Project Type: Public Legal Education (Presentations, workshops, podcasts, brochures, blogs, etc.)
Fields of Law: Immigration Law
Positions Available: 2 students
About AWO
AWO works with refugees and immigrants, particularly those who have experienced wars and persecution, with a special focus on women and their families. Its mission is to improve their quality of life and to promote their social and economic inclusion in order to enable them to become contributing members of society and to live in dignity.
Project Details
For over 30 years, the Afghan Women’s Organization Refugee and Immigrant Services (AWO) has provided multiple services, including settlement services to all newcomers, with a special focus on women, their families, refugees and people who have experienced war and persecution. The AWO has welcomed newcomers from around the world, including Central Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa, assisting them in the first stages of their settlement process. These first steps taken by newcomers, finding a home, work, learning English, and finding out about Canada’s legal system and health care are all crucial to ensuring that each newcomer has a foundation for building a healthy life in Canada.
The AWO also has a private sponsorship of refugee program under which we have sponsored and brought over 5,000 refugees since the inception of the program and have provided emotional support, settlement services and ensured that their financial and non-financial needs have been met. In addition to settlement services that the AWO provides to clients in Canada, the AWO also advocates for the rights of refugees and has been advocating for the human rights Afghan women and girls.
Role of Student Volunteer(s)
The AWO is seeking students to assist with legal and policy research around issues relating to Bill C-41, and Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts. Bill C-41 is proposed legislation in response to concerns that anti-terrorism provisions in Canada’s Criminal Code have inhibited international assistance, including humanitarian aid, in areas controlled by organizations considered terrorist groups under the Criminal Code. Areas of research will include an analysis on legislative solutions adopted by other jurisdictions and identifying principles set out in Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy and international human rights and humanitarian law. The output of the research will be used in a research paper that will be used to educate policy makers, aid organizations and advocates working in the area of humanitarian aid delivery to crisis-affected regions.
Is A Work Plan Required For This Position?
Yes, the students and the lawyer supervisor will discuss timelines.
What Type Of Training Will the Organization Provide?
Note: All first year PBSC volunteers and all volunteers working on research projects must also attend a PBSC/Thomson Reuters legal research strategies workshop.
General orientation to AWO over the phone and on-demand training for delivering PLE’s.
How Many Hours Per Week Will the Student Volunteer(s) Be Expected to Volunteer?
3-5 hours per week.
Will The Student(s) Be Expected To Show Up For Regular Shifts Each Week?
Flexible, however specific dates of presentation may require coordination.
Is Workspace Provided For the Student Volunteer(s)?
No.
Requirements and Expectations
Preference for students who have completed Human Rights courses. Also, previous experience in policy paper writing preferred, and strong research and writing skills.