Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) would like to announce the opening of the application process for the 13th Annual Training and Study Session for Asian Human Rights Defenders (ATSS), to take place in Bangkok from 18 to 30 October 2009.

Since 1997 FORUM-ASIA has been organising the ATSS on an annual basis as part of its efforts to empower Asian human rights defenders to meet challenges, strengthen the human rights movement and promote solidarity and cooperation among the human rights organisations in the Asian region.

The application is open to any human rights activist interested in and working on human rights issues in Asia. Below are some required qualifications:

1.      Minimum 2 years work experience in local, national or regional human rights NGOs or human rights-related organisations

2.      Strong indication on how to make use of the knowledge and skills acquired in the training in future advocacy work

3.      Ability to communicate in English (both spoken and written)

Candidates are required to fill out the Application Form and the Questionnaire attached to the Brochure and to submit them with only one of the following documents.

·          If candidates are from FORUM-ASIA member organizations, please submit a letter of endorsement from the head of the organization.

·          If candidates are NOT from FORUM-ASIA member organizations, please submit a letter of recommendation from any of FORUM-ASIA’s 46 member organizations.

Completed applications must be sent by email to FORUM-ASIA at atss@forum-asia.org.

Closing date for applications is September 4th (Friday), 2009.

Incomplete applications may result in a low possibility of acceptance. FORUM-ASIA’s Selection Committee consider geographic and gender balance when selecting candidates.

Applicants short-listed for skype interviews will be interviewed on 14–15 September 2009. Applicants will be informed of their final selection by email before 18 September 2009.

For further information or inquiries, please contact:

Ms. Angkana Kranbuansaeng

Capacity Building Programme Officer, FORUM-ASIA

atss@forum-asia.org