Organisation: UNSW Australia
Job Title: Research Associate, ARC ‘Imminence’ Project
Location: Andrew and Renata Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, Kensington
LLM or PhD in law, with demonstrated expertise in international refugee law
Recently I have completed my PhD as a full time researcher in International Human Rights Law through
the University of Southern Queensland and have previously completed a Master of Law (LLM) in Human
Rights and Gender Justice through the Kathmandu School of Law in Nepal. The focus of my career has
been working in the area of human rights.
My PhD dissertation was entitled ‘Rights to Freedom from Torture in Nepal’. Whilst conducting my
research, I collected and analysed relevant cases, predominately from Nepal, including the review and
analysis of the Convention against Torture and other human rights instruments. This process involved
reviewing torture cases of refugees and asylum seekers.
Researching my thesis involved the preparation of research articles one of which, ‘Rights against Torture
in Nepal: Commitment and Reality (2015) 4 (1) International Human Rights Law Review 104-136, was
recently published.
I have actively worked to support more than 100,000 Nepalese Refugees. This involved me conducting
many fact-finding missions relating to incidents of severe human rights violations with an emphasis on
torture, preparation of reports, and the provision of legal support to victims and refugees. Undertaking
work for the Forum for Protection of People’s Rights (PPR) Nepal I led a team to undertake extensive
work relating to the human rights of Nepalese people, predominately refugee rights.
Concurrently, I actively contributed to the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network as a founding Australian
member. As a representative, I reviewed and analysed the Refugee Convention and its practical
implementation not only in Nepal but also in other countries in the Asia and Pacific Region.
Whilst working with PPR Nepal, I conducted a baseline study of refugees and asylum seekers, focusing
on Bhutanese, Tibetan and Urban (Pakistan, Myanmar, Somalia, Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan) Refugees.
Based on this research I played a significant role in the development of the ‘Refugee Settlement and
Legal Aid Project’.
Further developing my skills with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), specifically in
the Strengthening the Capacity of National Human Rights Commission (SCNHRC) Project, I
conceptualised and conducted research on five themes including, women’s rights, child rights, minority
rights, rights based on development, and economic, social and cultural rights. The outcome of this
research led me to develop and implement a training package rights based approach including
facilitation and preparation for strategic planning.
Since the completion of my PhD I have developed projects in affiliation with the University of Southern
Queensland, with particular focus and research on refugee settlement in Australia, specifically the
Toowoomba Region.
With demonstrated experience in human rights research, teaching, project development and project
management experience in all aspects of human rights law, refugee law, and migration law spanning
over 16 years I am dedicated to the protection and promotion of human rights.
Demonstrated ability to carry out independent legal research, including comparative law perspectives
Whilst undertaking my PhD, I reviewed and analysed law policy, cases, international instruments and
practical situations from a legal perspective. Additionally, I undertook research in human rights law and
reviewed and analysed this from a comparative perspective between Nepal, Australia, US, Bangladesh,
UK, and Canada to name a few. I also performed a comparative review and analysis of statutory and
case law, status of reporting obligation, and responses from UN human rights mechanisms and its
practical implementation in various contexts. I introduced new methods to conduct human rights
research to find out the exact situation of human rights in practice based on credible information from a
practical level. My proven ability to perform independent legal research in the academic sector is
substantiated by my comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge and skills working as a
researcher in the sector of international human rights law.
Furthermore, I undertook additional research from a comparative perspective from teams in the Human
Rights Commission and performed a final evaluation of a United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP) project ‘Capacity Development of National Human Rights Commission’. In undertaking my
evaluation, I reviewed project documents, reports and research reports, conducted interviews, field
visits and prepared the report. I was awarded a grant of approximately $20,000 from German
Development Service (DED Nepal) to undertake research specifically relating to the conflict in Nepal
from a human rights perspective from 2007 – 2009 with Protection of People’s Rights (PPR) Nepal.
Additionally, I received a grant of approximately $25,000 to undertake research for policy advocacy in
Victims and Witnesses Protection of Women Trafficking Victims from 2008 – 2009 from the Asia
Foundation.
Independently I was granted $35,000 to undertake research on the Juvenile Justice System in Nepal and
develop training in this area. I led the research team and designed innovative methodology, researched,
collected, and analysed data. I was also a member of the steering committee of the Juvenile Justice
Coordination Committee, which was formed by PPR Nepal, CapCorn, Law Admissions Consultative
Committee (LACC), Central Child Welfare Board (CCWB), and the Nepal Bar Association. Additionally I
was the lead trainer on the Juvenile Justice System in Nepal, organised by the Central Child Welfare
Board and PPR Nepal. The result of this research was the publication of a book ‘Rehabilitation and
Reintegration Denied? A Critical Analysis of Juvenile Justice System in Nepal’. This report has
subsequently been used as reference material in the academic sector and government.
In addition, as a project manager for the Strengthening the Capacity of National Human Rights
Commission (SCNHRC), I successfully demonstrated my skills and competency in conducting human
rights research in various human rights related themes. Research reports I have written from research I
conceptualised in various areas including, women’s human rights, child rights, economic social and
cultural rights, rights against racial discrimination, and human rights based approach are considered
baseline information to the National Human Rights Commission of Nepal.
Further demonstrating my ability to carry out independent legal research, I have undertaken project
evaluations on final evaluation and impact assessments in the Norwegian Refugee Council’s
Information, Counselling, and Legal Assistant (ICLA) project and United Nation Development Programme
(UNDP) – Capacity Development of National Human Rights Commission (CDNHRC) project in 2008. My
work is highly acknowledged by donors and other interested organisations.
Demonstrated ability to conduct detailed, accurate and systematic research
Publications of my work demonstrate my capacity to conduct detailed, accurate and systematic
research in the sector of international human rights law. Whilst preparing my PhD thesis, I undertook
detailed, accurate and systematic research. I prepared and researched the project concept, detailed a
proposal with a clear methodology for the collection and analysis of data. My review methods were
based on international standard of rights to freedom from torture, which assisted in the avoidance of
possible bias in data collection and analysis. The study followed a critical and systematic review of case
law, statutory provisions, United Nations documents, and government records, reports from the
National Human Rights Commission and other credible reports. The research identified issues, and
challenges, as well as strengths and gaps in statutes and case law, and fulfilment of reporting
obligations towards human rights instruments with some detailed recommendations.
When undertaking research I follow a systematic approach primarily
Conceptualising a research concept
Requesting comment on the concept
Developing a detailed research proposal with a plan of action
In the University setting this is presented to a panel or in an independent capacity, I present this to
donors
Develop a data collection plan, schedule and guidelines
Collect information and data from relevant sources
Conduct consultation meetings on the basis of my findings
Analyse and prepare a research report
The results of my research has been used in many ways including workshops, training, and publication
in reports, books, manuals, journal articles, and research papers. My enclosed resume provides a
comprehensive list of all published research material.
When undertaking research in the Juvenile Justice System in Nepal my research covered the detail and
exact situation of this system. Following a systematic research design with clear methodology, I used
various methods of data collection including, structured interview, case studies, semi-structured
observation of detention centres, as well as the review and critical comparison of the provisions of
statutes, case laws, and human rights instruments in a practical level. The accurate and systematic
collection and analysis of data led to concise legal research methodology. This research has since been
used as a reference by government and academic institutions.
Excellent communication skills (oral and written)
The basis of good communication is the ability to both send and receive written and oral messages in a
clear, concise, courteous, and accurate manner. I possess excellent communications skills, proven by my
ability to speak clearly, write concisely, and compile well-researched and factual information in a
structured and direct manner.
During my career and university studies, I have demonstrated excellent written communication skills. I
have written reports, presentations, journal papers, manuals and books. I created a series of training
packages in right space mediation in Nepal and other countries. As a project manager, I am required to
prepare work plans on a quarterly, annual and longer-term basis.
I am required to communicate with donors, field officers, partners and other stakeholders, represent
my project / organisation to different working groups, task forces and meetings. I have been proactive
in the development and delivery of training sessions and see that my communication and interpersonal
skills are evident in the preparation and delivery of these sessions. When presenting information in a
training or presentation environment I always spend time thinking about the audience profile and their
expected viewpoints and shape my communications accordingly. During the event, I talk directly to the
audience, and focus primarily on trying to build an emotional connection with them.
Capacity for organisation of research events
As detailed in previous responses, I have organised many research events. In the university setting, I
won second place in the PhD presentations organised by the University in 2013. As Secretary of the Post
Graduate Research Association, I have arranged many meetings with career researchers and PhD
candidates and facilitated some of these workshop meetings.
In the Human Rights Commission, I conceptualised events and invited delegates to capacity building
activities and conferences of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) on migrant workers. I planned,
prepared, and facilitated the international conference in 2012. I was also responsible for facilitating a
series of workshops on themes of women’s rights, sexual discrimination, and workshops and meetings
with staff and government officials.
Prior to publishing my human rights based manual, I arranged a series of workshops and consultation
meetings with government officials and human rights activists. I also conducted a series of training
courses that produced nearly two hundred skilful mediators whilst working for the Forum for Protection
of People’s Rights (PPR) Nepal.
I have facilitated a number of research projects including, comprehensive research on human rights
validation, juvenile justice research, mediation related research that also included focus group
discussions, consultation meetings and workshops, and other research projects, interviews, and focus
group discussions.
Superior language skills in French and / or German, is desirable but not essential
Having studied French, I possess basic knowledge of the French language. I was able to utilise this
knowledge whilst working for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on the
Strengthening the Capacity of National Human Rights Commission (SCNHRC) project.
Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and equal opportunity principles and a commitment
to attending relevant training in these areas
Whilst undertaking my PhD for the University of Southern Queensland I attended training in health and
safety. I am serious about my obligations under Health and Safety legislation and company policy, and
commit wholeheartedly to the principles and practices of health and safety. I understand that there are
general requirements that must be met by every workplace and I commit to attending relevant training
in these areas.
The policies and guidelines make us aware of the safety and wellbeing of every individual and others
and I follow these guidelines. Whilst working for the United Nations Development Programme, I was
involved in the preparation of a guideline for the rapid response team for human rights protection. The
guidelines covered the health and safety of human rights defenders.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy provides a framework to ensure workplaces are free from
unlawful discrimination and harassment and that there are programmes in place to assist employees or
potential employees who may belong to a particular EEO group. The basis of my career is on the
knowledge, principles and values of this framework. Having developed a manual on human rights/EEO, I
feel that diversity and EEO is very important in the work place.
I am a self-motivated professional, with proven interpersonal and communication skills in building and
maintaining professional relationships with internal teams, external stakeholders and with people from
diverse backgrounds. I possess a deep understanding of equality, and fairness free from discrimination
based on age, sex, and race, place of origin, marital status and people with disabilities. I have
undertaken many training sessions in this field and am committed to furthering my professional
development in these areas.
