Disability is a human condition that can touch anyone's life at any moment. For me, it began at birth with a physical and motor disability. But the truth is, disability can emerge at any stage of life, altering the course of one's journey. The real obstacles we face are not rooted in medical conditions—they are woven into the fabric of our society, culture, and structures. This powerful message is part of the outreach at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), where I am a UN Volunteer. And I hold it close to my heart: disability is not inability.
Human rights and protecting vulnerable people have always been my focus, especially as someone living with a disability. My experience in labour and administrative law helps me fight for fairness and inclusion.
Joining IOM as a Legal Assistant offered an opportunity to this commitment further—not only by continuing to support the rights of persons with disabilities, but also by addressing the challenges faced by migrants in Peru. Migration is rapidly evolving in Peru and I believe we must dedicate all our efforts to promoting migration that is orderly, fair, and grounded in dignity.
I was already familiar with the UNV platform, having applied for several opportunities without success. It wasn’t an easy process; it required persistence and motivation to stay engaged. I struggled with digital accessibility, but eventually, I found a tutorial video explaining the application process.
When I saw the posting at IOM, I recognized that the role aligned closely with my profile and experience, and offered the chance to work with an international organization for the first time, which was both exciting and challenging.
Throughout my career in both public and private sectors—including roles at Peru's Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations, the Ministry of Labour, and the local municipality—I’ve focused exclusively on legal work. From legal assistant to analyst, I’ve reviewed contracts, managed case files, contributed to legislative reform, and prepared legal reports, especially in the area of disability rights. Regardless of the role, I’ve always worked to integrate principles of diversity and inclusion—putting in my grain of sand, as we say in Peru.
My awareness of disability rights began at university, where I supported accessibility efforts as a student representative. While earning my law degree at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, I received strong support from classmates and professors, but also encountered significant accessibility barriers. This made me take on a more active role in advocacy. Today, that university has made real progress in access for persons with disabilities and needed accommodations.
At IOM, my challenges have been more thematic than physical. Migration, international law, and UN processes were all new to me, but those challenges became opportunities to grow. Unlike other institutions I’ve worked in, IOM provided all the accommodations I needed—ramps, accessible bathrooms, elevators. Even though I was the first volunteer with disabilities working onsite, the team was fully prepared to support me. The entire office environment felt genuinely inclusive and welcoming, with everyone from the security staff to colleagues making me feel valued. This inclusive environment is thanks to the UN’s strong values around diversity and the legacy of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which has also shaped national legislation.
In my role at IOM, I handle legal documents, internal inquiries, contracts, and cooperation accords. I focus in particular on donation agreements that benefit public schools and institutions. These contributions support both the host population and migrant or refugee communities.
I also help simplify internal processes and support teams across departments. It’s incredibly motivating to know that behind every document or meeting, we are advancing a larger mission: human-centered migration that is safe, fair, and sustainable.
Beyond legal work, I've had the opportunity to support inclusion training with the UNV team in Peru for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. I facilitated a session for IOM staff on respectful approaches to working with persons with disabilities, such as asking before offering help, and recognizing the importance of personal space and integrity. We also conducted a blindfold exercise to simulate navigating Lima without sight, helping colleagues better understand the lived experiences of people with disabilities.
Looking ahead, I hope to continue growing within IOM or other UN agencies, promoting inclusive and accessible workplaces, and demonstrating that people with disabilities are valuable contributors to diverse and empathetic environments. I also aspire to become a reference in this field, where I believe real, foundational change is still needed—and possible—through a legal lens.
It's all about changing perspectives on our beliefs and values, and broadening the space for inclusion.
With colleagues at OIM Perú. @ UNV, 2025