national human rights institutions and educational institutions. 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 organisation; have a knowledge of human rights principles and major international instruments; and be proficient in either English or French.

Tuition, fee, lodging: 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. Application deadline is 21 November 2009.

Contact Information:
Chris Bradley
Equitas
666 Sherbrooke Ouest, Bureau 1100
Montreal, Quebec
Canada H3A 1E7
Tel: +1 (514) 954-0382
Fax: +1 (514) 954-0659
E-mail: ihrtp-pifdh@equitas.org
Web: http://www.equitas.org