Volunteer Highlight: Lida Magnus

How and why did you first get involved with John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights (JHC)?

I applied to be in this experiential and seminar course at the law school called Low Income Individuals and the Law. I have always had a passion for advocating for the rights and de-stigmatization of folks experiencing homelessness and otherwise disadvantaged individuals, which is what drew me to the course. There were four placements available for the clinical portion of the course. JHC chose me as one of their clinical students this year, and I am very glad they made that choice!

How long have you been a volunteer with JHC?

Since September 2025, approximately 7 months.

Can you describe some of the activities you do as a volunteer?

This year, I have primarily worked being an advocate for individuals experiencing homelessness, especially for those who are experiencing human rights violations in emergency shelters. I have met these individuals and assisted in drafting their human rights complaints. I have also contributed to an international human rights convention submission; writing advocacy letters and briefs to public officials, such as Mayor Andrew Knack; and participated in an advisory group on an ongoing research project examining the impact of bylaw fines on people experiencing homelessness. 

What is it like to volunteer with JHC as a whole?

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a clinical student at JHC. It has opened my eyes to the world of human rights, and has shown me how I can use my law degree not only to litigate, but to advocate.

What has surprised you the most about this role?

What surprised me most about this role is hearing the atrocities of how people are being treated in emergency shelters, right in Edmonton. It is upsetting to learn that Canada, in all its wealth, allows for people living within its borders to experience such hardship, illness, poor treatment and suffering - especially considering the fact that these issues are easily preventable.

Are there any learnings or challenges you have experienced through this work that you’d like to share?

I think the biggest challenge for me was to embody and internalize the international human rights frameworks and principles that JHC adheres to. Not in the sense that it was difficult to understand a particular international human rights covenant. Rather, it was a learning curve for me to remove some of my internal biases and judgements when doing work for JHC. I had to remind myself that human rights are for all, no matter what someone's past may be or how someone speaks to you. Even though I came to JHC already understanding the importance of destigmatizing houselessness, I still noticed that I had, and will always have, a lot of room to learn and grow into becoming a human rights proponent and advocate.

Anything else you'd like to share with us about your volunteer experience?

I am grateful to have been provided the opportunity to be involved with JHC. I hope to stay connected with you all after my clinical placement is over. I am also happy to connect and chat with anyone if they are interested in discussing my experiences as a clinical law student at JHC further… I’m always looking for work opportunities in the human rights/social justice field!

We’re grateful to volunteers like Lida who support the important work we do at the John Humphrey Centre. To check out available volunteer opportunities, visit our Volunteer Page, follow us on social media, or sign up for our monthly e-newsletter!