2008 International Human Rights Network (IHRN) Training programs

National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Ireland

1. Subject: ‘Justice Sector Reform: Applying Human Rights Based Approaches’
16th June - 20th June 2008

The aim of this IHRN training programme is to enhance skills of participants in applying Human Rights Based Approaches to Justice Sector Reform. It will facilitate the development of knowledge and skills regarding:

• legal principles, policies and practice underpinning human rights based approaches to justice sector reform
• inter-linkages between sector actors (law enforcement, judicial, corrections, etc)
• relationship between the justice sector and related terms such as 'security sector', 'rule of law', 'good governance'
• Human Rights Based needs assessment, programme design, implementation, as well as mentoring, monitoring & evaluation
• Programming tools and checklists (including Human Rights Based benchmarks and indicators of change)
• Case studies from national contexts as well as international field missions (including conflict and post-conflict)
• Teamwork, advocacy and strategic partnerships

The programme uses a variety of facilitation techniques including presentations by guest specialists, plenary discussions, small group work and role-plays, case studies, etc. The programme is highly participatory and emphasises cross-learning among participants and practical exercises to apply what they have learned throughout. While contributing their own experience, participants will also be allocated materials for a case study to prepare for discussion. Advance reading will cover the international legal framework for justice sector reform (both civil and criminal) as well as human rights based approaches.

The programme is aimed at justice sector professionals in developing and industrialised countries, as well as international field missions: state, non-state and international civil servants (UN agencies, EC, etc); as well as policy advisors, project managers and consultants.

Deadline for Applications: Friday 9 May 2008 (with priority for applications received by Friday 14 March).

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2. Subject: ‘Human Rights Fieldwork - Principles, Strategies and Skills’
26th October - 2 November 2008

The annual IHRN training programme "Human Rights Fieldwork - Principles, Strategies and Skills" explores the principles underpinning effective human rights fieldwork, enhance the skills of participants needed to carry this out safely before/during/after armed conflict, ensure that human rights fieldwork is relevant, effective, sustainable, participatory and accountable, raise participants' self-awareness of skills required to undertake international human rights fieldwork.

The training programme will explore:

• The evolution of international human rights law & mechanisms relevant to human rights fieldwork
• The full cycle of human rights monitoring from information gathering to stimulating sustainable change in conflict/post-conflict environments
• Case studies for monitoring the full spectrum of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights
• Interviewing and reporting techniques
• Applying development programming techniques to human rights fieldwork
• Working with field partners, co-operating and building relationships
• Personal preparedness including, safety/security, stress/trauma etc.
• Simulation of core field challenges, such as inter-cultural sensitivities, teamwork, leadership etc.

The training programme is intended for development and humanitarian aid workers, civilian/military peace-keepers, NGO and IGO field staff.

Deadline for Applications: Monday 6 October 2008 (with priority for applications received by Friday 29 August 2008)

For more information on application forms and details of other IHRN training programmes in 2008, please consult
www.ihrnetwork.org/2007-08-programmes.htm