The Move 4 Human Rights Summer Edition, a two-week program designed to connect participants with the realities of human rights work, became the transformative experience Alexandra needed. As she approached the end of her studies, she was eager to gain hands-on experience in the human rights field and meet people from different cultures. “I felt like I needed some experience just to see what was out there, what’s coming after the bachelor’s,” Alexandra reflects.                          

Putting research into action

During the program, participants could choose from three assignments, each guided by a partner organization specializing in different aspects of human rights work. Alexandra chose “Put Your Research into Action,” facilitated by Human Security Collective in collaboration with Human Rights in the Picture. In this assignment, participants learned techniques of visual storytelling and participatory action research to explore and advocate for human rights issues.

Working closely with her team, Alexandra’s project focused on the question of whether The Hague truly lives up to its title as the "City of Peace and Justice." The team went out to the streets in The Hague carrying a poster sign displaying news headlines and graphs that highlighted the increasing militarization in the country and across Europe. They engaged residents in conversations about how these issues made them feel—whether they provided a sense of safety or raised concerns.

The team asked people to place sticky notes in a spectrum indicating their feelings of safety and the reasoning behind their responses. “Many residents would place themselves in the middle of the spectrum, appreciating the sense of protection while also voicing discomfort if they were to see military displays.”

“It was really nice to take our findings to the streets and see how people reacted,” she explained.

Speed dating with Human Rights Organizations

A highlight of the program for Alexandra was the “speed date” event, where participants had the chance to network with various organizations and professionals in the human rights field. This fast-paced networking session not only expanded Alexandra’s understanding of her career options but also led her to an organization where she would later start her internship.

“It was a great way to meet different people working in human rights, and I found it incredibly helpful for understanding what I might want to pursue further,” she said.

Reflections

For Alexandra, the Move 4 Human Rights Summer Edition was more than a step toward her future; it was a meaningful entry into the world of human rights. The program provided her with practical experience, essential connections, and the opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives. “This experience has definitely contributed to my understanding of human rights work,” she reflected. “I hope to continue exploring how we can address these important topics in a tangible way.”

In a full-circle moment, she recently represented the organization she interns with, Mensen met een Missie, at a Move 4 Human Rights speed dating event, where she connected with students and shared valuable insights from her experience. 

Move 4 Human Rights is an MDT program funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. This initiative is a collaboration between human rights organizations including Human Security Collective, Justice and Peace Netherlands, Stichting Our Bodies Our Voice and Human Rights in the Picture and educational institutions including Erasmus University College, The Hague University of Applied Sciences and University of Twente. This project offers young people the opportunity to bridge theory and practice by engaging in critical issues surrounding human rights, social justice, and inclusivity.