Hibat-Ullah Khelifi

Hometown, city, and state or country: Vienna, Austria

Degree and graduation year: May 2024

Where I am interning: CAGE International

What I am doing there:
My work involves researching case studies and policies related to counterterrorism and racialized governance in Austria. This is not just theoretical - it involves real stories of individuals and communities who are affected by these policies. I collect data, conduct interviews, and analyze legal documents to build a comprehensive understanding of the human
impact of these policies.

Community engagement is also a vital part of my work. I participate in outreach programs, workshops, and events that help bridge the gap between affected communities and the resources available to them.

Advocacy is where we turn our research into action. I help create communications for policymakers, participate in advocacy meetings, and contribute to social media campaigns. Our goal is to amplify the voices of those who are marginalized by counterterrorism policies and advocate for change that respects and protects human rights.

The most important thing I am learning: Moments of connection and education are both humbling and empowering, reminding me of the resilience and strength of communities in the face of adversity.

The most challenging part of my internship: Understanding state oppression and the apathy it often breeds within the broader society, but also a reminder that the work we do is not just about changing policies, but also about transforming societal perspectives and sparking a dialogue that can lead to meaningful change.

The gap between academic research and tangible advocacy. The realization that change often moves at a painstakingly slow pace is daunting. Each policy analysis, stakeholder interview, and advocacy  campaign felt like a drop in an overwhelmingly vast ocean. Yet, learning to measure progress not by the immediacy of outcomes but by the depth of understanding and the connections built along the way has been an invaluable lesson in patience and persistence.

What surprised me the most: The power of collective action. Witnessing firsthand how communities, when empowered and given the right platforms, can challenge and even begin to dismantle the oppressive structures imposed upon them was nothing short of inspiring.

Why I’m studying public policy: to make sense of how most of our policy work is structured, governed, and decisive for everyone without exception.

Future plans: Working and building community of and for marginalized communities by combining advocacy, with research and art