Australian Delegation to the United Nations Human Rights Council Internship

Organisation profile

The Monash Castan Centre for Human Rights Law has developed this program to enable undergraduate Law students to join the Australian delegation to the UN Human Rights Council (HRC). The Council sits for six weeks each year, from March to April, and has primary responsibility in the UN for matters concerning human rights. It is a governmental forum, where member states of the UN negotiate on human rights resolutions and determine the programs the Office of the High Commission on Human Rights will undertake for the following year.

In 2006, it replaced the Commission on Human Rights. The Council is comprised of Member states and Observer states. Australia is an observer state.

Governmental delegations are made up of the following Geneva based diplomats

• The Ambassador
• The Deputy Permanent Representatives
• First Secretaries
• Support Staff
• Interns

Other Australian Diplomats may join the Delegation for part of the Council. The Delegation is in continuous contact with DFAT in Canberra, and Australian Embassies worldwide, regarding Australia’s position on issues which may arise in the Commission. Non government organisations (NGO) have observer status for the Commission, as do inter-governmental organisations (IGO). A number of delegations, governmental, NGO and IGO include interns in their delegations.  

The following websites may be helpful to understand the nature of the internship:

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Australian Permanent Mission in Geneva
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Eligibility criteria

Please click here for the eligibility criteria.

Selection Criteria

The following selection criteria will be taken into account by the Castan Centre in choosing the intern and applicants are advised to directly address each criterion in the personal statement.

• A demonstrated interest in human rights as shown through your practical or academic experiences;
• Particular interest in the work currently being undertaken by the United Nations Human Rights Council';
• Strong academic record, in particular marks received in human rights and other relevant subjects;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Application process

• Complete the UN Human Rights Council Internship Application Form and also prepare the following documents:
  
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Statement of results (download from WES) which must show at least a 60% average across all law studies
  • A personal statement of no more than one page typed (minimum size ariel font x10 point)showing a proven interest in the work and mission of UN Human Rights Council.
• Submit your application either -
  • in hard copy to the International Programs Officer located in the Student Services office on Level 1 of the Law building
  • via email from your Monash student account to  erica.contini@law.monash.edu.au. If submitting via email, we will contact you to confirm receipt of your application. If you do not get confirmation, please contact us.
• The Monash Castan Centre for Human Rights Law is responsible for short listing applicants.
• Short listing of applicants may include an interview by members of the Castan Centre
• The successful applicant will be contacted directly via phone and/or email by the Castan Centre Project Manager
• All unsuccessful applicants will be notified via phone and/or email by the International Programs Officer  
• International Programs Officer will notify the Faculty Finance Manager of the successful intern
• Once the successful intern has been notified they must contact the International Programs Officer to discuss travel arrangements and release of funds.

Note: All grants should be used in the first instance to cover travel costs, followed by insurance and accommodation costs if funds permit.

Equity grants

Student Travel Fund (STF) Equity Grants have been developed to provide financial assistance for faculty internship programs to those students who can demonstrate financial hardship. 

Contact information

If you would like further information about this internship please contact:

Forms

UN Internship Application Form
Equity Grant application form [PDF]

Other Useful information

Accommodation and cost of living hints Geneva - Jihan Mirza 2008
Accommodation and cost of living hints Geneva - Bridi Rice 2007
Past intern report - Bridi Rice 2007
Past intern report - Simone Cusack 2005