This transformative programme allowed me to build connections across countries, expand my network, and discover how I can advocate more effectively for human rights – including my own.
Joaquina, participant
Jointly organized by the Diplomacy Training Program (DTP) affiliated to the University of New South Wales in Sydney, together with the Global Campus of Human Rights (GC), and the Human Rights Centre at the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL), this residential and intensive programme gathered participants from thirteen South and Southeast Asian countries in an atmosphere of shared learning and solidarity.
Founded by Peace Nobel Laureate and Timorese President José Ramos-Horta in 1989, the annual training is one of the most established and prestigious human rights education initiatives in the Asia-Pacific. An innovative format defined by a highly practical and hands-on methodology, the programme has so far trained over 3500 human rights advocates from over 50 countries and three generations.
During the 2025 edition, for two intensive weeks, participants engaged in workshops, dialogues, and practical exercises aimed at strengthening their advocacy skills and building collective strategies for change. The programme combined academic depth with grassroots wisdom, echoing the lived struggles of those working daily for justice in their communities.
Sessions were animated by a diverse group of lecturers and practitioners who combined technical expertise with personal insights. Lucas Lixinski (University of New South Wales, Australia) opened the programme with sessions on Human Rights Standards and UN Human Rights Treaty Bodies, providing participants with knowledge and tools to engage more effectively with international mechanisms. Building on this foundation, Michael Hayes (GC-Asia Pacific at Mahidol University, Thailand) led practical exercises on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, using regional case studies to explore strategies for grassroots mobilization and community advocacy. The focus then shifted to the role of media, as Arul Prakkash and Fritzie Rodriguez (Forum Asia) delivered sessions on Human Rights Advocacy through Videomaking and Storytelling, guiding participants through awareness-raising techniques and audience targeting. Yuyun Wahuningrum addressed Human Rights in ASEAN and Lobbying Strategies, emphasizing movement-building and cross-border solidarity. The programme concluded with Joshua Cooper’s interactive session on UN Human Rights Standards, Mechanisms, and the UPR role play, which offered participants hands-on experience in engaging with the UN system. A special highlight was the opportunity to meet with President José Ramos-Horta for a unique moment of discussion and sharing on the role and struggle of human rights defenders.
The joint organisation of the 33rd DTP in collaboration with the National University is also part of the continued support that Global Campus is providing to the UNTL, GC’s youngest member university, for the consolidation and internationalisation of the Human Rights Centre in Dili. Jointly established in 2019-2022 with the support of the European Union, the Centre continues to highlight Timor-Leste’s role as a vibrant and safe meeting place for human rights defenders of the region and beyond. On the occasion of 2025’s DTP, UNTL Rector Prof. Joao Soares Martins, GC Head of Capacity Development Adriano Remiddi and GC Asia Pacific Director Prof. Michael Hayes signed a new cooperation agreement, steering the institutional partnership for the next three years.
The organisation of the 33rd DTP with the National University of Timor-Leste reflects the continued support that the Global Campus is providing to UNTL—its youngest member university—in consolidating and internationalising the Human Rights Centre in Dili. Jointly established between 2019 and 2022 with support from the European Union, the Centre has since become a vibrant and safe meeting place for human rights defenders from across the region and beyond. Building on this foundation, the 2025 DTP also provided the occasion to sign the new GC-UNTL cooperation agreement, steering the institutional partnership into the next three years.
Moreover, this year’s edition carried a special significance for the Global Campus commitment to capacity development: the programme welcomed a delegation of Pakistani students who joined the training through the international mobility scheme under the human rights education pillar of Huqooq-e-Pakistan 2—a project funded by the European Union and implemented in Pakistan by the Global Campus of Human Rights aside of the United Nations Development Programme.
The activity was made possible thanks to the generous support of partners, including the co-funding by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. On the occasion of the opening ceremony, Hon. Giorgio Silli, Undersecretary of State to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, addressed the authorities and participants with a video message, stating that: “The role of Asia-Pacific nations in advancing human rights and addressing global challenges is vital. I am confident that this summer school will provide participants with valuable knowledge, fresh perspectives, and practical tools to engage meaningfully in these critical areas of international affairs.”
This project is part of the GC Capacity Development programme. For more information, contact Adriano Remiddi – programme manager, Vukašin Pajović, and Larisa Barbu – programme officers at capacity.development@gchumanrights.org
