“I am proud that the training can be now organized in Timor-Leste (…). The programme is unique with its participatory approach, combined with its realistic introduction to the complexities of international politics that impact on human rights defenders”. José Ramos-Horta, President of the Republic of Timor-Leste and Peace Nobel laureate The Global Campus of Human Rights (GC), the Human Rights Centre of the National University of Timor-Leste (HRC-UNTL), and the Diplomacy Training Program (DTP) hosted by the University of New South Wales (Sydney) are pleased to continue their collaboration in advancing human rights education and capacity building. With renewed support from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI-DGMO), the three partners will join forces once again in 2026 to organize the Human Rights and People’s Diplomacy Training Program for Human Rights Defenders from the Asia-Pacific Region. Building on the programme’s legacy since 1989 and on the success of the 2024 and 2025 editions, this summer-school-style initiative will offer an intensive, residential programme designed to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills in peace, human rights standards, sustainable development, lobbying, advocacy, and movement building. The programme will bring together 35 human rights defenders, educators, and practitioners from Timor-Leste, ASEAN member states, and Pacific Island Forum countries. Regional experts and trainers from local, regional, and international universities and institutions will lead the training. The partnership, launched in 2024, marks an important milestone in efforts to strengthen human rights education in Timor-Leste and the wider Asia-Pacific region. The successful collaboration aligns with the shared goals of the GC, UNTL, and DTP to provide high-level training opportunities and foster cross-regional solidarity in human rights advocacy. Under the patronage of its co-founder H.E. President José Ramos-Horta, the 2026 edition will once again coincide with the anniversary of Timor-Leste’s popular consultation, underscoring the central role of human rights in the country’s history. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to build and consolidate the capacity of the UNTL Human Rights Centre (HRC-UNTL), established through a partnership between the GC and UNTL from 2019 to 2022 with support from the European Union. The success of the HRC-UNTL has been instrumental in enhancing Timor-Leste’s role as a leader in human rights higher education. Following the project, UNTL and the GC continue to work together under a cooperation agreement to strengthen the Centre’s impact and internationalisation. This activity 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
