Organization Profile: Rights & Democracy Student Network

by Fabian Musefano, SCPA Intern for Apathy is Boring — April 15, 2008

What does the Rights & Democracy Student Network do?

The Student Network is a branch of Rights & Democracy, an organization that works to support human rights and the promotion of democratic institutions and practices internationally. The Student Network aims to “create spaces where students can share ideas with the international community and carry out activities that “put the world to rights””. This is accomplished through both the online forum and offline student delegations at Canadian universities and colleges. Both aspects allow students to access and share resources to learn about human rights, democratic development, and globalization. The network also allows Canadian universities to be in contact with other educational institutions around the world in an effort to promote human rights. This initiative helps university students from Canada and developing countries learn from each other and share ways to improve justice for all.

What issues does student network address?

Human rights issues form the bulk of topics addressed by the Student Network. Equality and diversity are two of the organization’s core values. The network also deals with women's, Aboriginal, and refugee issues, plus peace and development around the world. Basically, the network emphasizes every issue that may become an obstacle for the freedom of all human beings.

How to get involved

Through the student network website,  http://www.rightsdemocracy.net,
you can sign up free of charge and start connecting with other members. Users receive news about human rights issues in Canada and around the world. But the network isn’t limited to the website: every university campus has student representatives, and the network organizes local events and meetings, in addition to inviting experts and activists in human rights to speak on campus. Since the network is supported by the federal government’s Foreign Affairs department, there are plenty of volunteer and internship opportunities listed on the website under the Resources link. You must be a member to access them though!

Some interesting facts about the Student Network

The Student Network uses movies and documentaries to raise awareness about human rights issues around the world. It also informs its members about human rights courses that are offered during the summer. These courses may involve humanitarian operations with the United Nations, international humanitarian law, and peace operations, among others.

Source:http://www.rightsdemocracy.net