ISHR Interns and Fellows

As a passionate law student committed to humanitarian law and social justice, Afrin aims to effect positive change through education and legal expertise. A significant part of her work involves contributing to policy analysis. Afrin  led initiatives focused on child protection, gender-based violence prevention, and community engagement. 

Muhammed is a passionate final-year Bachelor of Laws (LLB) student at the University of The Gambia, Faculty of Law. With proven proficiency in legal research, report writing, human rights advocacy, legislative support, and effective communication, he is dedicated to advancing transitional justice, good governance, transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in The Gambia and beyond. Muhammed is a committed human rights advocate, currently serving as Chairperson of The Gambia’s Network of Human Rights Defenders (NHRDG), where he oversees strategic guidance, stakeholder engagement, and resource mobilization for the network. His extensive experience includes roles as an Intern at the Ministry of Justice’s Post-TRRC Unit, where he contributes to implementing the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission recommendations, as well as a former Legal Intern in The Gambia’s first ever National Human Rights Commission and the West Africa Institute for Legal Aid. He has also provided legislative support as an assistant at The Gambia’s National Assembly. A DLA Piper Global Scholarship Program Fellow (2024–2026), Muhammed has participated in prestigious programs such as the Erasmus Mundus Exchange in Spain and undertook short virtual courses at the University of Cambridge. His leadership journey spans various roles, including Secretary General of The Gambia Badminton Association and President of the Abuko Lower Basic School Alumni Association. 

Balkis is a Peace & Security practitioner, researcher, certified trainer, and youth engagement expert with over 5 years of experience in human rights and youth-led advocacy. She has worked with global organizations like the UN, IREX, USIP, and USAID, specializing in youth-inclusive peacebuilding, activism, and online engagement in the Middle East and Africa. Fluent in three languages, with an MA in international affairs from LAU, she is currently pursuing a second MA in Transitional Justice, Human Rights & Law in Geneva.

Mery is a Honduran Lawyer, with a strong desire to help people develop in a good way and protect human rights. She is a recipient of a DLA Piper stipend. 

Hana is a Master’s student in International and European Law at Aix-Marseille University, specialising in Humanitarian and Human rights Law. She was part of the Aix Global Justice Legal Clinic where she worked with NGOs and lawyers on strategic litigation, advocacy and research. Hana is particularly familiar with the Inter-American human rights system and is deeply interested in transitional justice as a path towards reconciliation and peace.

Prior to joining ISHR, Isabella worked in the field of the rights of displaced populations and with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Interested in activist protection issues, specially the intersection of human rights advocacy and international law, particularly in the protection of vulnerable groups. She aims to contribute to creating safer environments for activists worldwide. Isabella is in her final year of her Master’s degree in International and Development Studies. 

Natika is a human rights advocate with nearly a decade of experience planning and implementing advocacy campaigns in human rights. She has worked with international organizations and watchdog NGOs and collaborated with the public and private sectors. Natika has a proven track record of effectively communicating the needs of underrepresented groups to governments and the media. She is passionate about promoting the indivisibility and interdependence of human rights and climate justice. Natika is a recipient of Barbara Frey Fellowship from the University of Minnesota’s Human Rights Program (HRP)

Deeply passionate about human rights protection, Zélie is skilled in international law and international organizations law. She has gained experience within the UN system and holds expertise in civil society’s engagement in international organizations.

Ashfia is currently enrolled in 4th year, Department of Law, Jagannath University, Dhaka. Ashfia is determined to work in the field of gender inequalities, Business and Human rights and  Humanitarian laws. Ashfia’s aim is to serve the vulnerable class of the community by advocacy and change the negative approaches of the society towards them by meaningful activism and community consultation.

Antoine supports the Africa programme at ISHR. He is a global citizen and young professional in human rights, development cooperation, and humanitarian action. Raised between Beijing, Shanghai, Montreal and Marrakech, he holds an LL.M. from Peking University, a Master of International Law from Université Panthéon-Assas, and a B.C.L. and J.D. from McGill University.

José Is a Masters student in International Development specializing in Migration, Mobilities and Boundaries. Before working with ISHR he has had experiences working with displaced communities, as well as climate movements and NGOs working in Business and human rights. He is interested in the intersection between displacement, corporate impunity and the climate crisis, particularly in the way this intersection relates to affected communities and their advocacy for justice, protection and rights.