Human Rights Student Placement Program

International Human Rights (LAW4155)

The Program is run within existing human rights courses. As part of the course, a number of students are placed with a human rights body for one day a week over a ten-week period. The Program consists of 50% of the assessment for the course, comprising assessment by the external supervisor (20%) and an essay of 2000 words (30%). Students considering completing a thesis as part of Research Subject (LAW4173/4174) or Research Subject (LAW4214) may also be placed with an appropriate human rights body for a period as part of their research into their thesis topic, however this must be organised independently by the students.

History

The pilot of the Program was devised by Julie Debeljak (Associate Director) and Melissa Hardham of the Disability Employment Action Centre ("DEAC") in 2001. Two students from the Human Rights and Australian Law course were placed with DEAC. The students spent 6 days with DEAC and 2 days each with the Equal Opportunity Commission of Victoria and the Public Interest Law Clearinghouse over the ten-week period. The students were involved in drafting relevant documentation (including complaints under the Equal Opportunity Act 1995 and Disability Discrimination Act 1992), the preparation of advice to clients, participated in drafting law reform proposals and systemic recommendations and participated in client conferences and conciliation conferences.

Current Placements

Since 2002 two students have been placed with the International Humanitarian Law Department of Australian Red Cross, Victoria, as part of International Human Rights (LAW4155). The students participate in the dissemination of the Geneva Conventions, international humanitarian law, and the humanitarian work of the Red Cross. In particular, students are monitoring developments in international criminal law, researching and writing conflict case studies, training manuals and articles, and monitoring the use of the Red Cross emblem in the Victorian Community. Over the years, students have completed research papers on Women and War, The interaction between international humanitarian law, human rights law and refugee law.