News

Advocate Highlight: Absolom Shalakha
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
2013 Advocate Absolom Shalakha, a Kenyan national, is a Cofounder and the Executive Director at Change for Planet Foundation (C4P), an NGO registered in Kenya with regional operations. He has over sixteen years of professional experience in Governance, Climate Action, Peace building; particularly in Mediation, Prevention of Violent Extremism, Research, Conflict and Project Management at different levels.
Advocate from Georgia Reflects on HRAP
Wednesday, July 16, 2025

2022-23 Advocate Marine Kapanadze sent the following reflection on her time in HRAP. 

When I reflect on the time I spent at Columbia University as part of the 2022-23 Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP), I can confidently say it was one of the most transformative and empowering periods of my professional life. My time in New York City was not only intellectually enriching, but it also provided me with practical skills and personal growth that continue to shape my work as a human rights lawyer and civic space defender in Georgia.

Student Highlight
Monisha Gunasekera
Wednesday, July 16, 2025

In which program are you enrolled and when is your expected graduation date?

Undergraduate Human Rights Major, graduating May 2026.

Reflection by ISHR MA Student Volunteering with HRAP Alumnus in Kenya
Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Ariella Kissin, who is pursuing the MA in Human Rights Studies, is one of three students participating in ISHR’s Student Volunteer Program (SVP) this summer. SVP pairs Columbia students with volunteer opportunities at HRAP alumni-led organizations. Since 2011, more than 25 students have gained field experience through SVP in countries including Kenya, Nepal, Sierra Leone, and Uganda.

Student Highlight
Vanessa Fiuza
Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Vanessa Fiuza shares her experience as a student in the Human Rights Studies M.A. Program and about the research she undertook while in Chile on a Field Research Grant. Vanessa was the first recipient of the Santiago Global Center’s Field Research Grant.

In which program are you enrolled and when is your expected graduation date?

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