INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INTERNSHIPS PROGRAM 

2015 ANNUAL REPORT  

  

 

   

Directors’ foreword

The International Human Rights Internship Program (IHRIP) is the flagship for experiential learning in the Faculty of Law and one of the great jewels of the Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism. For the students who participate, many cite it as the reason that they applied to McGill, and as one of the most transformative experiences of their lives. It is thanks to the generous support of the Faculty, private donors and the sustained engagement of its alumni that the program has expanded in size and pedagogical dimensions.

In 2015, we sent 24 students to a diverse range of organisations around the world, from a tiny grassroots organization in Cameroon to one of the biggest human rights NGOs in the world, Human Rights Watch in New York City, as well as courts, national human rights councils, research centres, and advocacy bodies. In 2016, we have new partnerships with entities in the Yukon, Peru and Namibia. The Peruvian placement came to us through an IHRIP alumnus, and the Namibia placement is a first for the Program, and will see a McGill student working directly with the chairperson of the Law Reform Commission in Windhoek. This Program is in full bloom, and it is a privilege to support it and the students who pass through it.

Nandini Ramanujam, Program Director

Marika Giles Samson, Interim Program Director (2015-2016)

Sharon Webb, Program Coordinator

About the International Human Rights Internships Program (IHRIP)

McGill University’s Faculty of Law enjoys a rich tradition of human rights education and involvement. Since 1992, the Faculty has established a number of partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Canada and abroad.

Administered by the Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism (CHRLP), the International Human Rights Internships Program (IHRIP) is a fully credited course that allows students to earn six (6) credits toward the completion of the BCL/LLB degree. The Internship Program is managed by the Faculty’s Human Rights Committee under the direction of Professor Nandini Ramanujam.

The Program interviews and selects law students for placements as interns with NGOS, courts, and public institutions for a period of 12 weeks over the summer. Partner organizations provide students with practical work experience in human rights investigation, monitoring, and reporting. The internships also provide exposure to the operation and implementation of human rights instruments and norms.

Dr. Nandini Ramanujam-

Program Director

Marika Giles Samson- Interim

Program Director

Sharon Webb- Administrative

Coordinator

Lucia Westin- Student

Coordinator

Guilhem de Roquefeuil-

Student Coordinator

1 

  

   

HIV/ AIDS Legal Network Toronto 

Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (Justice Dept) – US / CA border

Equitas ‐ Montréal 

Avocats sans frontières – Ville de Québec

Maliiganik Tukisiiniakvik Legal Services – Iqualuit

One Earth Future Foundation – Broomfield, CO 

Disability Rights International – Mexico, D.F.  

The Inter‐American Court of Human Rights – 

San José, Costa Rica 

Human Rights Watch – New York, NY  

 

Calcutta Research Group – Calcutta, India  

 

Cambodian League for the Promotion & Defence 

of Human Rights – Phnom Penh, Cambodia  

Ateneo Human Rights Center –  

Manila, Phillipines 

Women for a Change – Buea, Cameroun 

 

Disability Rights Watch – 

Lusaka, Zambia 

Equality Effect – Meru, Kenya 

Center for Health, Human Rights and Development – 

Kampala Uganda 

Mental Disability and Advocacy Center– Budapest, Hungary 

 

Aswat Nissa – Tunis, Tunisia 

 

National Human Rights Council of Morocco – Rabat 

Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa – Banjul, The Gambia 

The summer 2015 placements 

2 

First Nations Child and Family 

Caring Society of Canada ‐ Ottawa 

  

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dominic Bell is a third-year law student at McGill University whose relevant interests lie in the realm of human rights advocacy, transitional justice and criminal law. During his undergrad, he completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a focus in political theory and transitional justice along with a Major in French Studies and a Certificate in Business French from Western University. Concomitantly, Dominic worked as a community development aide for London Urban Services Organization, a branch of the United Way of London and Middlesex.

DOMINIC BELL 

“My brief stay in Iqaluit has cautioned me against simple solutions in wake of a truly complex array of institutional and social relations which play out in Iqaluit and the smaller communities of Nunavut. I am wary of merely echoing the voice of the transient population that is so apparent in the territories; the people who travel here with ulterior motives and fail to truly appreciate this place. Luckily, I have started to build–what I hope will be–lasting bonds with the locals who are often skeptical of Southerners who are simply here in passing for a couple months or a year and then return from whence they came with fond memories.” Dominic Bell, June 2015

Internship overview - Maliiganik Tukisiiniakvik Legal Services, Iqualuit

The human rights internship at Maliiganik Tukisiiniakvik Legal Services in Iqaluit, NU, is an internship which focused on criminal defence. The legal intern is primarily responsible for conducting research for defence lawyers on a variety of topics. The intern may also assist criminal counsel in finding/interviewing potential sureties for bail hearings, interviewing witnesses before trial, reviewing disclosure with the accused, etc. The internship at Maliiganik is demanding on a professional level, but also on an emotional level in that legal interns are required to interact with the accused, listen to audio statements made by complainants, and review photos of injuries. That said, Dominic found that the lawyers at Maliiganik are both incredibly empathetic and resilient: interns will almost always be able to find someone who can offer advice if they are overcome.

Last summer, Dominic’s responsibilities included:

Attending and assisting the Maliiganik’s lawyers with bail hearings; Drafting memoranda on recent developments in Canadian criminal

law; Interviewing clients and meeting with Crown Attorneys.

3 

  

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

Humera Jabir is a fourth year law student at McGill University. She has a degree in Political Science from McGill and is also a graduate of Lester B. Pearson United World College in British Columbia.

Humera’s community and international work focuses on human rights and refugee protection. In Montreal, she has worked for the Center for Research Action on Race Relations on behalf of individuals facing discrimination. She also worked with Action Refugiés Montréal providing legal support to refugee claimants in Canadian detention. In 2011, Humera worked for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees in Jerusalem. She has also worked on minority and cultural integration programs in Holland and Japan.

HUMERA JABIR 

“The internship has taught me to think about problems of international criminal justice with flexibility and imagination by taking

account of the inherent unpredictability of international politics. I have learned to think through the limitations of existing frameworks but

also the limitations of advocating for “something new” or becoming too mired in the specificity of a particular context. I was very

impressed by HRW lawyers’ ability to think outside the box.” Humera Jabir, August 2015

Internship overview - HRW, New York

Humera worked for the International Justice Program at HRW, which focuses entirely on advocacy related to international criminal tribunals.The program’s main aim is to advocate for the State Parties or the ICC Prosecutor to take up certain actions in relation to prosecution of international crimes. This requires in depth research of situations within a certain country. In so doing, Humera was able to take ownership of research related to international conventions, criminal procedure in countries around the world, and projects exploring different legal mechanisms.

During her internship, Humera’s responsibilities included:

Conducting research related to international conventions, criminal procedure in countries around the world, and projects exploring different legal mechanisms;

Preparing media round-ups; Attending and taking notes at meetings with UN diplomats and

ICC representatives.

4 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

Frédérique est présentement en quatrième année d’études en droit à McGill. Elle a entrepris en parallèle une mineure en politique canadienne et québécoise.

Durant ses études en droit, Frédérique s’est impliquée au sein de la Revue internationale de droit et politique du développement durable de McGill et de la clinique d’aide juridique à McGill. Elle a aussi participé à plusieurs simulations des Nations-Unies, forum au sein duquel elle a pu débattre d’enjeux mondiaux actuels tels que les migrants non-documentés et le trafic d’armes.

Frédérique s’intéresse particulièrement au droit international public, au droit de l’environnement, et aux droits de l’homme. Elle profite de chaque occasion pour découvrir des pays étrangers et s’immerger dans une nouvelle culture.

FRÉDÉRIQUE ST‐JEAN 

« J’ai rencontré des femmes ayant une vision, une vision pour leur communauté et pour leur pays. Des femmes ayant des idées, un plan concret pour rendre la vie de leurs concitoyens plus faciles. Et surtout, des femmes ayant une détermination et un courage impressionnant. » Frédérique St-Jean, août 2015

Internship overview – Aswat Nissa, Tunis

L’Association Aswat Nissa, qui signifie « voix de femmes », est une organisation locale tunisienne qui œuvre pour la défense des droits des femmes et milite pour l’égalité des genres en Tunisie depuis quatre ans. L’Association encourage la participation des femmes à la vie publique à travers le renforcement de leurs capacités, notamment de leadership. Le principal projet de l’Association, l’Académie politique des femmes, forme des femmes impliquées dans les partis politiques tunisiens. Aswat Nissa soutient ces femmes pour leur permettre d’accéder aux postes décisionnels au sein de leur parti, ou à des postes d’élues au sein d’institutions municipales et nationales. Pendant son stage avec l’Association, Frédérique occupait le poste de responsable des communications. Elle a pu tisser des liens personnels et professionnels étroits avec ses collègues de travail.

Frédérique a notamment travaillé sur:

la rédaction de documentation promotionnelle et de sensibilisation ; l’entretien du site internet, de la page Facebook et du compte Twitter

de l’Association ; la recherche d’informations à propos des droits des femmes en Tunisie

et de l’état de la situation relative à l’égalité des genres ; la participation aux activités quotidiennes de l’Association telles que les

formations données dans le cadre de l’Académie politique des femmes.

5 5 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brodie Noga is in his second year of law school at McGill. He holds a BA in Environmental Geography and Anthropology from SFU and a MA in Anthropology from McGill. His graduate research focused on the sensorial aspects of environmental beliefs within Bolivian mining cooperatives and the role such beliefs played in environmental conflicts. Professionally, he has worked as an access technologist for McGill’s Office for Students with Disabilities and as a climate change consultant for BC municipalities.

Brodie is currently a senior editor with the McGill International Journal of Sustainable Development Law and Policy, volunteers with the Legal Information Clinic at McGill and is a research assistant for Professor Stephen Smith.

BRODIE NOGA 

“But it wasn’t the catalog of fair trial violations in my notebook that was disturbing, it was the performance of state power before me, it was the men aware of their

looming sentence, it was the nervous energy of the audience, it was the rapidity of the judge’s speech as the sentence was read. Law in the abstract never really

exists without law in the concrete. A miscarriage of justice isn’t just a failure of the court to abide by abstract codes of behaviour, it is the immensely visceral

interaction between humans whose final reality exists in their flesh. For me and for those in the audience, the physicality of the injustice was vicarious. For those 11 who felt the handcuffs around their wrists, it was far more immediate.” Brodie

Noga, August 2015

Internship overview – LICADHO, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

LICADHO is a prominent and vocal human rights monitoring and advocacy organization in Cambodia that. Amongst other initiatives, LICADHO monitors protests, trials, and other situations where human rights abuses may occur. During Brodie’s internship, LICADHO spent a significant amount of energy campaigning against the Law on Associations and NGOs (LANGO), which will give the ruling government the power to outlaw critical NGOs and grassroots organizations. Brodie found that LICADHO has passionate and intelligent staff members, making for an immensely stimulating environment for an internship. They notably taught Brodie how to think about advocacy from a big-picture strategic view.

Among others, Brodie’s tasks covered:

Compiling an inventory of all attacks and threats against Human Rights Defenders (HRD) for 2013–2014 for the latest issue of LICADHO’s Bi-Annual report;

Working on a national advocacy campaign; Monitoring a significant political trial of opposition party members.

6 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Originally from Toronto, Max moved to Montréal seven years ago to pursue an honours degree in Political Science and English Literature and Drama at McGill. Now he is in his third year of his LLB/BCL at the McGill Faculty of Law. So far, Max has found all of the subject matter in his legal education exceedingly interesting, and can’t wait to stand up one day in court pleading for causes and clients for whom he cares a great deal. Having a sister with severe mental disability, Max is sensitive to the enormous impact that law and policy can have on the lives of those facing similar challenges.

MAX ZIDEL 

“Human rights, it seems, is not necessarily about “immediately realizable” rights, but more so about courage and experimentation, and an acknowledgement that the world we live is and will continue to be – imperfect.” Max Zidel, August 2015

Internship overview – MDAC, Budapest, Hungary

The goal of the Mental Disability Advocacy Centre (MDAC) is to advance the rights of children and adults with intellectual or psycho-social disabilities. The Centre achieves this through creating a body of progressive jurisprudence, instigating law reform, empowering people with disabilities and promoting participatory politics. Max was impressed by the Centre staff’s obvious dedication to the community. They have managed to make great strides over the past decade in improving laws affecting individuals with a mental disability. The internship afforded him the unique opportunity of engaging in skype calls with legal teams from around the world while participating in office discussions and lending a hand in the more organizational and administrative tasks. Max also played an active role in MDAC’s press release on the Samajova case. After a review, his version was put in the organization’s website. During his internship, Max’s responsibilities included:

Reviewing jurisprudence; Summarizing cases; Writing briefs; Conducting independent research projects.

7 

  

   

 

 

 

         

     

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Claire is in her third year of the BCL/LLB program at McGill. She is a graduate of Lester B. Pearson United World College, received her B.A. (Honours) in Geography and Asian studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and spent a year working at the Parliament of Canada before enrolling at McGill. Her experience filming a documentary in Honduras during the 2009 coup d’état cemented her belief in the importance of civil society and democratic institutions in advancing human rights. In 2014, Claire participated in a course on disability rights in China through the McGill Shantou exchange.

CLAIRE K. BOYCHUK 

“It’s hard but meaningful work. By July, much of this evidence comes together in the form of a report, No Justice: Torture, Trafficking and

Segregation in Mexico. Within hours the report is picked up by every major news outlet in the city. Soon after, ABC News airs a report on DRI’s yearlong investigation into shelters for children and adults with disabilities in Mexico City. The Mexican government responds, promising to end the

use of restraints and cages. This is an historic victory.” Claire Boychuk, August 2015.

Internship overview - DRI, Mexico City

Disability Rights International’s approach to human rights advocacy generally

centres on evidence collection, report writing, media outreach, and in some

instances, legal action. Notably, they raise awareness by visiting institutions,

documenting abuses, and releasing reports detailing abuses in order to attract

the attention of media outlets and politicians. Claire arrived at DRI during a time

of unprecedented change for the organization. After twenty years of advocacy in

Mexico, DRI’s calls for change were finally being heard by important political

actors. Claire had a very hands-on experience as an intern at DRI, spending a

large amount of time assisting with on-site evidence collection and

documentation. The core campaigns and legal actions that DRI Mexico was

working on during Claire’s internship included: (1) a campaign against sexual

abuse and sterilization of women with disabilities; (2) the monitoring of Mexico

City institutions and investigation into the “blacklist”; and (3) a follow-up on the

Federica Mora case.

During her internship, Claire’s responsibilities included:

Visiting roughly 15 institutions where she assisted with interpretation for

evidence collection and documentation of human rights abuses;

Carrying out legal research and drafting an Urgent Appeal to several UN

Rapporteurs;

Writing a press release and co-authoring a report on trafficking and

torture of persons with disabilities in Mexico City custodial institutions.

8 

  

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Perhaps most importantly, the visibility of international criminal law as a tool to combat impunity has increased. ASFC is one of many human rights organizations engaged in an ongoing discourse about impunity and the importance of seeking justice for the victims of serious human rights abuses.” Vallery Bayly, July 2015.

Internship overview – ASF, Québec City

Avocats sans frontières Canada is a NGO that works in several countries

around the world to support the defence and advancement of the rights of

vulnerable individuals and groups. The organization engages with a

number of different issues and strategies, including access to justice, the

fight against impunity, transitional justice, women's and children's rights,

as well as strategic litigation. The vast majority of Vallery’s work as an

intern was legal in nature and/or pertained directly to a wide variety of

human rights topics. She particularily engaged with one topic, the political

and legal context of the recent political and military crisis in Mali, quite

deeply. She left her internship with a solid grasp of several new areas of

law and human rights issues.

Vallery’s responsibilities during the summer internship included:

Researching recent developments in international law;

Preparing a "Revue de presse" of news articles related to ASFC's

project in Mali;

Creating documents about the legal, political, social, and

economic contexts of countries in order to orient and inform

departing ASFC members who will work in those countries;

Writing a memorandum about the function, procedural rules, and

jurisprudence of the human rights mandate of the Community

Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African

States (ECOWAS).

Vallery is a third-year student in the BCL/LLB program at McGill. Prior to her legal studies, she completed her undergraduate degree in History and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Toronto. Her interest in foreign languages and history led her to participate in study abroad programs in Nagoya, Japan and Brno, Czech Republic. During her legal studies at McGill, Vallery has volunteered with the Centre communautaire des gais et lesbiennes de Montréal through Pro Bono Students Canada. Currently, she volunteers at the Legal Information Clinic. She is also a member of Innocence McGill, a legal clinic dedicated to investigating claims of wrongful conviction for serious crimes in Quebec.

VALLERY BAYLY 

9 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

Maria Rodriguez is a third year law student at McGill. She is originally from Bogota, Colombia, where she lived until she was 17. Before coming to law school, Maria completed a DEC in the “Law, Society and Justice” social science profile at Dawson College. Maria is an associate editor of the newly created Journal of International Law and Legal Pluralism, Inter Gentes. She has also volunteered at the Legal Information Clinic at McGill where she was able to facilitate access to legal information and gain practical experience.

MARIA RODRIGUEZ 

Internship overview - Equality Effect, Meru, Kenya

Equality Effect is a charitable organization that works for the protection and reaffirmation of women and girls’ rights in Canada, Malawi, Ghana and Kenya. EE partners with Ripples International, a Religious Trust organization founded by a couple in 2002, which seeks to protect the rights of children through community empowerment. The organization aims to achieve its objective through three projects: the Customary Law, 3 to be Free, and the 160 Girls Project. Maria was assigned to work on the 160 Girls Project, a legal initiative to protect girls’ rights and achieve justice for defilement (rape) cases. The project resulted in a constitutional victory in May from the High Court of Kenya which signified a substantial triumph in the fight against the injustices lived by hundreds of girls in Kenya. The highlight of Maria's internship was working closely with the girls from the rescue center.

Maria’s responsibilities included:

Investigating on police treatment of defilement complaints Shadowing a senior social worker, attending court hearings and

going to police stations as part of her work with Ripples International

“Now, after 6 and a half weeks here in Kenya, it is clear to me that human rights work is about people… what ultimately really matters in human rights work is making allies with the people that also want to make a

difference. The human rights battle is not a battle you can fight alone. It is a battle society needs to fight collectively. So go out in the field, meet

people, and make valuable connections.” Maria Rodriguez, June 2015

10

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sarah est en deuxième année à la Faculté de droit. Elle a obtenu un baccalauréat en Théâtre et Développement ainsi qu’un diplôme de second cycle en Développement Économique Communautaire de l’Université Concordia. Elle a été danseuse professionnelle, marionnettiste et organisatrice communautaire pour des projets de revitalisation urbaine et de lutte à la pauvreté.

Elle travaille actuellement comme assistante de recherche pour Professor Hoi Kong et contribue à ses recherches sur la gouvernance, l’urbanisme et la participation publique. Ces intérêts incluent l’utilisation des arts pour la transformation sociale, les enjeux d’accessibilité à la justice ainsi que les processus d’empowerment collectifs.

SARAH CHÊNEVERT‐BEAUDOIN 

Internship overview – CNDH, Rabat, Maroc

Le CNDH est une Institution Nationale des Droits de l’Homme accréditée par le Haut-Commissariat des Nations-Unies aux droits de l’Homme. Consacré dans la Constitution Marocaine de 2011 pour accompagner le gouvernement national marocain dans la mise en place d’un état de droit qui protège les droits et les libertés individuelles, le mandat du CNDH se déploie à travers trois missions : la promotion de la culture des droits humains ; la protection des individus contre les violations de leurs droits ; et la contribution aux débats publics concernant les droits et libertés fondamentales. Le CNDH bénéficie d’une légitimité institutionnelle en partie à cause du travail avant-gardiste réalisé par le CCDH en matière de justice transitionnelle.

Lors de son stage, Sarah a pu réaliser :

La compilation des recommandations émises à l’égard du Maroc, que ce soit par le CNDH ou par les organes internationaux ;

la proposition d’un plan d’action stratégique pour faire face à la crise des droits humains au Maroc ;

des tâches de traduction, de synthèse de document, et d’analyse de stratégies.

« Y a‐t‐il une partie de l’apprentissage du discours des droits humains qui passe 

nécessairement par l’affect? Puisque je suis convaincue que oui, et que je n’aurai 

pas l’occasion de m’asseoir dans une voiture de location pour regarder le paysage, 

j’essaie de cultiver le réflexe de mettre des images sur les mots. Pour m’aider, je lis 

des romans marocains, j’écoute les nouvelles, je vais au cinéma, je prends du temps 

avec les mères du quartier, je mets mon cœur à l’écoute. » Sarah Chênevert, juin 

2015

11 

  

 

 

             

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kaley Lachapelle is a third year student of the BCL/LLB program at McGill . She graduated with an MA in International Law and Settlement of Disputes from the United Nations mandated University for Peace located in Costa Rica. She also holds an Honours Degree in Political Science, with a minor in Latin American studies, from the University of Calgary.

Following the completion of her Master’s degree, Kaley worked in Costa Rica at CATIE (the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) on sustainable development initiatives throughout Latin America. She is currently the co-Chair for the McGill chapter of Canadian Lawyers Abroad.

Having lived for seven years in Latin America, Kaley has developed a strong connection to the culture and the people while gaining an invaluable wealth of knowledge about the region.

KALEY LACHAPELLE 

Internship overview – IACHR, San José, Costa Rica

The Inter-American Court of Human Rights is the judicial institution responsible for applying and interpreting the American Convention on Human Rights. During her internship, Kaley was part of a group of approximately twenty visiting professionals and interns from across the Americas and Europe. Interns are placed within a team generally composed of one senior lawyer, one junior lawyer, one legal assistant, a secretary and another intern. One opportunity that particularly stood out for Kaley is her meeting with the President of the Supreme Court of Costa Rica, who invited her to visit the Supreme Court, where she was joined by other interns and lawyers who worked at the Constitutional Court of Ecuador and the Electoral Tribunal of Mexico.

Kaley’s responsibilities at the IACHR included:

Translating, editing, drafting legal memorandums; Conducting research with an international focus; The translation and verification of Court judgements.

“Undoubtedly, the greatest part of my experience in Costa Rica was establishing 

very positive professional relationships, that evolved into friendships, with lawyers, 

law students and Court staff from across the Americas as well as from Europe.  

Today I feel very connected to the legal and human rights community globally. 

These bonds will endure well past law school and will undoubtedly shape my legal 

career.  My experience in Costa Rica this summer taught me that my legal education 

is not only about the destination; rather I have come to value this unique, 

unforgettable journey as a McGill law student.” Kaley Lachapelle, September 2015

12 

  

Jessica is completing her third year of legal studies at McGill. Hailing from Sudbury, Ontario, Jessica moved to Montreal six years ago to study at McGill, obtaining an Honours Degree in Political Science with a minor in World Religions. Since starting her law degree, she has been involved with the McGill International Journal of Sustainable Development Law and Policy, and has recently added volunteering at the Legal Information Clinic at McGill. Outside of the Faculty, Jessica is an avid dancer, training most recently in various street dance styles, and was an assistant choreographer for a semi-professional theatre company

JESSICA DE SANTI  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Internship overview – CRG, Calcutta

Over the summer of 2014, Jessica De Santi interned with the Calcutta

Research Group (CRG). The CRG is a research centre first assembled

in the late 1990s, whose primary focus is on issues related to migration,

peacebuilding, labour rights, and gender. They publish two series:

Policies and Practices, a collection of papers, and Refugee Watch, an

academic journal. Their research emphasises empirical, ethnographic

methodologies and the incorporation of gender in analysis.

The CRG also organizes workshops and conferences on many of the

same topics on which they conduct research. During her internship,

Jessica was fully responsible for completing an original piece of

scholarship intended for publication. Through her research, she gained

exposure to ethnography and in-person qualitative empirical research.

Jessica found that both her formal internship and the relationships with

those she lived and worked provided her with a rich and valuable

internship experience.

Jessica’s main responsibilities at the CRG included:

Completing a draft for an 8,000–10,000 word paper, to be

published in the CRG’s Policies and Practices series;

Presenting her findings to the CRG membership;

Writing a short report and summary of her findings, to be

published on the CRG website.

“It took a few articles before I started to ‘get it’ The research, whether 

ethnographic, legal, or otherwise, was bringing to the academic world the 

perspective that is often overlooked by Western scholarship: the human.” Jessica De 

Santi, June 2015 

13 

  

Jeansil Bruyère is a third year law student at McGill University. At Concordia University, he received a BA in Communications Studies with a concentration in Intermedia, Design and Public Relations. He was awarded various scholarships for community development, interdisciplinary studies and contributions to LBGTQ issues.

Outside the faculty, he is a researcher for la Clinique juridique juripop’s debate show “Droit de Cité” broadcasted on CIBL Montreal 101,5FM in collaboration with le Barreau du Québec. He is also one of the founding members of la Clinique Juridique Trans* Legal Clinique graciously hosted by Action Santé Travesti(e)s & Transsexuel(le)s du Québec.

His interest in HIV/AIDS related issues began over four years ago with his internship at AIDS Community Care Montreal and has since then grown into a passion for advocating for the rights of People with HIV/AIDS

JEANSIL BRUYÈRE  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Internship overview – HIV/AIDS Legal Network,

Toronto

Jeansil Bruyère spent the summer working with the Canadian HIV/Aids Legal

Network in Toronto. This organization promotes the human rights of people

living with and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, in Canada and internationally, through

research and analysis, advocacy and litigation, public education and

community mobilization. The Legal Network is Canada's leading advocacy

organization working on the legal and human rights issues raised by HIV/AIDS.

The interdisciplinary and organic mix of academia and activism was the

highlight of his summer at the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network. Jeansil

found that his time interning at the Legal Network gave him hope in the power

of dissent and legislative change.

As an intern at the Legal Network, Jeansil’s responsibilities included:

Creating material to accompany a short documentary entitled Consent:

a feminist perspective on the inadequacies of using aggravated sexual

assault to deal with HIV non- disclosure;

Working on a project mandated by the Canadian Public Health

Association (CPHA) with peer-reviewers including individuals from the

HIV/AIDS Legal Clinic of Ontario (HALCO) and the Canadian

Association of Nurses in HIV/AIDS Care (CANAC);

Preparing an instruction manual for Global Fund jurists on the ins-and-

outs of Human Rights Law.

“LGBTQ developments are in my face and have been garnering more attention than 

ever. However, more coverage does not mean more understanding and awareness. 

For this very reason, I call on my colleagues within the legal and human rights fields 

to acknowledge cis‐normativity and fight back: attend workshops, get informed.” 

Jeansil Bruyère, July 2015

14 

  

Anna Gilmer is in her second year at the Faculty of Law and was the recipient of the Chief Justice R.A.E. Greenshields Memorial Scholarship. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics and First Nations Studies from Western University.

Anna is interested in the relationship between Indigenous issues and the law, and has developed that interest through her education, work and volunteer experience. Most recently, she has been providing legal information at the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal through a placement with Pro Bono Students Canada. She is also a member of Innocence McGill and the McGill Law Squash Club.

ANNA GILMER  

 

 

 

 

. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

Internship overview - Akwesasne Justice Department, Akwesasne, NY/ON/QC Border

The Akwesasne Justice Department deals with a large range of issues. In particular, they work directly with community members in contact with the criminal justice system and assist community members involved with other aspects of justice: family matters, property issues, and more. Anna’s work consisted primarily of working on writing on the history of the Akwesasne Mohawk Court. In addition to providing her with feedback, Anna’s colleagues also provided a welcoming and supportive work environment. Anna also worked on other projects in which she had an interest. Anna felt the opportunity to work directly in Akwesasne and live nearby was immensely enriching; she believes the internship at the Akwesasne Justice Department provides interns with an unparalleled opportunity to be welcomed into an Indigenous community in Canada, and to learn from community members.

Among other things, Anna Gilmer’s work focused on:

Writing on the history of the Akwesasne Mohawk Court;

Attending a conference on community justice, assisting with a youth camp, and working on legislative drafting.

“In a small but incredibly complex community, the Akwesasne Justice Department 

does a lot. It attempts to rehabilitate community members who have been 

convicted. It works to keep youth safe and away from criminal activity. It 

incorporates Mohawk traditions and values into the justice system. It passes laws 

that reflect community priorities and ideas. Of course, it faces its share of 

challenges, and the structures in place are not perfect. Nonetheless, it is an 

impressive example of the kind of work that Indigenous communities are doing to 

regain control and assert self‐determination.” Anna Gilmer, August 2015

15 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anna Wettstein is currently in her last year at the McGill Faculty of Law where she is specializing in International Human Rights and Development. Prior to her law studies, Anna studied at Brandeis University in Boston where she graduated with honors. There, she majored in International Relations and European Cultural Studies with minors in Economics and Politics. In line with her focus on international cooperation, she then worked with the European Newspaper Publishers’ Association in Brussels.

Since coming to McGill, Anna has been particularly interested in public international law and human rights, with a focus on transnational institutional structures and prospects for international cooperation. She is currently working at the Commission des normes du travail du Quebec and holds the position of associate editor at the new McGill Journal of International Law & Legal Pluralism, Inter Gentes.

ANNA WETTSTEIN  

Internship overview – IHRDA, Banjul, The Gambia

The Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) is a pan-African human rights organization tasked with the protection and promotion of human rights around the continent. IHDRA’s three-fold mission is to defend (litigation), educate (capacity-building), and inform (information dissemination). The internship at IHRDA afforded Anna the opportunity to learn more about what it means to work in human rights, notably from a litigation point of view. She feels that much of what she learned this summer will directly influence the decisions she makes during the rest of her time in law school and about what avenues she will choose in the near future. Some of the most valuable things she learned, however, were not during her internship per se. The discussions she had with Gambians and African expats turned out to be the most interesting and informative.

Anna's internship work included:

Researching relevant African case law; Combing through evidence and reports to strengthen the Institute’s

cases; Drafting legal documents, for example, Anna researched,

developed and wrote two legal arguments that have now been submitted to the ECOWAS Court in the first case on domestic violence in the African human rights system.

"I believe human rights can and has made huge differences in countless peoples’ 

lives. But I have found that it is important to constantly remind myself that human 

rights work deals with just that – humans. A legal instrument is only as effective as 

the people who enforce and respect it. And a human right is only as powerful as the 

life it has changed.” Anna Wettstein, June 2015 

16 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17 

“Before I left for Colorado, so many people would ask me: “What does Colorado have to do with piracy?” Well, I’m happy to say I finally have an answer. The impact of piracy is so vast and so widespread in terms of its effects on seafarers and international transit that it qualifies as a global problem that requires a global response.” Carly Meredith, June 2015

 

 “Working in human rights is an incredibly demanding career. The problems don’t have obvious solutions,

progress is too slow, the red-tape is too thick, the list goes on. It would be nearly impossible for individuals

who work with victims of human rights abuses to never feel depressed or burnt-out. Even engaging

with heavy topics from arms-length can be overwhelming. That’s why it is important to

occasionally leave the world’s brutality behind and appreciate it’s beauty.” Lura MacLean, August 2015 

  

Marilyn Venney is completing her third year at the Law Faculty. She holds a BA with Honours in international development studies from McGill University, where she focused on Middle Eastern and African politics. As part of her undergraduate studies she participated in McGill’s Canadian Field Study in East Africa, where she spent a semester in rural Kenya and Tanzania. She completed a research project focusing on perceptions of governance and the central role of civil society in Kenya. She also volunteered with a women’s group in Nairobi, helping them establish a women’s crisis centre in Kibera. Since beginning her legal studies at McGill, Marilyn has volunteered with the Shield of Athena through Pro Bono Students Canada and at the Legal Information Clinic at McGill. She is also a junior advocate with McGill’s Student Advocacy.

MARYLIN VENNEY 

Originally from London, Ontario, Laura MacLean, is currently in the second year of BCL/LLB program. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in International Studies and Modern Languages from the University of Ottawa.

Laura volunteers with the Legal Information Clinic at McGill and Action Réfugiés Montréal, and is a prospective member of Seeing Voices Montreal, an organization that raises deaf awareness through performing arts. She is passionate about travel, languages and various sports. She speaks English, French and Spanish fluently and is currently learning American Sign Language.

LAURA MACLEAN 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carly Meredith is in her third year at the Faculty of law. She previously completed an Honour’s Bachelor Degree in International Politics and Languages at the University of Ottawa. During her studies, she completed a thesis on Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic with a focus on territorial and maritime issues.

Carly is committed to social justice and currently volunteers for the McGill chapter of the Innocence project, a legal clinic devoted to researching and investigating claims of wrongful convictions. She also sits on a board of directors at a halfway house. Carly is actively involved with the Irish community in Montreal and enjoys studying the intersection between languages, culture and the law.

CARLY MEREDITH 

18 

Everyone in the office was coming in early and leaving late, doing everything they could

to make sure the messages were clear and the numbers were adding up. They have

good reason to be so diligent: OBP is only a few years old, but in that short time it has

become a respected authority on piracy issues.” Marilyn Venney, July 2015 

  

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overview of the internships – Equitas, Montreal

Equitas (previously known as the Canadian Human Rights Foundation) is a human rights education organization that was founded in 1967 by scholars and social activists. Equitas develops and facilitates the teaching of human rights curriculum and educational tools for NGOs, governmental bodies, or various intergovernmental organizations such as the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Yuan and Victoria worked specifically on the International Human Rights Training Program (IHRTP). Last summer, the program brought together 90 human rights defenders from 40 countries at John Abbott College for a three‐week training program. The IHRTP aims at providing human rights defenders with new knowledge, skills and networks as well as concrete plans to apply their learning to promote social change in their community. Yuan and Victoria greatly appreciated the opportunity to have met and worked alongside both passionate and dedicated people during her summer internship.

The internship was intensive and required much teamwork. Together, Yuan and Victoria:

Prepared the manuals for the participants and facilitators;

Organized debriefs with facilitators at the end of each conference day;

Translated debriefs, proceedings, and powerpoints for presentations;

Formatted and copy-edited materials to be used by both IHRTP participants and facilitators;

Posted documents on Equitas’ online community;

Translated and created summaries of guest speakers’ lectures.

19 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Victoria Cichalewska is a fourth year law student at McGill University. She graduated from the Liberal Arts Program at John Abbott College and worked John Abbott’s Learning Center where she tutored Philosophy, English and French to students with learning disabilities and international students. While completing her law degree at McGill, Victoria volunteered at McGill’s Legal Information Clinic and interned at Project Genesis where she offered legal information and support in the areas of housing, welfare, pensions and family allowances. She is currently on the executive committee of Avocats sans frontières McGill and volunteers at the Center for Research-Action on Race Relations. Her main interests are international law, human rights and social justice.

VICTORIA CICHALEWSKA 

Yuan (You-anne) is in her second year at McGill’s Faculty of Law. She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto as well as an Honours Bachelor of Music Education from Western University. She has previously worked as a teacher in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

She is part of the board of directors for Head & Hands, an organization that both empowers young people and promotes their physical and mental well-being through inclusive, non-judgmental and holistic community and care. Yuan also worked as a legal researcher for the Centre for Research-Action on Race Relations (CRARR) in Montreal.

As a former Crown Ward, she has been an advocate and ambassador for the Children’s Aid Foundation in Toronto, Ontario and is passionate about child welfare, disability rights, digital security, and good graphic design.

YUAN STEVENS 

“During the IHRTP, human rights education has been 

described as the contrary of indoctrination, since it 

encourages critical thinking and is based on a 

participatory approach to learning which starts from 

the experience of each individual. This is contrary to 

the expert model, in which one individual thought to be 

an expert lectures an entire group.” Victoria 

Chichalewska, June 2015  

 

“The theme of the entire program was centred on how 

to better equip young girls and women to meaningfully 

participate in their societies. That very theme inspires 

this post. I’m writing about these women because I find 

their work fascinating and connected with them at the 

IHRTP.” Yuan Stevens, August 2015 

 

“So how can we promote the rights of minority groups 

that are often controversial for many, and resist 

cultural relativism, without it being another form of 

western imperialism? How can we convince people of 

what is right from wrong? The facilitators of the 

groups (the people that would lead and facilitate the 

classroom discussions) would often discuss the 

strategies they would use when talking about LGBTQI 

rights. The approach that would most often come up is 

reminding participants that the LGBTQI community, 

like all other minorities, are human beings and 

therefore deserve to be treated with dignity and 

respect. But is that enough?” Victoria Chichalewska, 

July 2015 

 

 

.

20 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Margherita is a second year law student at McGill University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Science from McMaster University where she became interested in the social determinants of health. While at McMaster, she was a Research Assistant at the Program in Policy Decision Making of the Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, as well as at the McMaster Health Forum. There, she learned how academic health policy research is conducted and translated into program planning to improve health outcomes. She also completed an internship at the World Health Organization where she conducted a scoping review on ‘Mentorship programs as a tool to build capacity, nurture leadership, and reduce evidence-to-policy gaps’. Margherita has also been a member of the Avocats Sans Frontière Executive Committee and is currently a Research Assistant for Professor Richard Gold.

MARGHERITA CINÀ 

Internship overview – CEHURD, Kampala, Uganda

The Center for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD) is an

indigenous, non-profit research and advocacy organization pioneering the

enforcement of human rights and the justiciability of the right to health in Eastern

Africa. Interns have the opportunity to work in all three of CEHURD’s programs:

(1) Human Rights Documentation and Advocacy, (2) Community Empowerment,

and (3) Strategic Litigation. Margherita sincerely enjoyed her time working with

the team members, who she found to be both enthusiastic and incredibly hard

working. In addition to appreciating her educational and work experience,

Margherita also enjoyed the delicious restaurants, activities in the city, and the

beautiful sights around Uganda, from the Murchison Falls to Queen Elizabeth

National Park.

Margherita carried out various responsibilities for the three different programs,

including:

Research, writing pleadings, attending court, visiting parliament, and

participating in the in-house moot;

Working on proposals for projects such as the self-initiated proposal for

developing a smart-phone application to disseminate guidelines for safe

abortion practices;

Participating in a field visit in which the CEHURD hosted debates

among school children and held community stakeholder meetings.

I was talking to a local man involved in projects for strengthening his community. I 

asked him what the biggest challenge was with development initiatives in the area. He 

responded:  

“In Uganda, we have a saying: ‘God gives meat to those who do not have 

teeth’. This means that many people are given things that they cannot use, 

and that’s a big problem with development initiatives […] Organizations need 

to know the local community, their needs, culture, and governance structures 

before they come and try to help us. […] Many organizations don’t do that.” 

Since beginning my internship at the Center for Health, Human Rights and 

Development (CEHURD), I have witnessed the workings of an organization that does 

not make that mistake.” Margherita Cinà, July 2015  

21 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michel complète actuellement sa troisième année en droit à McGill, tout en effectuant une mineure en économie. Auparavant, il a obtenu un baccalauréat en communication (Stratégies de production culturelle et médiatique) de l’UQAM, complété une session à la European Business School London et travaillé pour différents organismes culturels montréalais. À McGill, il s’est impliqué au sein d’Avocats sans frontières et de L.E.X., un programme d’ateliers de droit en milieu scolaire. Il est également bénévole à la clinique d’information juridique et représentant élu au conseil de faculté. Michel s’intéresse au développement économique, et croit que celui-ci est intimement lié à la promotion des droits des femmes.

MICHEL BÉLANGER‐ROY 

22 

Internship overview – WFAC, Buea, Cameroon

Women for a Change (WFAC) est une jeune organisation Camerounaise

impliquée dans la défense des droits des femmes. L’organisation est basée à

Buea, une ville de taille moyenne dans la région anglophone du Cameroun. Il

s’agit d’une petite organisation opérant au niveau local, mais qui s’est également

impliquée au sein de conférences internationales.

Michel était le premier stagiaire international, homme, ou juriste de

l’organisation, ce qui a demandé une certaine adaptation pour lui, et

l’organisation. Michel a eu un éventail de tâches très varié au cours de son stage.

Ses connaissances en droit lui ont permis de monter des ateliers et campagnes

de sensibilisation sur l’égalité des genres ou les droits sexuels et reproductifs. Il

a apprécié la diversité de ces tâches, ce qui a richement contribué à son

apprentissage.

Les projets de Michel pendant son stage ont inclus:

L’accompagnement d’avocats locaux à la cour;

La réalisation d’entrevues;

La rédaction d’un script vidéo;

La planification de stratégies de communication;

Organisation d’un concert, et même l’écriture d’une chanson!

Mon organisation participe à une campagne mondiale intitulée 

Action/2015. Dans le but d’attirer l’attention sur une importante 

conférence de l’ONU, différents événements étaient organisés partout à 

travers le monde le 11 juillet dernier. L’idée était d’exposer le soutien 

populaire à un meilleur financement pour le développement international. 

Un concert avec des artistes « engagés » était une façon pour nous de 

rejoindre un large public de façon agréable tout en faisant passer notre 

message – Michel Bélanger‐Roy, juillet 2015  

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Olivier complète présentement sa deuxième année de droit à McGill, tout en faisant une mineure en mathématiques. Il travaille comme assistant de recherche en droit des brevets et en socio-éthiques des biotechnologies. Il s’implique aussi en politique et en débat, participant à des concours de débats radiodiffusés.

Olivier contribue à des initiatives humanitaires ponctuelles et a un intérêt particulier pour les causes touchant à la santé mentale.

OLIVIER BEAUBIEN 

Internship overview – DRW, Lusaka, Zambia

Disability Rights Watch (DRW) est un organisme récemment implanté à Lusaka, en

Zambie. Son objectif est de promouvoir les droits des personnes handicapées grâce

au litige stratégique, mais aussi le lobbyisme et le soutien d’organismes de la société

civile. Divers organismes locaux sont encouragés à identifier les cas de

discrimination dans la communauté et de réagir en contactant DRW. De ce fait, la

coordination et la formation constituent la principale charge de travail de l’organisme.

Olivier a trouvé son travail à Disability Rights Watch fortement enrichissant. Il a

consisté principalement de recherche sur les droits des personnes handicapées,

mais aussi de travail de terrain. Olivier a eu la chance de contribuer à des séances

de formation juridiques, de rencontrer et collaborer avec de nombreux partenaires,

et d’aller enquêter dans les communautés. Bien sûr, il a aussi profité de l’occasion

pour visiter certains des plus beaux endroits de la Zambie.

Olivier a notamment eu l’occasion de:

Faire des recherches sur l’article 12 de la Convention sur les droits des

personnes handicapées et sur la capacité à consentir de personnes avec

des handicaps mentaux et intellectuels ;

Remettre un rapport détaillé critiquant les principales lois zambiennes sur la

capacité à consentir des personnes handicapées et à identifier les

changements nécessaires pour satisfaire les exigences de la Convention.

« …  plusieurs membres présents ont appuyé la motion. D’autres ont proposé une collaboration 

avec les chefs et rappelé que certains de ces chefs avaient pris l’initiative de lutter, à l’intérieur 

même de leur « chiefdom », contre les mariages d’enfants. Cette intervention simple m’a fait 

chaud au cœur. Elle m’a laissé optimiste par rapport à l’exercice difficile mais important auquel 

doit se livrer la Zambie : l’articulation des droits humains fondamentaux dans une culture qui 

est la leur, et non pas par la culture des puissances impériales du passé. » Olivier Beaubien, 

juillet 2015  

 

23 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Blashko is a third year law student at McGill University, having previously completed a BA in politics and philosophy from the University of Winnipeg. He has spent time in Kenya working on HIV/AIDS related issues, helping to run a summer hockey camp for kids, and was a student ambassador.

Currently, he is volunteering at the Legal Information Clinic at McGill and the LEX high school outreach program where he is visiting the Kahnawake Survival School for the second year.

MICHAEL BLASHKO 

Internship overview – First Nations Caring Society, Ottawa

The main focus of the Caring Society is advocacy on behalf of First Nations

children on reserve. Michael was expecting to work on the organization’s case

before the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, but this work was on standstill as

the Tribunal’s decision was delayed. Nonetheless, he became familiar with the

case history and arguments, and how the Tribunal process works. Michael’s

work focused on research. In addition to other smaller work assignments, he

particularly focused on a project taken on through the Law Society of Ontario.

What stands out to him most as some of the best parts of the summer include

getting to know the people working at FNCFCS, getting to explore Ottawa, and

participating in some of the events that the Caring Society organized during his

time there. He was particularly impacted by the opportunity to go to Parliament

with Dr Blackstock to attend the release of a report on government activities.

Michael’s responsibilities included:

Research, including reviewing and summarizing human rights legislation

at the provincial, federal, and international levels, looking particularly at

what rights and peoples they protect;

Assisting with Caring Society events.

 

“It was around this time that I realized that this internship never really was, and certainly never 

would be just about gaining professional experience and course credits. I can’t help but feel as 

though the work, passion, and sacrifice of all the people that have contributed to these 

initiatives and continue to do so, impose a responsibility on those who come after them to 

match that effort, to see their work continued and hopefully one day completed. The fact that I 

am only here for three months does not diminish this feeling; in fact it intensifies it in that I 

hope in this short time that I am able to make some sort of meaningful contribution in turn.” 

Michael Blashko, June 2015 

25 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dan Snyder is in his last year of 

studies  in the Faculty of  law at 

McGill.  He  previously 

completed  an  Honours  B.A.  in 

Interdisciplinary  Studies  at  St. 

Stephen’s  University  in  New 

Brunswick.  Dan  has  a  keen 

interest  in  politics.  He  was 

inspired  by  his work  during  an 

internship on Parliament Hill to 

pursue a legal education. 

In an effort to apply his skills in 

advocacy,  Dan  has  served  as 

President  and  member  of  the 

Executive of OutLaw at McGill. 

For  the  past  year,  Dan  has 

represented the students of the 

Law  Faculty  on  the  McGill 

Senate.  In this capacity, he has 

been  active  in  drafting  a  new 

Sexual  Assault  Policy  and 

successful  in  passing  a  new 

mental  health  initiative  for 

students. He also attended the 

World  Summit  of  Nobel  Peace 

Laureates in Rome as the youth 

delegate from McGill. 

DAN SNYDER 

Internship overview – AHRC, Manila, Philippines

The Ateneo Human Rights Centre (AHRC) aims to promote and protect human rights in the Philippines. AHRC is a university-based institution that pursues its mandate through a variety of services and programs. It also maintains partnerships with organizations both nationally and international.

AHRC works closely with other groups, including government, NGO, academe, civil society, and grassroots organizations. Amongst other initiatives, the Centre engages in research in publication, law and policy reform advocacy, training and education, and values formation. One of Dan’s main projects during his summer internship was to create a “SOGIE [Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression] and the Law” module that would be taught at the school and replicated in workshops.

Interns at the Centre are often involved in:

- Drafting legal memos

- Researching

- Preparing course materials and revising academic documentation

“When faced with topics we don’t like, or people we don’t understand; our 

response must be based in compassion. Everyone deserves respect and we 

need to value the inherent dignity of each and every person.” Dan Snyder, 

June 2015  

26 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

Blogs and Student Media

https://www.mcgill.ca/humanrights/clinical/internships/blogs‐and‐student‐media 

More about the Program

2016 Internships : https://www.mcgill.ca/humanrights/clinical/internships/current‐internships  

The Working Paper Series: https://www.mcgill.ca/humanrights/clinical/internships/working‐paper‐series 

The Center for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism: https://www.mcgill.ca/humanrights/  

Picture Credits

P3 (Iqualui) – Martha Chertkow ; P4 (New York) Katie Haugland (CC 2.0 licence); P5 (Aswat Nissa) – 

Aswat Nissa; P7 (Cambodia) – Brodie Noga; P8 (Budapest) – Jacob Leonard Kind (CC 3.0 License) – P9 

(Mexico D.F.) Edmund Garman (CC 2.0 licence); P10 (Québec) Martin St. Amant (CC 3.0 License); P11 

(Equality Effect) – Equality Effect; P12 (Rabat) – Sarah Chênevert; P13 (IACHR) – IACHR;   P14 (Calcutta) 

– Peter Andersen (CC 2.5 License); P15 (Toronto) Jamie McCaffrey  (CC 2.0 licence); P16 (Akwesasne) – 

Akwesasne Mohawk Council;  P17 (The Gambia) – Anna Wettstein; P18,19 (Colorado) Larry Lamsa (CC 

2.0 licence); P20, 21 (Montreal) MTLskyline (CC 3.0 License); P22 – (Uganda) Lipi Mishra – P23 

(Cameroun) Michel Bélanger‐Roy – P24 (Lusaka) Lighton Phiri (CC 2.0 licence); P25 (Ottawa) – Michael 

Blashko, P26 (Ateneo) – Ateneo Law School. 27 

  

 

 

  

Visit us at www.mcgill.ca/humanrights/clinical/internships