The New Kids on the Block
When I strode into the IDEA’s royal blue carpeted office on Monday morning, the excitement of having the two other summer interns arrive was palpable. True to tradition, they both arrived in suits and exactly on schedule. Kirby, a rising 2L at the University of Chicago Law School, and I quickly bonded over our shared love of travel. Although Kirby can't speak Italian, he can (mostly) understand it, and we've had a great time conversing and laughing about it. Jared, a Canadian from Harvard Law School, is incredibly kind and hilarious. We bonded over our love of sports and excitement for the Euros and Olympics. In the spirit of new friendship, I gave him the keys to the IDEA “intern” bike I’d been enjoying for the past weeks.
As the unofficial senior intern (and while Jared and Kirby were becoming acquainted with comparative constitutional law), I was tasked on a major project. Sumit asked me to explore the constitutional protection of minority rights and create a PowerPoint that he would present in front of a large group of exiled government officials looking to create a new constitution in a nation with a large, diverse population. I had about 72 hours to do it. There was no time to waste.
Working on the constitutional protection of minority rights was a deep dive into how different countries address this critical issue. Many constitutions include preambles or specific provisions that acknowledge the ethnic diversity within their territories, such as the Republic of Vanuatu. Anti-discrimination clauses are also a common feature, prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity, and other characteristics, ensuring fundamental human rights for all citizens. Some constitutions grant autonomy to minority groups in regions where they are significant in population, like special administrative regions or cultural councils. Judicial review and affirmative action also play vital roles in protecting minority rights, empowering an independent judiciary to strike down discriminatory laws and ensuring equitable representation in public institutions. Compiling all of the information into an engaging, visual, professional product was enjoyable. The presentation covered the importance of recognizing ethnic diversity and promoting ethnic tolerance, as seen in countries like Vanuatu and Nepal. It also discussed the significance of bills of rights and anti-discrimination measures, ensuring that individuals can preserve and develop their ethnic identities, similar to the provisions in Latvia and the Philippines. Additionally, the presentation emphasized the need for political participation and representation, highlighting how reserved seats and proportional representation can protect minority rights. Sumit was incredibly happy with the finished product and sent it off to be translated before his upcoming presentation next week. I’m eager to hear how it’s received.
Over the weekend, the weather in The Hague was finally perfect, a rare gift of sun and warmth, and my boyfriend and I seized the opportunity to visit the beach for the first time. The golden sand stretched out before us, dotted with vibrant beach clubs that looked like scenes from a postcard. All around us, the beach buzzed with activity: surfers riding the waves, children building sandcastles, and groups of friends playing volleyball. The Dutch passion for an active lifestyle was on full display, making the day feel alive with energy and joy. But suddenly, ominous clouds rolled in, and a massive lightning storm erupted, forcing everyone to sprint for cover. We dashed into a nearby beach club, dripping wet, only to find it was an incredible spot for fresh seafood. As we ate, the storm passed, and once the skies cleared, everyone tentatively ventured out of the clubs and back onto the beach to resume their activities. I’ve loved living in the Hague so far, but let’s face it—everything’s just a little bit better when the sun decides to join the fun.
