Four Bermudians Join Global Rights Project
Four young Bermudians — Zarah Siddiqi, Zayne Sinclair, Christopher Jackson, and Gabriel Smith — have been selected to collaborate with international students on a human rights research project, and will travel to travel to Geneva next year.
A spokesperson said, “Four young Bermudians have been selected to collaborate with international students on a human rights research project, marking a milestone in the island’s leadership movement.
“The initiative stems from a partnership between the Human Rights Education Network [HuRen], which launched in Bermuda this year, and the Geneva Graduate Institute’s Applied Research Projects division.
“Geneva students will visit Bermuda in February 2026 to collaborate on field research with four Bermudian students, while the Bermudian cohort will travel to Geneva in October 2026.
“The Geneva/Bermuda baseline research forms part of HuRen’s wider human rights educational programs, designed to connect local lived experience with global standards and strengthen Bermuda’s long-term rights protections for future generations.
“The Bermudian students were chosen after completing a new human rights course developed by HuRen and delivered through Bermuda College, which helped to build awareness and advocacy skills among young leaders.
“The four participants — Zarah Siddiqi, Zayne Sinclair, Christopher Jackson, and Gabriel Smith — were nominated by Mirrors, the charity Bermuda is Love, and the Youth Policy Working Group before completing interviews with HuRen.”
HuRen Executive Director Françoise Palau-Wolffe said the students reflected the programme’s goals, which include providing global context, practical tools, and a strong grounding in human rights principles for community-minded young Bermudians.
“Our mission is to empower young people who want to make a difference,” she said. “These four are stepping into global spaces with knowledge, confidence, and a commitment to justice.”
A spokesperson added, “The 12-hour course, offered through Bermuda College’s APACE division, combined global frameworks, Bermuda-specific examples, and live sessions with the Human Rights Commission and Gender Affairs Council to build a practical understanding of rights in everyday life.
“APACE Director Tawana Flood said she was pleased to see the programme already opening international doors, describing the students’ selection for the Geneva collaboration as evidence of Bermuda’s growing pool of human rights talent.
“Students praised the programme’s accessibility and impact. Ms Siddiqi said the course made human rights “real and meaningful,” linking Bermuda’s experiences to global movements for dignity, equality, and justice.
“Speaking about personal growth, Mr Sinclair added that the programme helped him turn frustration into focused purpose, offering tools to create “real, lasting impact” rooted in people and community needs.”
Reflecting on the experience and its long-term influence, one participant said it was “an awesome and extremely beneficial experience… with a lasting impact on my personal and professional life overall.”
Another participant noted it offered “a new lens to look at problems I see every day” and a clear framework for tackling issues that once felt overwhelming in their community.
A spokesperson added, “Bermuda College will again offer the HuRen Human Rights Course in its upcoming APACE spring term for adults and young people aged 17+ who wish to strengthen and defend human rights.
“For more information about course registration, please contact apace@college.bm or education@hurenbermuda.org.
“Funding is available — to find out more email financialsupportservices@college.bm.”
