OHCHR Annual Intensive Course on Human Rights in Cambodia

Building on the success of the inaugural course, this year’s training will delve deeper into international human rights law and mechanisms. Participants will gain valuable knowledge, enhance their advocacy skills, and build networks that promote collaboration in the pursuit of human rights.

Objectives

• The objectives of the OHCHR Annual Intensive Course on Human Rights are:
  • To deepen understanding and practices in human rights: Enhancing participants’ knowledge of international human rights law, including key treaties and protocols. A deeper understanding enhances advocacy skills of civil society actors as well as promotes strategic and results-orientated implementation by duty bearers. By integrating this framework into their work, participants can develop effective strategies addressing the root causes of human rights violations.
  • To inform and promote engagement with international human rights mechanisms: Increasing awareness and understanding of international human rights mechanisms allows participants and their organizations to effectively engage with and make use of these systems, with a focus on implementation of recommendations issued.
  • To facilitate networking: Promoting collaboration and networking among participants to foster teamwork and collective action aimed at advancing human rights initiatives and advocacy.

Program Specifications

• Knowledge sharing: an overview of key international human rights instruments, as well as the role of various mechanisms, the United Nations Human Rights Council, regional human rights bodies, and national human rights in promoting and protecting human rights globally.
• Skill-building sessions: The goal is to enhance the ability of individuals, CSOs, and other stakeholders to effectively disseminate information and build the capacity of their target groups regarding international human rights. It involves engaging effectively with international human rights mechanisms to promote understanding, awareness, and advocacy for human rights issues. By fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge, stakeholders can better address human rights challenges and influence meaningful change at both local and global levels.
• Interactive discussions: Fostering meaningful conversations among participants and experts to create powerful synergies in the pursuit of advancing human rights initiatives.

Duration

• Course Dates: Monday 23 – Friday 27 June 2025.

Eligibility Criteria

• The training program is designed to accommodate a maximum of 25 participants who have a demonstrated interest in human rights and are currently based in Cambodia, including:
  • Government officials: Particularly those involved in policy-making, monitoring and implementing human rights obligations.
  • Civil society representatives: Monitoring officers, trainers, and activists from NGOs seeking to deepen their expertise in specific human rights areas.
  • Human Rights Defenders: Individuals committed to advancing human rights, including those focusing work on particular groups such as youth, women, persons with disabilities, LGBT individuals and representatives of indigenous communities.

Selection Criteria

• Applicants will be selected based on the following:
  • Demonstrated commitment to human rights work and knowledge.
  • Relevant experience on human rights-related issues with government, civil society, or as human rights defenders.
  • Desire to enhance skills and knowledge in specific areas of human rights.
  • Ability to articulate how participation in the training will benefit their work and community.

For more information, visit OHCHR.