Fiona Tan, LL.L/DVM 3rd year
Country of fieldwork: Nepal
Canadian NGO: Alternatives Canada
Local NGO: Nepal Development Initiative (NEDI)
Position: Programming and Development Officer
As I write this, I am in my second week of my internship with NEDI, an organization focused on developing social entrepreneurship and promoting sustainable businesses. This trip has allowed me to discover Nepal for the first time. I would like to take the time to sort through my first impressions and share the many experiences I have had so far.
When I arrived, I didn't know what to expect. Without any specific expectations, I was jumping into the unknown, as I knew very little about life in Nepal before I left. Curious to discover a new culture and gain new experiences, my first few days were very lively, thanks in large part to the warm welcome I received from my host family and colleagues.
Our first visit was to Durbar Square in Patan, a historic district adorned with buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, where we had the opportunity to learn more about Nepal's rich history and admire the traditional architecture. During this visit, we were lucky enough to be guided by a colleague who accompanied us during our first days in the country.
He also took us to see the Buddha Stupa during Buddha Jayanti, an event that brings together thousands of people to participate in religious celebrations. Religion and spirituality are central to Nepalese culture, which contrasts with the more secular nature of Canadian society. I was struck by the Hindu and Buddhist temples that adorn the streets with their grandeur and beauty. The Buddha stupa and the surrounding Buddhist temples had a special resonance for me, coming from a family with Buddhist roots. This day allowed me to strengthen my personal connection to this spiritual tradition and learn more about Buddhism.
From the very beginning, I was fortunate to get an immersive glimpse of local life, thanks to the people who welcomed us so generously.
We also visited several small markets and shopped at local stores. In the alleys that intersect the main streets, I observed
many informal workers. Artisans worked long hours, often in cramped spaces, in intense heat, without protective clothing to shield them from dangerous tools or products. They included carpet makers, religious artifact makers, and cooking oil producers, among others. My colleague explained the precarious working conditions of these informal workers and the initiatives NEDI has put in place to improve this troubling situation.
That is how I decided to focus my internship on human rights in the context of business. My goal is to design an awareness program for stakeholders based on the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. I would then like to help develop a tool or mechanism to facilitate access to justice for victims of human rights violations in the business sector.
I look forward to continuing this experience in Nepal, with each day bringing new discoveries and adventures!