About
Mission
Students for Human Rights Action is an online human rights research hub, which offers dialogue on contemporary global human rights topics and public policy research, analysis, and recommendations, to inform post-secondary students in Canada and government stakeholders of the key next steps in protecting the fundamental human rights of all people.
Vision
Students for Human Rights Action seeks that by empowering youth to be leaders in the protection of universal human rights, a world can exist in which every person has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential and to participate in and contribute to all aspects of life.
SFHRA believes all people can embrace who they are,
can define their future, and can change the world.
Ovith
Thiyagalingam
Founder and Lead Policy Analyst
Ovith Thiyagalingam is currently a federal public servant and a recent university graduate with a lengthy track record of community service.
As an analyst at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Ovith conducts technology design and policy research to support the development of innovative national public safety and social impact-focused projects. Ovith is a member of CBSA's Indigenous Advisory Circle (IAC), an advocacy group protecting the rights and interests of Indigenous CBSA employees.
Ovith has a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) from Smith School of Business at Queen's University, and a Certificate in Social Impact from Smith School of Business' Centre for Social Impact.
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He aspires to pursue graduate studies to deepen his knowledge of Canadian and international law and policy to better serve marginalized groups.