Advocate Marine Kapanadze is currently participating in the Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP). She is the Civil and Political Rights Program Director at the Georgian Democracy Initiative (GDI) in Georgia.
Why did you apply to HRAP?
I set a dual goal for myself. On the one hand, I would like to be one of those people who will turn Georgia's future into a better one. On the other hand, I intend to contribute to raising the number of such people by motivating and educating them.
To reach the first goal, I try to gain as much experience and knowledge as possible by working and participating in various programs and projects. A good representation of my endeavors to reach the second goal is my volunteer work, which is demonstrated by the educational activities I initiated, organized, and implemented at several youth organizations.
Participation in the Human Rights Advocates Program plays a considerable role in reaching both goals. Firstly, it is an advantage for me to get introduced more carefully to the legal /political system of the USA and its implementation in practice. The USA is a crucial partner of Georgia not only in the sense of international relations but also a good example and model of how democracy should work inside the country. Moreover, newly acquired information and improved skills will help me analyze my country's situation more efficiently and work towards outlining the possible solutions for the problems described below.
All of this should play a role in my development as one of the leading field experts, which is a vital factor in becoming an influencer and decision-maker in 5-10 years.
Secondly, I will share all the knowledge and experience gained throughout the program with tons of other people, especially with the young generation. For instance, “Georgia’s Future Academy” and “Franklin Club” are excellent platforms enabling us to gather young, motivated people from Georgia and connect with them. Only during the last two years, the Franklin Club has collected more than 2000 young people who are learning about human rights and the rule of law. The goal is to create a mass of such people who will take part in transforming Georgia’s future together with us. The knowledge I can share with them regarding the US experience is one of the critical elements of this success. I have already conducted numerous projects for young people and held lectures for them. I will continue with the same spirit and explain to them why the rule of law should be respected and human rights protected in the country.Hence, HRAP is an excellent opportunity for me to come closer to my goals, and I firmly believe that I am a person who will take great advantage of this program.
Tell us about your HRAP experience so far
The program exceeds my expectations. I like that it includes not only classes at Columbia University and workshops but also speaking engagements, visits to different institutions, cultural programs, and other activities that help us not only gain knowledge but also apply them in practice. What I like the most is the focus on our practical development and the diversity of the program activities. For example, with the help of HRAP and my mentor, I have contacted Global Freedom of Expression at Columbia University. Due to my background and experience in this field, they invited me to contribute to their database by providing legal summaries of judgments from Georgia. Moreover, I had the opportunity to meet a worldwide scholar in media law, Mr. Monroe E. Price, who introduced me to other prominent lawyers residing in New York.
The program also impacts how I see myself as an advocate and what kind of strategy I will choose for my work. While working in Georgia, I was too ‘locked’ on the problems happening in my country. After participating in HRAP, I started realizing human rights issues from a global perspective. The program helps me to understand how human rights issues are viewed in different regions of the world. It also helps me to see how others regard Georgia/Eastern Europe. Moreover, it enables me to discover new methods and tools for future advocacy. Therefore, after returning to Georgia, I am sure my approach to working on human rights issues will be more diverse and compelling.
What are you looking forward to seeing/doing in NYC?
I look forward to continuing networking here with different institutions and organizations, thus enlarging my professional circle. I also plan to gain more cultural experience in New York by attending various Broadway shows, concerts, festivals, and other events. Additionally, I hope to make many more new friends and have fun with them. Last but not least, as a big fan of dance, I intend to attend dance classes and parties, especially those not available in Georgia (for instance West Coast Swing). I believe that all this together will help me to return to Georgia with a big package of new contacts, experiences, and wonderful memories created with my international friends.
What has surprised you so far?
I like that people appreciate hard work here and tend to respect your efforts. The most surprising things for me were the openness of people to give compliments even to strangers and the readiness to help others contact relevant people.
