Maya Pastakia

Background

About Maya Pastakia

I’m an accomplished human rights campaigner, covering Afghanistan and Pakistan, with 10 years’ experience at Amnesty International. I've extensive experience in strategic campaigning including campaign design, advocacy and media work, casework, and capacity-building. I’ve also frequently participated in field research in both countries. I've developed and implemented campaign strategies and tactical actions on various human rights issues relating to religion and human rights, women's rights, the rights of internally displaced persons, and military/security violations. My key achievements are as follows:• I've developed and delivered campaigns on complex human rights issues affecting Afghanistan and Pakistan, gaining media coverage and impacting policy, including the launch of the Afghanistan IDP National Policy. • I've co-designed and provided capacity-building training to over 80 Afghan human rights defenders, strengthening their ability to document human rights abuses, while minimising security risks.• I was twice awarded Amnesty International's "Gender Defender" award (2014 and 2016) for campaigns and tactical actions to protect women's rights in Afghanistan.• I've successfully represented Amnesty International at government, inter-governmental and public forums, and to national and international news media, clearly communicating the organisation's concerns.• I've expanded external awareness and activism on Afghanistan and Pakistan on key human rights issues, through increasing engagement of Amnesty country sections by 60%, alongside the creation of networks and partnerships.I'm interested in the intersection between human rights and psychology, including themes such as empathy, prejudice, indoctrination and radicalisation, obedience and truama. I'm eager to gain experience challenging extremism and developing interventions or campaigns, targeting at adults at risk of radicalisation.