Krisztina Palko
My internship at MDAC was for a period of nine weeks in the Strategic Litigation department.When I arrived I was assigned to a supervisor who offered excellent guidance throughout my time here. The environment is friendly and the staff are very helpful.
During my time working at MDAC, my main tasks consisted of research on Lithuania where I looked at all relevant legislation and international instruments that Lithuania has ratified concerning mental disability with particular focus on MDAC’s six human rights goals on legal capacity, living in the community, freedom from ill-treatment, inclusive education, political participation and access to justice.
I also prepared a summary of the pending cases before the European Human Rights Court which was to be uploaded on the website.
I also reviewed the State Department Human Rights Reports on Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Russia over the last three years.
The internship was of much benefit to me professionally as it improved my knowledge of NGOs in general and of mental health law. It also made me realise that there are many job prospects available in the legal sector that I had not considered before this experience.
As an additional bonus Budapest is a very beautiful place full of history, spectacular architecture and excellent restaurants.
I will miss the friends I have made at the MDAC.
Krisztina Palko
Intern Autumn 2011