We are excited to spotlight ICAAD volunteer, Acacia Prince-Pike. She is currently based out of Northland, Aotearoa New Zealand. Her background is in law and social work which has led her to work in many different areas from Indigenous rights, environmental protection, family violence, victims’ rights, and currently, forensic mental health. Although these areas are quite different, they have all had social justice at their core. When Acacia is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and toddler gardening, surfing and dancing around the lounge.
What do you do at ICAAD?
My work with ICAAD has predominantly been around research and case law analysis for current projects. This has included the Banaba project centered around human rights and climate migration and the Barbados strategic assessment of domestic and family violence in the region. I also support in other ad hoc ways whether that’s editing, writing or commenting on proposals or papers.
What motivates your advocacy efforts? Who or what inspires you?
Fundamentally, I am guided by all work that advances ecological justice and human rights. These values were instilled in me by my parents who have strong values in purposeful work and fairness. Through my life experience and education, these values grew into a powerful drive to be involved in initiatives that strive for ecological justice and justice for all. Although there is so much need, I am always amazed at the resilience of life and the lessons from history which have demonstrated time and time again the ability to change.
What is an important lesson that you’d like to share with other human rights advocates?
I believe we need everyone, people from all walks of life, experience, and skills to tackle human rights injustices. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions, and I think if you have a passion for an issue in this area, then you will have something important to add to make change. Sometimes you just need to start. You don’t need to have the ‘perfect’ education, life experience, age, or financial backing to meaningfully contribute to creating a better world.