Human Rights' interns on the 'front line'

FRIDAY, JAN. 20: A team of Bermudian interns have been praised for their efforts on the front line of a Human Rights campaign.

The talented students were involved in the work of the Human Rights Commission as it sought to bring in new legislation protecting the rights of people with disabilities.

The interns helped organize public meetings and Ministerial briefings to raise awareness of the Commission’s work.

And they were tasked with conducting research as well as liaising with international human rights agencies.

Sara Clifford, the Commission’s education officer, praised Erin Vickers, Arion Mapp and Kara Simmons for their energy and commitment.

She said: “We intentionally sought to involve them in all the workings of the Human Rights Commission.

“We wanted to provide a valuable workplace experience that would, hopefully, serve to reinforce their commitment to work in support of human rights in their professional and personal capacities.

“Needless to say, we benefited enormously from their presence. Each of the interns brought positive energy, consideration and innovation to the job.

“One of the aspects that impressed us the most was their resourcefulness.

“Their care and consideration of human rights issues, both locally and overseas, and their willingness to probe deeper into local challenges and opportunities to provide human rights protection was particularly reassuring and an example to us all.“

Last summer law students Ms Vickers, 21, and Mr Mapp, 23, spent three months at the Commission and they popped back again at Christmas to help out, while Ms Simmons, 24, joined the Commission for a four-month stint.

Dane Simmons, 30, is the latest recruit and has just started his three-month internship with the Commission as part of the Cabinet Jump Start Programme.

Ms Vickers, who has now returned to Exeter University to continue her studies, said: “We were extremely lucky to get this kind of opportunity. It was great work experience for me too.

“You learn to see things from 10 different angles and focus on information quickly.

“It was very interesting and eye opening to speak to Human Rights Commissions across the world.

Ms Simmons added: “I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent at the Commission.

“No day was ever the same and I was lucky enough to be able to work on a variety of projects ranging from drafting instructions to the Unreasonable Hardship campaign.

“To see your work go through the House of Assembly and get presented to Ministers was an incredible feeling.”

Mr Mapp told the Sun: “I think the next area that needs to be dealt with in Bermuda is sexual orientation.

“People should not be discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation in my view.

“For me the experience of working in the Commission was as interesting as it was eye opening. The range of work that goes on her is quite incredible.”

Mr Simmons said he was looking forward to his three-month internship at the Commission.

He said: “I am very grateful to get this opportunity.

“I think one area we can improve on in Bermuda is the way we treat our seniors.

“A lot of the elderly population are living in poverty and they need better representation.”

If you want to find out more about the Human Rights Commission call 295-5859.