Sydney, September 2006. The Diplomacy Training Program is calling for applications for its first program focused on human rights advocacy and business. Application deadline: 28 July 2006.

Dear Friends,

The Diplomacy Training Program is calling for applications for its first program focused on human rights advocacy and business.   The program has been developed to assist advocates to respond to the challenges for human rights posed by the growing power and influence of corporations.

The UN Global Compact, the UN Draft Norms on Business and Human Rights, the OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises, and voluntary codes of conduct have all emerged in recent years to respond to the need to change and guide corporate behaviour in relation to human rights. This program aims to explore what these developments mean for human rights advocates, how existing and emerging standards can be applied by advocates, and to build the skills necessary for engaging in advocacy on business and human rights.

The Diplomacy Training Program is seeking applications from advocates who have an interest in learning more about the human rights responsibilities of business and how these responsibilities can inform advocacy efforts.   Applications are invited from both those with experience of campaigning on corporations and those who have little or no experience, but who have the capacity to undertake advocacy on these issues in the future.

Preference will be given to applicants from NGOs, and to applicants from the Asia-Pacific Region.  Applications from women advocates and Indigenous Peoples advocates are encouraged.

The program will focus on

* Building awareness and knowledge of existing and emerging standards relevant to corporate conduct
* Developing practical skills in internet research, media and advocacy in relation to promoting human rights to business and holding business accountable
* Encouraging the exchange of experiences and skills between advocates in the region on these key emerging human rights issues

Additional information and application form write to actiondtp@unsw.edu.au for further information or link below.