Uni Valdivieso Wooldridge, a Master’s Student in Human Rights Studies at ISHR, is one of three students participating in ISHR’s Student Volunteer Program (SVP) this summer. Since 2011, SVP has been offering Columbia students the opportunity to volunteer at the organizations of Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) alumni around the world. Following is her reflection on her experience working with 2023-24 Advocate David Mejía and his colleagues at Documenta in Mexico City.
In June, I arrived in Mexico City to work with the wonderful team at Documenta, an organization that focuses on promoting human rights through legal avenues and advocacy in Mexico. For several weeks, I contributed to writs of protection and amicus curiae briefs, systematized letters from people deprived of their liberties, and got to witness a win for my supervisors, David and Jacqui, who have been working on disability rights, in the Primera Sala of the Supreme Court.
The biggest highlight of my experience in Mexico was the people, specifically the team at Documenta. They were unbelievably welcoming and full of laughter. Every day I looked forward to getting to know everyone during our lunch break when we would eat together at the table outside. Community and food are both incredibly important in Mexico—during my first week, another volunteer, Gawon from Columbia Law School, and I were invited to an asado (barbecue) at the office. We arrived early to help set up, and I ended up having the honor of making the guacamole--which surprisingly got more compliments than I expected! Chatting over grilled meats and tortillas, I learned about the Mexican judicial system and where to go for the best enchiladas. I immediately felt comfortable and excited for the opportunity to learn from such deeply caring people.
During my fourth week, I was able to attend a panel for the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture hosted at the Centro de Derechos Humanos Miguel Agustín Pro Juárez. The panel, along with other human rights organizations across Mexico City, was organized by Zuri, who coordinates projects and events about torture prevention. At least 10 individuals spoke during the panel, sharing their experiences of being tortured or of those of their family members who had been tortured. The stories of these courageous people were disturbing--it was difficult to listen to their detailed accounts. I left deeply heartbroken. Afterwards, as I reflected on everything that had been said, I realized how little I understood about the lived experiences of far too many victims of torture around the world because of how unfathomable it is. It’s difficult to face the reality that one human could possibly commit such an act against another human. Legally, it is challenging to bring justice to victims when much torture occurs during incarceration and at the hands of the state. However, it was seriously uplifting to be surrounded by a community of hope, courage, and love. After having endured so much, every panelist was still fighting. Whether because of what they’d personally experienced, or what their loved ones had, they were still fighting for justice and for the rights of those that maybe did not survive or those yet to come. I left inspired by the community that forms in the face of such horrors, and very grateful to be invited into such a painful and personal space.
In Mexico, community is everything, and Documenta is a beacon of hope and support for those who need it most. From torture prevention work to advocating for individuals with disabilities, the people at Documenta continue to passionately advocate for human rights. I am incredibly thankful to have had the opportunity to know the Documenta team and to be able to explore the beautiful country of Mexico and the amazing Mexico City.
