Aranie, International Development and Globalization, Alternatives – Sri Lanka National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO) – Human Rights Research Officer.
Earlier this year, I was set to complete my final CO-OP placement abroad and then obtain my undergraduate degree right after. However, due to the unforeseeable pandemic, my work term had been cancelled and I had to quickly change my plans. Soon after, I decided to apply for the virtual international internship opportunity, and I think it was the best decision I could’ve made during such uncertain times.
I’m currently working as an intern for a Sri Lankan NGO called NAFSO, which stands for National Fisheries Solidarity Organization. NAFSO’s mission is to establish sustainable fisheries and food sovereignty to reduce poverty and disempowerment in Sri Lanka. However, as an intern, I learned that the organization conducts research on a broad range of topics related to human rights violations in Sri Lanka.
Being able to work with a local NGO virtually has been very meaningful for me as someone who’s roots come from the Northern Province of Sri Lanka and who is extremely passionate in learning about socio-economic and political issues in Sri Lanka. I also chose to work with this NGO because I am extremely knowledgeable on various topics pertaining to the human rights issues in Sri Lanka.
Due to the pandemic, NAFSO is unable to continue with its field research and is currently focused on educating the wider civil society. They also work toward public policy reform centered around justice for human rights violations and government accountability in Sri Lanka. My role is to provide research support and identify promising recommendations or a course of action for the NGO to work towards protecting vulnerable communities. Over the past few weeks, I researched the harmful consequences of the 20th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution. I helped prepare an action plan which proposed potential strategies for NAFSO or other civil society actors could follow to challenge the amendment.
I’ve also started conducting research on some environmental issues and how it affects marginalized communities.
As someone who is very passionate about research, it is a rewarding experience to see that the staff at NAFSO are able to use my research and apply it in their work to promote human rights and sustainable development in Sri Lanka. Despite not being able to have the full experience of what an international internship can look like, I think working virtually definitely enables you to build valuable skills such as organization, adaptability and time-management skills. Overall, I’m really enjoying this international internship and I highly encourage anyone reading this to take the opportunity to participate in an international internship, even if it is a virtual opportunity!