Interview with Chubashini Suntharalingam

New Tactics: When did you begin working in human rights?

My experience with NGOs started in 2003 when I joined SEACON (South East Asian Council for Food Security & Fair Trade) to conduct economic research on Asia agriculture. At the time, I didn’t think about my work in terms of human rights. Our research focuses primarily on the impact of globalization on commercial fishing and rice farming in rural South East Asia, which people don’t often discuss in terms of human rights. I soon realized we were examining the relationship between human rights and trade. I feel fortunate to be in this situation; you could say I was in the right place at the right time. I should also say that I have a business management degree, and before SEACON I worked in the commercial sector and taught agriculture business courses. I also have a computer programming degree.

 

Is there a particular human rights defender (past or present, local or international) who has inspired you or influenced your work?

It is very difficult to pick a particular person. As a researcher, curiosity consumes you. I guess you could say I try to learn as much as I can from everyone I meet.

What do you hope to take home from the New Tactics Asia Regional Training Workshop?

I really enjoyed Sowmya Kidambi’s presentation on the right to information. Their campaign mobilized many people and there experience can benefit many others. I also think action theatre is a very effective tactic.

This type of workshop is ideal preparation for advocacy. It is exactly what I wanted and needed. I also hope to take full advantage of the networking opportunities

 

What do you hope others learn from your tactic?

That globalization affects everyone. In documenting and research, we should focus more on small scale economics. If research is purely empirical, real people are not engaged and change is impossible. Participatory research offers individuals a chance to become informed and voice their concerns. I also want them to realize the importance of using the right tactic at the right time.

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