PHM-Exch> Programme Announcement - 8th Annual Global Linking & Learning Programme - Human Rights Based Development

[Claudio Schuftan]

We are pleased to announce that the Call for Applications for our Annual
Global Linking & Learning Programme - Human Rights Based Development is now
open. Please help circulate this announcement.

WHAT? Annual Global Learning Programme on Human Rights Based Development

WHEN? 1-10 December 2009

WHERE? Netherlands

WHO? Organisers: Dignity International in collaboration with the European
Anti Poverty Network

Support from: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland and Oxfam-Novib

WHY? Human Rights Based Development - Human rights provide a moral,
authoritative and a legal framework to tackle root causes of poverty – the
deep rooted structures of discrimination – the global processes of
impoverishment. A human rights framework has the ‘potential’ to deal with
not only legal justice, the primary preoccupation of traditional human
rights organisations, but also economic and social justice which is central
to development work.

Realising this potential, many development actors – development
organisations, donors and governments – are now actively integrating human
rights into development planning. National governments are seeking to
integrate human rights in poverty reduction strategies and increasing
numbers of community based organisations are advocating for their basic
human rights.

A human rights framework offers distinctive strengths and specific tools for
development work. A human rights framework makes the human individual the
owner of human rights and puts the human person at the centre of the
development process. People are not viewed as passive subjects, but able to
participate in, actively contribute to and enjoy development. Basic human
needs to live life in dignity (adequate housing, adequate levels of
nutrition, access to education, access to healthcare, to livelihoods and
employment opportunities) are no longer seen as demands for charity but as
basic human rights to which everyone is entitled. This fundamental shift
from charity/service delivery to human rights moves the poorest in our
societies from a position of vulnerability to a position of strength, and
therefore from a position of powerlessness to a position where they are
empowered.



ANNUAL GLOBAL LINKING & LEARNING PROGRAMME: For the eighth consecutive year,
Dignity is proud to invite applications to the Annual Global Linking and
Learning Programme. This programme will build on the successes of the
previous learning programmes on “Human Rights Based Development”, and on
“Economic Social and Cultural Rights” organised by Dignity International
with a range of national, regional and international partners. One key
feature of the programme will be a field visit to expose participants to
see, hear, smell, taste, touch and feel for themselves the struggles of
people living in poverty or facing discrimination (traveller communities;
asylum seekers/ migrant workers). Human rights struggles are not theoretical
or paper struggles but real struggles of real people affecting real lives.
The field visits will be organised by the European Anti Poverty Network.

PROGRAMME CONTENTS: The Programme will take participants on a ten day
intensive – enjoyable – learning journey that will equip the participants
with knowledge of the key elements of human rights based development, and
enhance skills for its practical application. Participants will see the
unity between human rights and development and become more committed to the
work ahead to achieve the unified human rights and development vision of
human dignity for all.

After the programme, participants will:

1. Understand and apply the key elements of human rights based development.
More specifically participants will be able to:

* link specific development issues to international human rights;

* understand the nature of human rights obligations of state and non state
actors and be able to apply the knowledge gained to enhance human rights
advocacy;

* understand the importance of “accountability”, transparency and the right
to information in human rights and be able to use accountability and redress
mechanisms at different levels;

* understand the fundamental principle of “non-discrimination” and how human
rights can help tackle deep rooted structures of discrimination that
perpetuate humiliation and poverty;

* understand and appreciate “participation” as a human right and that
realisation of human rights requires participation

* additionally, participants will be able to develop new ideas and skills to
encourage meaningful participation of struggling communities in development
work;

* understand how human rights empower – steps that can be taken to encourage
grassroots “empowerment”.



2. Understand and critically reflect on the deeply entrenched global
processes of impoverishment as well as reflect and challenge present modes
of campaigning.

3. Understand the difference between human rights and non human rights
strategies and improve on/transform existing development strategies into
human rights strategies.

4. Understand and apply human rights based development into the different
stages of the programming cycle.

5. Put all the learning into practice through intensive group work on a real
case study.

6. Develop strong solidarity with the communities visited as well as
solidarity and friendship at a global level with other participants of the
programme.

7. Increase commitment to human rights in professional work and in personal
lives.



PARTICIPANT PROFILE: Development actors from grassroots, national and
international development NGOs that are beginning to integrate human rights
in development work are encouraged to apply. Applicants should be in key
positions within their organisations and with solid experience and
responsibility in a range of areas, including programming, community
organizing, advocacy and campaigning. Priority will be given to potential
“multipliers”. All applicants must be committed to attend the full duration
of the programme and be able to work and communicate in English.

20-25 participants who meet the above criteria will be chosen to
participate. Programme organisers will take into account gender, and
geographical balance as well as representation from diverse social
backgrounds, diverse disciplines and covering a range development issues
(education, food sovereignty, HIV/AIDS, etc). Dignity also reserves the
right to invite some participants to the programme.



PROGRAMME METHODOLOGY: Dignity’s learning programmes are designed as a
process of mutual learning, with the participants’ experience and realities
as the starting point of the learning process. Active participation and
in-depth reflection – individually, in groups and in plenary are the keys to
the success of the programme.

The process is based on informal education and learner-centred
methodologies. Therefore, the programme will be a mutual learning situation
where participants can compare their approaches and concerns in a safe,
intercultural context. The use of experiential methods and case studies
strengthens the practical side of the programme.



FACILITATING TEAM: The facilitating team for this programme is composed of
experienced facilitators with development and human rights experience at
grassroots and international levels, and who possess the necessary and
creative skills to facilitate an enjoyable learning process. It should be
expected that the team will reflect gender balance and the cultural,
political and geographical diversity.



PROGRAMME DATES & VENUE: The programme is a residential one. Selected
participants are expected to arrive in the Netherlands on Monday 30 November
2009 and depart on Friday 11 December 2009.



WORKING LANGUAGE: The programme will be conducted in English.



FINANCIAL & PRACTICAL INFORMATION: All selected participants are requested
to cover their own travel, board, lodging and other incidental expenses.

Participation Costs: The organisers will charge a participation fee of 1500
Euros. This amount will be paid to the organisers at the start of the
programme. This amount will cover programme materials, hotel accommodation
for 11 days, all meals and coffee breaks during the programme dates and
programme related local transport in the Netherlands. The amount does not
cover incidental expenses (phone, laundry etc).

Scholarships: Please note that no one will be excluded for financial reasons
and that limited scholarships will be available for those with no
alternative financial means to participate especially those from the
developing countries or from grassroots development organisations.



Category A: Participation Cost Waiver (to waive the participation cost of
1500 Euros)

Category B: Full scholarship – Participation Cost waiver + 80% of the
cheapest available economy class plane ticket



HOW TO APPLY? Please complete the application form and send it to Dignity
International with a valid signature and a stamp from your organisation,
community or group in support of your application. Twenty-five participants
will be selected on the basis of the profile and the overall criteria
outline above. Candidates will be informed about their application by the
end of September.  The organisers will, then, immediately start arrangements
with the selected candidates.

Application Deadline: Monday 31 August 2009

Application Form



PROGRAMME PARTNERS

European Anti Poverty network – http://www.eapn.org The European Anti
Poverty Network (EAPN) is an independent network of non-governmental
organisations (NGOs) and groups involved in the fight against poverty and
social exclusion in the Member States of the European Union. The membership
of EAPN is involved in a variety of activities aimed at combating poverty
and social exclusion including, education and training activities, service
provision and activities aimed at the participation and empowerment of
people experiencing poverty and social exclusion.

EAPN lobbies for the integration of the fight against poverty and social
exclusion into all Community policies, ranging from Structural Funds and
employment policies through to economic and monetary policies. EAPN builds
alliances with relevant actors to create a stronger voice in favour of
social inclusion.



Dignity International – http://ww.dignityinternational.org - Dignity
International is a non-profit independent organisation, registered as a
Foundation in the Netherlands, standing together and supporting people
living in poverty, working with partners, and supporters worldwide to build
a global family to make “all human rights for all” a reality. Dignity
International is a catalyst for social change - supporting the primary
change agents – people in the frontline of the human rights struggle.
Dignity International believes thateveryone should live life in full dignity
- free from fear and free from poverty. In its work Dignity International:

Supports human rights advocacy work of the communities in the frontline of
the struggle for survival – people whose basic human rights are denied;

Connects the different struggling communities across national borders;

Builds a global family for lasting social change
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