Dear Members of the Selection Committee,
I am writing to express my earnest interest in the Youth Director position on the Board of Amnesty International Canada (English-Speaking Section). As a former refugee from Afghanistan and a dedicated human rights advocate, I am committed to contributing my experiences and insights to advance Amnesty International’s mission.
In 2024, I was honored to be selected as one of seven members for a seven-month term on the Refugee Advisory Committee (RAC) under the Canadian Orientation Abroad program with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Canada. Chosen from over 700 applicants, our committee provided critical guidance on policies and initiatives aimed at supporting refugees transitioning to life in Canada. This role allowed me to collaborate directly with policymakers, ensuring that refugee perspectives were integral to program development and implementation.
Since arriving in Canada in 2021, I have pursued academic excellence, graduating as an Ontario Scholar and receiving my school’s Leadership and Citizenship Award for my humanitarian efforts and active participation in Model United Nations. Currently, I am studying Social Sciences at the University of Toronto, where I serve as the Vice President of Internal Affairs for the Afghan Student Association. In this capacity, I co-founded a mentorship program that has assisted over 100 Afghan girls and women in navigating the post-secondary application process, promoting education and empowerment within our community.
My commitment to human rights extends beyond academia. As a Global Youth Ambassador for Theirworld and a collaborator with organizations like World Vision Canada, I have actively engaged in campaigns focusing on education, women’s rights, and peacebuilding. Most recently, I was selected to represent Canada as a delegate for the Major Group for Children and Youth at the ECOSOC conference in New York, where I will advocate for equitable opportunities and safe passages for refugees.
To further enhance my advocacy skills, I completed the International Human Rights Certificate for Young Leaders program offered by the World Anti Extremism Network. This intensive four-week course provided me with firsthand experience and knowledge from world-renowned human rights advocates, equipping me with the tools needed to continue my work in defending human rights and freedom in challenging environments.
I am passionate about bringing a youth-driven, refugee-informed perspective to Amnesty International Canada’s Board. My experiences have equipped me with a unique understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities and the importance of inclusive policy-making. I am eager to contribute to Amnesty International’s efforts in promoting human rights and social justice.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background and experiences align with the goals of Amnesty International Canada.
Sincerely,
Abdul Basheer Arifi