/ Intern at Control Arms in Geneva Subscribe

The organization plays a vital role in highlighting the humanitarian crises that stem from the unregulated flow of weapons across borders, and my time there allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of how advocacy, research, and diplomacy converge in efforts to prevent armed violence.

I worked closely with Hine-Wai Loose and with my fellow Albright Fellow and co-intern, Serenity Truth. Much of our work revolved around supporting communications through Control Arms’ social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Bluesky. This required careful attention not only to language but also to striking a balance between being accessible to the public while maintaining the coalition’s credibility as a voice for human rights and disarmament. At the same time, we conducted research on several ongoing humanitarian crises, including those in Sudan, Myanmar, Gaza, and Yemen. Each of these contexts illustrated in tragic detail how the illicit arms trade fuels violence, exacerbates instability, and contributes directly to rising civilian casualties.

A significant portion of our summer was dedicated to preparing for the 11th Conference of States Parties (CSP11), held in Geneva, Switzerland, from August 25th to August 29th. The conference convened governments, NGOs, and civil society representatives from across the globe to discuss progress and challenges in implementing the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), a landmark international treaty designed to regulate the global trade in conventional arms and prohibit illicit transfers. Being involved in the lead-up to such a major event was eye-opening. It revealed the immense amount of behind-the-scenes work that NGOs like Control Arms invest to ensure that voices from civil society are heard in international policymaking spaces.

During the week of the conference, Serenity and I were tasked with publishing the statements delivered on behalf of coalition members during the general debate sessions. These statements underscored the importance of upholding different provisions of the ATT, including transparency in reporting, accountability in transfers, and the urgent need to prioritize human rights in arms export decisions. Through this work, I came to appreciate the power of well-crafted messaging in amplifying advocacy efforts and reinforcing coalition solidarity.

In addition to our responsibilities, we attended numerous side events and workshops. One particularly inspiring initiative was the promotion of youth engagement in disarmament advocacy, which emphasized equipping young people with the skills and networks to shape global security policy. Another highlight was witnessing the adoption of gender focal points, a proposal advanced by Mexico to strengthen protections for women against the specific harms of gun violence. Seeing such a measure gain recognition reinforced for me the importance of centering gender perspectives in discussions on peace and security.

Overall, my internship at Control Arms was an extraordinary experience. It not only deepened my understanding of the humanitarian consequences of the arms trade but also provided me with firsthand insight into the strategies NGOs employ to push for international change. Working at the intersection of research, communications, and advocacy broadened my perspective and strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career focused on advancing peace, justice, and human rights.