A Personal Passion for Disarmament and Human Rights
Jonathan’s drive for advocacy stems from his upbringing as the child of Vietnamese refugees. His parents’ harrowing experiences during the Vietnam War, including surviving bombings and displacement, shaped his understanding of the human cost of conflict.
“My parents were Vietnamese refugees. Both of my parents had to flee the country at a very young age, and they still have a lot of trauma from their childhood, hearing drop bombs drop at midnight,” Jonathan shared. “There were times when my mom would explain to me stories about having to go into the basement when they heard the bombs drop.”
His introduction to the Safeguard Act came through his work with Amnesty International, where he lobbied for bipartisan legislation aimed at regulating the U.S. transfer of arms to conflict zones. “[When we] think about this broader conversation about conflict, disarmament, and the transfer of weapons, it’s not just sending weapons into a different country but it’s also resulting in the displacement of refugees like my parents,” Jonathan pointed out.
Spotlight on the Safeguard Act
Jonathan’s capstone project centers on the Safeguard Act, a bipartisan effort to reduce U.S. involvement in fueling global conflicts. Inspired by the devastation in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as the broader consequences of U.S. arms transfers, Jonathan’s project seeks to raise awareness about the human and societal costs of these policies.
“As I learned more about the Safeguard Act, I began to understand that this bill is truly bipartisan. I don’t think either political party wants to see the United States invest so much taxpayer money into displacement,” Jonathan emphasized.
Despite its importance, the act faces significant political challenges, particularly in the wake of the 2024 elections. Jonathan and his collaborators at Amnesty are revisiting their legislative strategies, working to build bipartisan support while navigating the controversies surrounding arms restrictions.
Representing Youth at the UN Summit of the Future
Jonathan’s advocacy extends beyond U.S. borders. Earlier this year, he attended the United Nations’ Summit of the Future—an event focused on enhancing global cooperation. The summit, led by the UN Secretary-General, tackled critical issues such as security, technology, youth empowerment, and peace.
“The summit was a two-day event and a lot of our sessions featured youth activists from around the world leading these conversations,” Jonathan recounted. “I got to hear a lot of young change-makers talk about their perspectives on broad topics, like intergenerational organizing and solidarity and nuclear disarmament.”
The experience also opened doors for Jonathan to participate in future UN events, such as the third annual member states meeting on nuclear weapons. He highlighted the U.S.’s push for reforms in the UN Security Council to include more representation from African and Latin American nations, underscoring the need for equitable global governance.
Collaborating with Amnesty International and RFK Human Rights
Jonathan credits his work with Amnesty International and RFK Human Rights for providing the resources and platforms to amplify his advocacy. At Amnesty, he has lobbied for migrant and refugee rights while connecting his efforts to the Safeguard Act’s broader goals. Meanwhile, RFK Human Rights has supported his capstone project through mentorship, networking opportunities, and guidance on international litigation and social media strategy.
“Working with the RFK Human Rights Advocacy & Litigation teams has given me a glimpse of what international litigation looks like, which has helped me on the path going into immigration law,” Jonathan noted. “As for my advocacy at the UN, RFK Human Rights has definitely helped me with networking and pitching my capstone project to people I meet. In general, working with RFK Human Rights has given me bigger opportunities to develop my career and explore my passion.”
Overcoming Challenges Post-Election
The 2024 U.S. elections have significantly impacted Jonathan’s advocacy efforts. Changes in congressional leadership and heightened political polarization have necessitated a shift in strategy. Despite these challenges, Jonathan remains optimistic about leveraging bipartisan narratives to advance the Safeguard Act.
“This isn’t just about Gaza or Ukraine. There are 77 other countries that the US is still sending weapons to, countries that aren’t even actively in war, like Nigeria or Colombia,” he said. “And those weapons have been used to brutally target civilians when it comes to protest. So it’s not just that the U.S. is investing in war, but in general we’re investing into global conflict, and even democratic downsliding in certain countries.”
How You Can Support
Jonathan invites supporters to follow his advocacy work through his Instagram page, Sanctuary Beyond War. “On Instagram, I’m hoping to highlight how youth can get involved in international issues. Even just sharing the page or engaging with our posts can make a difference,” he said “I’m also partnering with Legacies of War to spotlight what’s happening with cluster munitions that are being sent to Ukraine.”
Jonathan Lam’s story is a testament to the power of youth advocacy in addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues. As he continues to champion disarmament and human rights, his work serves as a reminder that change often begins with individuals willing to stand up and speak out. View Jonathan’s profile here to learn more about his capstone project.