Interning for Impact: Advancing Human Rights in Mongolia
At Flinders University, we believe in creating transformative opportunities for our students to contribute meaningfully to the global community. Our most recent initiative is the inaugural Mongolian Human Rights Internship, supported by the Law Foundation of South Australia. This program has opened new doors for our law students to gain invaluable experience in human rights advocacy on an international stage.
Brett Maryniak, a Juris Doctor student at Flinders, is the first participant in this pioneering program. Currently interning with Mongolia's National Human Rights Commission, Brett’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Reflecting on his experience, Brett shares:
“This week marks the halfway point of my time working with Mongolia's National Human Rights Commission and the end of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Today, I joined Commissioner Doctor Narantuya Ganbat at a breakfast discussion on human rights and technology, where I had the honour of meeting Australia’s ambassador to Mongolia, Her Excellency Katie Smith.”
Championing Human Rights Through Technology
As part of the internship, Brett has engaged in critical discussions addressing the intersection of technology and human rights. At a recent event attended by NGOs, think tanks, and members of the Mongolian State Great Khural (parliament), participants delved into the pressing issue of technology-facilitated gender-based violence. Highlighting the global urgency of this issue, Brett remarks:
“Technology has incredible potential and has given us unprecedented ways to connect, learn, and create. But alongside these benefits, the rise of technology-facilitated gender-based violence has become a global epidemic. This morning's event was a stark reminder that we must do more to ensure technology doesn’t come at the cost of human rights or safety.”
The event, held during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, underscores the importance of cohesive policies, legal frameworks, and cross-sector collaboration to combat gender-based discrimination and violence, both in Mongolia and globally.
A Collaborative Endeavor
The Mongolian Human Rights Internship is a testament to the power of partnerships. Dr Sanzhuan (Sandra) Guo, one of the key facilitators of the program, acknowledges the significance of this initiative:
“I am grateful for the funding support from the Law Foundation of South Australia for us to set up this important human rights internship. This opportunity not only benefits our students but also contributes to the vital work being done in Mongolia.”
The program’s success has already set the stage for future internships, with several more scheduled for the rest of the year. These opportunities aim to empower Flinders’ law students to gain firsthand experience in international human rights advocacy, making a tangible difference in communities around the world.
Join Us at Flinders Law
Flinders University’s Law School is committed to nurturing the next generation of legal professionals and human rights advocates. Programs like the Mongolian Human Rights Internship exemplify our dedication to providing students with opportunities to make an impact on a global scale.
The Mongolian Internship is made available to Flinders University law students and is offered in partnership with the Law Foundation of South Australia. It includes the opportunity to work directly with Mongolia's National Human Rights Commission and other key stakeholders, as well as a scholarship.
If you’re passionate about making a difference and are ready to take your legal education to the next level, consider joining us at Flinders Law. Together, we can build a brighter future for human rights and justice worldwide.
