My name is TaĆÆna Dushime, and I am a third-year student majoring in International Development with a minor in Health Geography. This summer, I had the privilege of interning with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the External Relations and Communications department, an opportunity made possible by the Ā鶹AV Faculty of Arts Action Plan to Address Anti-Black Racism Award.
Passionate about international work, I viewed this internship as a crucial chance to deepen my understanding of global conflicts and humanitarian responses. The UNHCR is dedicated to protecting and assisting those forcibly displaced by conflict or persecution, focusing on safeguarding rights, providing emergency aid, and advocating for long-term solutions. My personal connection to this mission is strong, as my own father benefited from UNHCRās support during his resettlement to Canada over twenty years ago.
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During my time at UNHCR, I was involved in tasks that broadened my understanding of refugee protection and international humanitarian law. A key focus of my internship was gaining insights into how UNHCR manages external relations, including government/community partnerships and donor visibility, which was crucial in appreciating the strategic impact of communication within the humanitarian sector. I also played an active role in researching and writing in-depth articles for our website that showcased the positive contributions of refugees and asylum seekers in Canada, a process that required a nuanced approach to storytelling in line with UNHCRās mission. Additionally, I contributed to media relations by monitoring coverage and exploring new media channels, all of which sharpened my research and analytical skills. My work in digital communications included creating content for campaigns and outreach initiatives, further honing my writing and editing abilities.
Several memorable experiences marked my internship. One significant highlight was my involvement in preparing for World Refugee Day, celebrated in Montreal on June 20th. The day featured a film screening and a panel discussion with former refugees, which emphasized the importance of our work. I also contributed to an upcoming campaign titled āHope Away from Home,ā aimed at engaging refugee artists in a creative project that promises to be both captivating and meaningful. Halfway through our internships, we had the opportunity to meet UNHCRās High Commissioner, Filippo Grandi, in a virtual meeting. He shared his experiences from working in the field, and I had the chance to ask him questions that only he could answer. My team also gave me creative control when it came to digital marketing, so creating content I felt truly made an impact in our community made each project more important to me. A memorable one was conducting filmed street interviews in downtown Ottawa to connect with Canadians and spark conversations about refugee resettlement in Canada. This hands-on experience allowed me to understand peopleās opinion on the rise of asylum seekers and raise awareness about the dangers of misinformation.
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Beyond my official duties, I was able to establish a network of valuable connections in the city, including colleagues and community leaders, who played a pivotal role in helping me settle into this new environment. This network also inspired a project I co-founded with two other interns titled the āUNHCR Canada Intern Network.ā This initiative seeks to bring together past, present, and future interns, fostering a community where advice, opportunities, and guidance are shared. A platform I wish existed before I started my own internship and now want to make available to others.
While my experience was overwhelmingly positive, transitioning to work within a large international organization like the UN presented its own challenges. Coming from a background in government institutions and smaller NGOs where work is mostly straightforward, writing for the UN meant that my work would get edited and reworded to fit regulations and norms I was not necessarily aware of. However, these experiences were invaluable for my growth, teaching me the importance of giving myself grace and embracing the guidance of more seasoned coworkers as I navigate complex and global environments.
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Building on this experience, I will be receiving academic credit for this internship and will be writing my thesis for the course INTD 499 on the discrepancy between the growing recognition of environmental refugees at the international level and the reluctance of many national governments to integrate them into their asylum policies. This thesis will be submitted under the supervision of Professor Kazue Takamura.
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I am deeply grateful for the Ā鶹AV Faculty of Arts Action Plan to Address Anti-Black Racism Award, which made this transformative experience possible. Without this support, taking on an unpaid internship, especially one that required moving to a new city, would have been out of reach. The financial security it provided allowed me to focus fully on my work and enjoy the experience without stress.
All in all, this internship has deeply impacted me as a person, opening my eyes to the different conflicts, injustices, and human rights violations that persist around the world, while also revealing the immense challenges and complexities involved in protecting human rights.
As I move forward, I carry with me the stories of the people I have met, the knowledge and insights shared by my colleagues, and the passion that has been ignited within me to continue working for those who are often voiceless and marginalized. I am excited to continue this journey with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment.
