Di Lu (from China)

One of the major publications I helped with was Kurdish Cultural and Language Rights. My chapter was based on case studies of different countries which have successfully promoted and protected minority languages and cultural rights. What impressed me most at KHRP was the inspiring working environment and the cultural diversity of the workforce. In addition to being mutually committed to promoting and protecting the rights of the Kurdish peoples and others, we were able to establish some really strong bonds and friendships through all kinds of social events. Working for KHRP, I also attended various seminars, fundraising events and careers fairs to represent and promote the organisation. The level of trust that KHRP put into me heightened my sense of involvement with the organisation, and more importantly, motivated me to become more responsible.

Kadir Acis (from Turkey)

As a research intern at KHRP, my tasks involved carry out research, drafting briefing papers, translating various documents from Turkish into English, and transcribing speeches for the annual publication of the EUTCC Report on the EU, Turkey and the Kurds. KHRP’s team are very friendly and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and made good friends during my seven month internship. My time with the organisation also proved to be a good opportunity to see how an NGO operates and I believe the experience will be one that is very useful to my future career. I very much value KHRP’s work and it was an honour to be able to contribute to their cause.

Akiko Saikawa (from Japan)

My six month experience as a research intern at KHRP in 2009 was hugely rewarding and valuable. Members of KHRP’s staff encourage each intern to take responsibility for their own challenging projects, and I was given the opportunity to work on the cultural and linguistic rights of Kurds in Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria, and to carry out research on trade union rights in Turkey. I learnt a lot, not only about the projects that I was working on, but also about how a charity organisation functions, and I found every experience during my time there to be worthwhile. Furthermore, I met lots of lovely, amazing and motivated interns and staff at KHRP. Their positive influence brought home the fact that I, as with most of them, would like to work for a human rights NGO in the future. I cannot be more appreciative of my internship experience at KHRP.

Kawa Shana (from the Netherlands)

During my internship at KHRP in 2009, my duties consisted of carrying out research, translation, and assisting with day-to-day office administration tasks. I also had the opportunity to write news press releases and draft letters to various international organisations, which helped me to improve my writing skills. My three months at KHRP was an extremely valuable experience in enhancing my academic and career prospects. The friendly and international environment made KHRP a great place to work, where I had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful people. I highly recommend KHRP to anyone interested in undertaking an internship or taking up a voluntarily position in the field of human rights.