PHILIPPINES

Ateneo Human Rights Center Concludes Year with Expanded Internship Program Focused on Law Student Development

The Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC), in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Philippines and the Ateneo Law School, wrapped up 2024 with the Expanded Internship Program, themed “Pagpupunla: Law Student Interns Development.”

Held from October 1 to November 30, 2024, the program included three key activities: the Bigkis Alumni Homecoming, Capacity Development Sessions for law student interns, and a special film screening of Alipato at Muog.

The Expanded Internship Program continues AHRC's commitment to shaping future lawyers dedicated to human rights advocacy and alternative lawyering. Building on the success of the Summer Internship Program and Semestral Break Internship Program, this initiative aims to provide ongoing support to law students, fostering their development as advocates for justice in communities.

A highlight of the program was the Bigkis Alumni Homecoming, held on October 28, 2024, at the Ateneo Law School Roofdeck in Makati. The event celebrated the 37th anniversary of the Internship Program, which has shaped over 1,000 lawyers and human rights advocates throughout its history. As alumni gathered to reflect on the program’s enduring impact, AHRC emphasized the importance of its role in planting the seeds of human rights advocacy, inspiring a deep passion for justice that continues to guide alumni in their work.

On November 3, 2024, AHRC organized a full-day Capacity Development session at the 1898 Hotel Colonia in Makati City. The Punla capacity-building workshop was designed to enhance the practical skills of the interns while encouraging introspection on their roles in the collective human rights movement. Attended by second- to fourth-year law students, the session included workshops on personal and interpersonal growth, program management, and facilitation skills. The goal was to further develop the interns' abilities to engage meaningfully with communities and stakeholders, preparing them to be effective human rights advocates.

Through these continuing formation activities, AHRC aims to nurture its interns’ growth, ensuring they are equipped to uphold the Center’s mission of fostering a generation of advocates who are committed to both understanding the law and serving the people. This ongoing support is critical in preparing future human rights lawyers for the challenges they will face in their careers.

On November 7, 2024, AHRC also hosted a special screening of the film Alipato at Muog, followed by a talkback session with director JL Burgos and Mrs. Edita Burgos. The film, directed by JL Burgos, explores the painful reality of the enforced disappearance of his brother, Jonas Burgos, who was abducted in 2007. The screening, held at the Ateneo Professional Schools in Makati, was followed by a discussion on the struggle for justice for the disappeared, with the Burgos family sharing their personal journey in seeking accountability for the abduction. This event further underscored AHRC’s commitment to supporting its interns in their advocacy, particularly in highlighting the issue of enforced disappearances in the Philippines.

The objectives of Pagpupunla: Law Student Interns Development are clear: to provide law students with continuous formation to improve their knowledge and skills in human rights advocacy; to support each intern in their personal journey as human rights advocates; to create opportunities for ongoing advocacy work; and to strengthen the community of advocates committed to human rights and access to justice.

Through this expanded internship program, AHRC continues to empower the next generation of lawyers, ensuring they are well-equipped to confront the challenges of human rights advocacy and contribute meaningfully to the fight for justice.

This article is written by Pie Escobar, the Communication Officer for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Philippine Office.