Patrick Stewart Scholarship Home > Past Recipients On the Frontlines of Human Rights Activism Since 1996, more than 70 young activists have used Patrick Stewart Human Rights Scholarships to tackle critical human rights issues in their own backyard or halfway around the world. What have past recipients done? North America filmed a documentary about people under 18 who are sentenced to death in Virginia. organized a U.S. speaking tour and provided translation for an East Timorese human rights activist. Central and South America accompanied returning refugees and displaced people in Guatemala, providing protection and assisting in resettlement. translated documents and reports for a Venezuelan human rights organization and helped establish an English language section on its website. Africa investigated the correlation between small arms trading and human rights violations in Africa. researched human rights abuses that resulted from the privatization of water in Ghana. worked with community based programs in South Africa linking education, the arts, and human rights. Asia and the Pacific interviewed and counseled refugees in India and helped draft letters to embassies in support of resettlement applications. completed a study on the possible causes of rising rates of sex trafficking in China. worked to empower indigenous communities in Australia and increase their access to government services. Europe and the Middle East developed programs to promote human rights and the rule of law in the Occupied Territories. 1997 Scholarship recipient Cathleen LaPorte worked with local organizations and universities in South Africa to research the legal position of women in post apartheid South Africa. "I have become more appreciative of the privileges I have, and more sensitive to the problems others face," said Rachel Y. Marsh, a 2000 recipient from Washington University. Through research, collaboration with local activists and site visits, Rachel monitored and documented Nepal's compliance with human rights treaties and identified child labor issues in Nepal. Amelia Parker, a 2000 Scholarship recipient from the University of Tennessee, researched human rights abuses resulting from the privatization of water in Ghana and also interviewed Sierra Leonean refugees about their right to work. "Going out into communities to talk to people was the most rewarding part of my internship," she said.

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