Training
MRG believes minority voices need to be strengthened at every level of society. We provide essential training on international standards and laws, in monitoring systems and advocacy strategies for minorities and indigenous peoples. We support representatives from minority and indigenous communities to participate in international and regional forums.
‘Thank you for providing support to my participation at the United Nations. Coming in contact with other indigenous people and increasing my knowledge on the function of the UN was a big learning opportunity for me and will help me work in a much more effective way.’ - Indigenous activist from India sponsored by MRG to attend the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations
We hold an annual training seminar in Geneva prior to the UN Working Group on Minorities (WGM). Although the future of this body is currently under threat, we are campaigning to keep it in action in a new form. Following the training, participants attend the WGM and have the opportunity to raise their concerns with governments and policy-makers.
We encourage those who have participated in our training programmes to organize local follow-up activities, to further the ability of minority and indigenous communities to campaign for their rights.
'This is my first time in Ethiopia. I have learned how to get women’s rights. I want to learn more and actually make it happen – because people from minorities have too much poverty.'
Paulina, 36, a Pokot mother from Uganda travelled to Addis Ababa in March 2007, to attend a regional training session that brought together pastoralist tribes from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania. The session was organised by MRG and the Pastoralist Forum in Ethiopia. Afterwards Paulina praised the event, saying: 'Now I know: whether you have land or not, you have the right to talk and to act. I am going to go home and tell my people that now is the right time to do things without fear.'