Sarah Aviles

Background

This summer, from May to August, I am interning at the headquarters of International Bridges to Justice (IBJ) in Geneva, Switzerland.  IBJ is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting fundamental human rights in developing countries, such as the right to competent legal representation, the right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment, and the right to a fair trial.  IBJ provides programs to educate and support public defenders, citizens, and legal aid associations in Cambodia, China, India, Rwanda, Burundi, Singapore, Zimbabwe, and Vietnam: countries with a history of oppression and turbulence within their legal systems.  It also maintains satellite offices in these countries.  As an intern, I will work with the legal experts, help with day to day projects, and perform non-legal work as needed.  My work will aid citizens without a voice in developing countries while allowing me to experience how an international nongovernmental organization is run.