BACKGROUND
This online training will review the United Nations Convention of Human Rights framework particularly its provisions for peace, security and good governance. It will also examine the theoretical and practical bases for the provisions in a bid to find out their practicability.
Human Rights are common parlance, but not all agree on its meaning and significance. Human Right are related to, something confused with the rule of law constitutionalism or democracy. Sometimes human rights are seen as one element, a key element, in constitutional democracy; sometime democracy is seen as one human rights; a right of individuals to be represented and to vote; sometimes human rights are seen as limitations on democracy. This is limitations on the will of the majority or on the public interest. As it is determined by the majority
2.0 RATIONALE:
This specialized training program on human rights institutions was originally conceived over a year ago by Sammy Jacobs Abbey working closely with Ms.
Mary Shuttleworth Youth for Human Right International (YHRI) International Coordinator and Selene Biffi, Founder and President of Youth Action for Change
This Course was developed to respond to a perceived need for Young people to be familiar with human rights principles and capable of implementing the unique mandates of national institutions
During the past months, Sammy Jacobs Abbey had opportunities to discuss this initiative with members of institutions in the region, including the Commissioner for Human Rights and Administrative Justice in Ghana (CHRAJ), Youth Human Right International, and Youth Acti on for Change, the United Nations and a number of human rights NGOs. This consultation has allowed us to refine our ideas and tailor the programme more closely to the needs of the participants.
3.0 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
The goal of this program is to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights with a particular focus on Young People. The specific objectives include:
To develop the capacity of Human Rights NGOs and their partners to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights;
To strengthen collaboration between national institutions, governments and
NGOs for the promotion and protection of human rights; and
To encourage the creation of independent and effective institutions in countries where they do not yet exist.
4.0 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This online session marks the first time that representatives of institutions, governments and (NGOs) have come together for a Global e-training specifically focused on Human Rights, Good Governance, Leadership and Democracy
The program has been designed to provide us with opportunities to share and reflect on our exp eriences with institutions and develop practical skills related to responsibilities within our institutions and organizations. During the course session we will work together to explore the concept of institutions, their role and functions, strategies to increase their effectiveness and the advantages of collaboration.
We will be using a participatory methodology which will allow us to learn from each other's experience. Each one of you, therefore, has an important role to play in the success of this session.
We will begin by examining the human rights situation in all the five continents and identifying some of the patterns and trends which influence our work. We will then have an opportunity to discuss the unique role that independent institutions can play in this context and learn from some of the approaches which have been used to respond to these challenges. Of equal importance, we will have an opportunity to consider the implications of working for or with independent national institutions, focusing in particular on how this independence can be reflected in the way we approach our work.
During the Course Session we shall take a more practical look at some of the most important functions of institutions, namely: resolving complaints, promoting human rights and advising governments on human rights policies.
The focus during these modules will be on sharing experiences and identifying techniques which can make our work more effective in these areas.
Throughout the program, we will examine the advantages of institutions working in broad alliances with sympathetic Government sectors, civil society organizations and particularly NGOs. It is important to recognize that no national institution, government or NGO can solve all the human rights problems on their own. Towards the end of the program, therefore, we will focus, on some of the practical aspects of building alliances.
Before the end of the course, we will be asking you to take part in an evaluation of your experience. We will be looking for ideas to improve the program for future use. Having just completed the program, you will be in a position to help us ensure that institutions and their partners continue to have a ccess to the best available training.
During the course, you will be expected to work hard. At times you will also be asked to laugh and to have fun. We hope you will find the experience rewarding and practical
SYLLABUS AND COURSE OUTLINE
Pre-Session: Introduction to Human Right, Good Governance, Leadership and Democracy
In order to participate the following two documents
must be sent by 20th Dec 2005 to Sammy, at
humanright.studies@gmail.com or
samabbey@africamail.com
An essay answering the questions:
-What is your understanding of Human Rights?
-What is your view on Leadership and Good Governance?
And the filled application form latest by 20th December 2005
References: None. To be answered by the students without references.
Week 1: HUMAN RIGHTS VALUES AND THE CONCEPT OF NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Week 2: STRATEGIES FOR HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION &
PROMOTION
Week 3: BRAINSTORMING THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN PROMOTING AND PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS
Week 4: HUMAN RIGHTS: IDEOLOGY AND ASPIRATION, REALITY AND PROSPECTS
Week 5: THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS
SYSTEMS: PROSPECTS AND PITFALLS
Week 6: ADVANCING THE CAUSE OF HUMAN RIGHTS: THE NEED
FOR JUSTICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Week 7: DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS: AN ARGUMENT FOR
CONVERGENCE
Week 8: THE CHALLENGES AHEAD: ANALYSIS AND INTEGRATION
Sammy Jacobs Abbey
WAYN Liasion Officer to ECOWAS
Project Coordinator- Assocaition of Global Citizens-UN/DPI/ECOSOC
Facilitator, Trainer & Communication Expert
P O BOX DC 824
Dansoman-Community
Accra-Ghana
samabbey@africamail.com
samabbey@ayda.kabissa.org
ayd_alliance@yahoo.co.uk
wayn_ghana@yahoo.com
+233-244-666-045
Tel: +233-276-010-992
www.waynyouth.org
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