Castan Centre for Human Rights Law

Human Rights Career Series

 

Jim Backwell
Human Rights Careers Seminar, Monash University
March 2005

WORKING CAREER

Manager Community Campaigns
Amnesty International Australia
2004 -|
Richmond, Victoria

Duties: Management of a team of 8 people around the country to implement the human rights campaigns of Amnesty International

Co-ordinator, International Humanitarian Law (IHL)
Australian Red Cross Victoria (ARCV)                                     
1998-2001/2003-2004
North Melbourne, Victoria

Duties:   
Coordinate a department tasked with the dissemination of IHL to the Victorian and Australian Community.

Legal Coordinator, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Israel and the Occupied Territories Delegation 
September 2001 - 2002

Duties: Provide legal advice to the ICRC Delegation on International Humanitarian Law as applicable in the Occupied Territories.

Represent the legal position of the ICRC to the Israeli Defence Force and Government, the Palestinian Authority and Civil Society.

Develop and maintain networks in Israeli and Palestinian civil society 

Manager, International Humanitarian Law
Australian Red Cross (National Office)
2001
Carlton, Victoria

Duties:

Manage IHL Dissemination to the Australian Community through      the coordination of IHL Officers in ARC State and territory Divisions.

Industrial Officer                                                                 

Community & Public Sector Union/                                                                                            
State Public Services Federation  
1994-1998
Victorian Branch

Duties: 
Representing union members interests to employers, tribunals and the wider community.

General Secretary of the Campaign for International Co-operation and Disarmament (CICD) 1991 - May 1994
Melbourne

Duties: 
Full-time position co-ordinating work of the CICD, including campaigns, media, administration, research and publication, planning, budget maintenance. Became part-time in 1993.

ADVICE FOR FUTURE HUMAN RIGHTS/HUMANITARIAN WORKERS

 

  1. There are usually two types of the lawyers in this field – those who believe and want to make a difference and those who are stimulated by the law. Both have there place. True believers are highly motivated but can be easily disillusioned by the reality of the environment they work in. They can be exploited by their employers and they can give too much of themselves to the person(s) who they are trying to assist. They burn out very regularly and become embittered or cynical.

    The legal ‘egg heads’ are magnificent to have because of their technical capacity but can lack the compassion necessary to do the job properly. There are real people at the end of your work, not names on a case note.

    The challenge is balance. Firstly which type are you? A bit of both is the ideal.

    I was/am a true believer and made lots of mistakes trying to balance work and family/community/friends.
  2. Don’t do it immediately after Uni. Get your hands dirty in the ‘real’ world. The world of human rights and NGOs is pretty surreal to be honest.
  3. Volunteer and be involved in human rights/humanitarian action. This demonstrates commitment and you will gain valuable experience. I would never hire someone without voluntary experience in an organisation that works with volunteers. It’s like buying your car from a bloke who does not have his license!!!
  4. Your leadership skills are essential. Australia has a lack of leadership. Don’t be frightened of being a leader but understand Australians have a tall poppy syndrome which is destructive and will make you often wonder why you bother. You won’t always be popular being a leader but you won’t get the goals for humanity if you don’t try.
  5. Set your self a plan – where do you want to be in 5 years time? I never did this but I wish I had. If you wanted to work in the UN maybe you would need another language; or do you need a Masters? What about your personal ambitions – when do you want to have kids (if at all?). Life just dribbles along if you let it. Be goal driven without being a robot.
  6. International humanitarian work will probably not be legal. But ultimately it has a legal base. Do it! It will be a life changing experience.
  7. Which group to choose? – easier said than done! Research, talk and ask questions. Check out the vacancies on www.reliefweb.org. Then check out different agency websites.
  8. What’s important to you? – being close to home, working in a secure environment, money, experience. Think these goals through before working overseas.
  9. Other Websites: www.ifrc.org, www.icrc.org, www.amnesty.org, www.hrw.org, www.australianvolunteers.com.au, www.care.org, www.caritas.org
  10. Internships will help. Explore the options ICTY, ICTR, ICC, UN. Can you link it up with some study?

Concluding remarks

I made a lot of mistakes. I’ve running out of time for a family and I have no money. If I had of followed my advice maybe things would be different. Did I do the wrong thing? No, but things just happened, there were no plans. It has been an amazing journey and I believe that I have made a difference, even if I didn’t save the world.

If individuals think I can assist in opinion or advice, I would be happy to provide it.

Mentoring/Internships

I’m currently thinking of taking on an intern or mentoring some people as I get asked to a lot. It is very humbling. While I’m not working in law anymore, management of NGOs is a challenge. I’d be interested in hearing from undergrads if they are interested in doing something of this nature.

I’d like to thank, Julie Debeljak, Sarah Joseph and Paula Gerber of the Castan Centre for inviting me to the seminar


Jim Backwell
Community Campaigns Manager
Amnesty International Australia
jbackwell@amnesty.org.au