Queen's International Affairs Association (QIAA)

On 19 August 2003, a bomb attack killing 22 humanitarian workers, including the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello, took place at the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq. Since then, the United Nations has declared this day, World Humanitarian Day. Today we take the time to honour humanitarian workers, who put their own lives at risk to stand by those affected by crises around the world.

QIAA stands with these workers, those affected, and encourages those who can to take action. Whether this be through donating to aid campaigns, volunteering with local or international groups, or advocating for the rights and protections of those under threat, we all have a role to play.

Included in this post are just a few ways to get involved globally as well as with our local Queen’s clubs and initiatives.

On August 1, 1834, the Slavery Abolition Act came into effect across most of the British Empire, including the territories that became Canada. This law formally ended the legal ownership of enslaved people, but it did not erase the centuries-long system of the transatlantic slave trade that had shaped societies across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas. Families were torn apart, communities were destroyed, and individuals were subjected to violence, forced labour, and dehumanization, resulting in both immediate and generational effects - disrupted cultural continuity, severed kinship networks, and long-lasting economic and social inequalities that continue to be felt today.

As students at Queen’s we live and study on colonial grounds, and must recognize the role our own institution has played in creating and perpetuating structural and systemic racism.  Emancipation does not mean we have reached complete equity and equality, but QIAA is committed to working towards these values and promoting them as future global leaders.

As we reach the end of June, and the end of Pride Month, QIAA wants to highlight just some of the historical events that have led to what Pride is today. While Pride month may be coming to an end, it is important to continue our allyship, advocacy and education throughout the year. Pride has come a long way since 1969, but there is still a long way to go and it is the responsibility of everyone to ensure we are continuing forward.

For 2sLQBTQIA+ resources in the Kingston area, take a look at our earlier post. 🏳️‍🌈

In June we recognize the struggle for and constant pursuit of equal justice for the 2sLGBTQIA+ community. QIAA is committed to recognizing and empowering all voices, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. While Queen’s is a diverse community, it is important to recognize that there are still gaps in the representation of 2sLGBTQIA+ individuals, particular for those who are BIPOC or have disabilities. As members of Queen’s it is our responsibility to work towards cultivating an inclusive and supportive environment for all. During this month we encourage individuals to step up and stand up for the rights of 2sLGBTQIA+ members, supporting them as allies in the ongoing push towards equal justice and respect.

Hi QIAA!! Thomas and Annika are so happy to announce that QIAA Executive Recruiting for the 2026/2027 year is officially live! The recruiting process will move fast, so if interested please do your best to fill out the google form at your earliest convenience. This form will close on Friday, April 24th, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.. the google form can be accessed through the link tree in the description. Please note that if hired, your tenure will begin in May 2025 and you will be expected to assist throughout the summer in preparing for the academic year. We look forward to reviewing your application and working with you to make QIAA the best it can be!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnJn-WzjOZAqQDOoX0YJphhEb3CS4cIaUkDGpIiMCRQKXnJg/viewform?usp=header

QIAA members! Do you want to make an impact on the day-to-day operations? The QIAA VP role may be for you! Our new co-presidents for the 2026-7 school year are recruiting two VPs to join the team. The form has been posted in both the QIAA and MUN Slack channels - if you have trouble accessing them, let us know!

Attention QIAA members! Our new co-presidents for the 2026-7 school year are hiring two Vice Presidents! These hands-on roles will give you the chance to get very involved in QIAA and gain some valuable experience. The application form is posted in both the QIAA and MUN Slack channels - if you are having trouble accessing it, please message us and we can help you out!

📢 Applications are due THIS FRIDAY at 11:59 pm 📢

RSVP TO THE QIAA GALA!

Fill out the form using the QR code or through the link sent to the Slack. You MUST fill out the form to attend!

IMPORTANT INFO regarding the upcoming QIAA election! Please make sure to pay your QIAA fee in order to vote. Reach out if you are having trouble finding how to pay or the cost is a financial barrier. Check your emails for more information!

March 8th is International Women’s Day! Today, we celebrate women around the world and their fight for equality and liberation. This year, the United Nations official theme for International Women’s Day is “Rights. Justice. Action.”

QIAA is a club with many strong female leaders and members. Pictured here are all of our female executive staff for the 2025-6 school year, and we thank and acknowledge them for their hard work and dedication to their initiatives and international affairs as a whole.

Today, make sure to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, political, and personal achievements of the women in your life. Happy International Women’s Day!