Pilot National Training Workshop on ASEAN Advocacy and National Consultation Workshop
30 June 2010 11:32 am

From 19 to 21 July 2010, FORUM-ASIA will organise the pilot training on engaging with the ASEAN Inter-governmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) in Kuala Lumpur, co-organised with SUARAM, FORUM-ASIA member in Malaysia. It aims to build capacity of civil society organisations in Malaysia to engage with the newly formed AICHR.

This pilot training is also a prior step to finalise the manual on ASEAN advocacy produced by a team of consultant through a series of consultations such as need assessments and discussions with the SAPA TF-AHR. The training manual has captured the experiences and lessons learnt by SAPA TF-AHR members in advocating for the ASEAN Inter-governmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) at the national, regional and international levels. It is envisaged that the manual will be comprehensive in content and yet practical and that it can easily and effectively used by trainers in different countries to conduct training on ASEAN human rights mechanisms at national level to reach out to more people.

After evaluation of this first test run, the training manual will be finalised and completed. The training manual will be used by FORUM-ASIA at the regional and national training in the other countries in the same year and the following year.

Right after the training, the national consultation with CSOs in Malaysia will take place from 22 to 23 July 2010 to gather inputs on the Rules of Procedures, ASEAN Declaration of Human Rights and the work plan of AICHR. It also aims to raise awareness among non-governmental organisations on the AICHR and to strengthen their participation in and engagement with the AICHR in its decision making.