Rachel Roberts

Background

I will be working through an organization called International Bridges to Justice (IBJ) in Kenya. IBJ is an independent, non-governmental organization, which strives to protect the basic legal rights of every man, woman, and child, especially in countries where governmental commitment to human rights principles has, as of yet, failed to meet its practical goals. Specifically, IBJ works to guarantee all citizens the right to competent legal representation, the right to be protected from cruel and unusual punishment, and the right to a fair trial.

Instead of working in an office, I will be directly supervised by one of IBJ's JusticeMakers fellows (a program through which IBJ awards grants to individuals to work on legal rights issues) in the field. Evans's project is broadly described as “Mitigation of gender based injustices in Vihiga, Kenya,” and centers around educating women of their legal rights and educating officials of their legal responsibilities. I will be primarily responsible for recording his project, via photos and writing, and providing that information to IBJ for use on their website and on other materials. Other possible projects include creating and preparing an intern guide, helping with the preparation and execution of seminars, road shows, talk shows and forums, assisting in the preparation and submission of regular progress reports to IBJ Headquarters, and compiling and analyzing any relevant documentation and domestic law on the reform of the criminal justice and legal aid system in Kenya.