Miran Vila (Bosnia)
Miran Vila was an intern with the UN Monitoring Team from May to August 2010. His favourite part of the internship was attending the Un Human Rights Council. Miran has since finished his last year of MBA and Law School and is currently studying for the Bar Exam. When asked if he had been able to use the knowledge and experience acquired during his time at ISHR, Miran said: 'Yes, this April I participated in the Willem C. Vis Moot Competition held in Vienna, Austria and used the ICCPR in one of my arguments. The arbitrators were impressed with the creativity of the argument due to my knowledge of the ICCPR.' His advice to those considering an internship with ISHR would be to get some base knowledge of the UN System, International law and NGOs beforehand.
Ravina Bains (Canada)
Ravina Bains did the ISHR UN Human Rights Council Internship during the summer of 2008. When asked about her experience with ISHR, Ravina said her favourite part was 'getting to work with a great team on vital human rights issues and making great new friends'. After completing the internship, she began an MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Oxford University. Since completing her Masters' Degree, she has returned to Canada where she now works as a Policy and Regional Affairs Advisor for the Government of Canada. She also serves as the Vice President of the Ottawa Oxford Alumni Society. The research, time management and engagement skills Ravina obtained while working at ISHR are skills that she now uses on a daily basis in her work as a Policy Advisor.
Jessika Croizat (US)
Jessika Croizat was placed on the UN Monitoring Team from January to May 2008 through the University of Michigan Law School Geneva externship program. When asked about her experience at ISHR, Jessika said: 'I loved learning first-hand about the working of the UN human rights system and I also loved the wonderful work atmosphere at ISHR.' After her internship, Jessika went on to spend a summer on a refugee law fellowship with the Jesuit Refugee Service in Lilongwe, Malawi working in Dzaleka Refugee Camp. She then returned to the United States to complete her Juris Doctor degree at the University of Michigan Law School. Following her graduation, she spent 6 months on a post-graduate fellowship with Asylum Access in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, providing legal aid to urban refugees and asylum seekers.
In May 2011, Jessika moved to Harper, Liberia, where she is currently working for UNHCR as an Associate Protection Officer. Jessika has been able to use several aspects of the knowledge she acquired during her internship: 'I also learned a lot about participatory training techniques in the numerous trainings I participated in at ISHR and I use that knowledge a lot in designing and conducting trainings for refugees and asylum-seekers and government officials and in conducting trainings of trainers.'
Kathrina Szymborski (US)
Kathrina Szymborski did an internship with ISHR during the summer of 2008, as part of the UN Monitoring Team. Since then, she has graduated from the University of Michigan Law School and is now working at the Rwandan Foreign Ministry. In January 2012, she will be starting a new job at a law firm called Weil Gotshal &Manges in New York City. The knowledge she acquired at ISHR was particularly useful in the job at the Ministry, where she helped compile Rwanda's reports for the UPR and treaty bodies. When asked about what she enjoyed most about her time at ISHR, Kathrina said: 'I loved the variety of assignments, the many opportunities to actually write, and, of course, the people! My fellow interns were wonderful, and I'm still in close touch with many of them.' She says that an internship at ISHR is a great way to get to know the UN human rights system and that there are a lot of career resources for interns, such as the resume-writing workshop and job vacancy announcement listserv for former interns.
James Wilson (UK)
James Wilson interned with ISHR as part of the UN Monitoring Team from June to September 2010. His favourite part of the internship at ISHR was the opportunity to enjoy first-hand experience of UN meetings, including the Human Rights Council, and most of the Treaty Bodies. Since his time in Geneva, he has been finishing his undergraduate MA (Hons) in Politics and International Relations at the University of Aberdeen, and has been accepted onto the postgraduate MSc in Strategic Studies also at Aberdeen starting in September 2011. Moreover, he has taken part in a number of internships and other jobs, including open source intelligence analysis for a private security company and working for the Royal Air Force Reserve at the Air Cadet Organisation. He has also been able to use the reporting and publication writing skills acquired during the internship, especially through having his work published in the Human Rights Monitor Quarterly. To anyone considering an internship with ISHR, James says: 'Go for it! Although monetarily-speaking, Geneva is an extremely expensive place, the first hand experience you can gain is fantastic.'
Felice Drott (Austria)
Felice Drott interned with ISHR’s UN Monitoring Team from August to December 2009. Since completing her internship, Felice has gone to work for the Austrian Women’s Shelters Network. In June 2011, she is planning to contribute to a project of the European network, WAVE (Women Against Violence in Europe). In addition to this, she is taking part in a project with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on gender-based violence in Central Asia. Felice often thinks back to her time in Geneva, which she feels was a great half-year. She has been able to use her ISHR experience well, as she is participating in a university external programme on foreign relations and was evaluating Austria’s first UPR at the beginning of 2011. She is also involved in coordinating the writing of an NGO CEDAW shadow report for Austria’s next examination by the CEDAW committee.
Peter Tubman (UK)
Since completing my internship in October 2009, I have been working as a consultant for UNDP in the Maldives, writing a handbook on human rights and conducting training sessions on international redress mechanisms for national NGOs. The experience I gained from ISHR helped me invaluably - both in finding the job initially and in developing many skills necessary for my work. I now have several options for the future, including continuing to work in the Maldives as a journalist, working as an editor for a human rights journal in Egypt or going to Yemen with UNDP.
Mabel Kiggundu (Uganda)
I am currently working as a Program Assistant with SIHA network- Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa in their secretariat office in Kampala,Uganda. SIHA, is a network of civil society organizations from North and South Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia and Somaliland. Founded in 1995 by a collection of women's groups with the view of strengthening their capacity, SIHA has grown over the years and is now comprised of 28 member organizations. SIHA is advocating for social change and gender equality for men and women in the Horn of Africa and working specifically on: gender equality, eliminating violence against women and girls, promoting human rights, peace building and conflict transformation, enhancing women's leadership and political participation and dissemination of knowledge. I mainly work on SIHA's documentation of knowledge programme as well as SIHA's research work on the advocacy strategies against violence against women in the Horn of Africa.
Benjamin Lee (Australia)
Ben was an ISHR intern in 2004. Since this time, he’s served as Human Rights Advisor to the Chair of the Northern Ireland Bill of Rights Forum, as an Australian Youth Ambassador for Development with UNICEF in Timor-Leste, as Associate to a Judge, and is currently Project Manager with the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF). Ben’s also worked as a human rights consultant in Bangkok, Geneva, Kathmandu and Sydney with organisations that include ARC International, the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), the Human Rights Council of Australia, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Save the Children, and the South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre (SAHRDC). Ben’s been fortunate to enjoy a continuing relationship with ISHR, having returned as a Fellow in 2005 and as a Human Rights Officer with the International Programme in 2007.
Yuri Saito (Japan)
After her internship, Yuri stayed on with ISHR for one year as a Fellow. During her Fellowship, she continued to monitor and report on the various UN human rights bodies, while also becoming involved in ISHR's training courses. She participated in train-the-trainer courses and helped train human rights defenders in English and French. While at ISHR, Yuri also had the opportunity to co-author an article for the Human Rights Law Review. She is now working at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), where she manages various projects related to environmental protection.
Janet Mccaig (Scotland)
Since leaving ISHR I have been working in the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. I work at the campus in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. I teach various international law subjects including, both Public and Private International Law, Contemporary Legal Systems and EU law. I am continually trying to convince the university that they need to introduce a course on international human rights law. I hope it becomes a reality soon. I have been working on a proposal for a PhD where I will research the failings of international law in the area of human trafficking, specifically in the Mexico - U.S. border region. Having volunteered in a refuge in San Luis which offers legal advice, food, limited medical care and shelter, whilst compiling data on the violation of human rights of undocumented people in Mexico and in the USA I have had first hand experience of human traffickers as they prey on the weak and vulnerable. And lastly I married the love of my life after 6 years of comings and goings between Scotland and Mexico. I think very fondly of my days at ISHR and of the friends made whilst there. An invaluable experience!
Surya Gopalan (Australia)
During his six months at ISHR, Surya worked within the UN Monitoring Team. His favorite aspect of the work was ‘the genuinely international environment’ and the culture of learning which he said was a constant benefit of life at ISHR. After finishing his internship in Geneva, Surya has worked as a researcher with the British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL) in London, before becoming an intern at the Australian Permanent Mission in New York. During the 64th Session of the UN General Assembly he had the opportunity to participate in Australia's negotiations. In the past year, Surya has returned to Sydney Law School to study Law and currently works as a Research Assistant at the Law School Faculty concentrating on International Law. Surya’s advice to those thinking about applying for an internship at ISHR is: ‘Make the most of every minute.Try and get yourself involved a diverse range of tasks to see how ISHR work fits together. On a more human level, take the time to speak to staff and other interns as much as you can - they are fantastic people and fountains of knowledge.’
Antonina Telepina (Russia)
After my internship at ISHR I became interested in the subjects of socially responsible investments and particularly in microfinance. In order to reinforce my interest in this field with practical steps, I have started a 3-month internship at Symbiotics SA Information, Consulting & Services in Geneva in June 2009. Symbiotics is a company that provides professional services for microfinance investors and fund managers. In addition to that I plan to continue my education and receive a complementary Master in Microfinance by studying at the European Microfinance Programme (www.europeanmicrofinanceprogram.org), which is organised jointly by Université Libre de Bruxelles (Solvay Business School), Université Paris Dauphine and Wageningen Universiteit in Netherlands.
Sarah Hollier (UK)
Since completing my internship at ISHR I have given lectures at Keele University on the International Framework for Human Rights as well as giving mini workshops to students on volunteering and internship opportunities. I am participating in the Better Reading Scheme at my daughter's school and have also introduced human rights education to the school through a series of assemblies. As I live in a rural community in the UK I am looking to to continue working locally and I have found that the internship with ISHR has provided me with excellent skills and experience that have proved invaluable in my applications. I have also applied to train with the Citizens Advice Bureau and currently looking at various LLM and PhD programmes both in the UK and Europe for the future. Beth Lehner (UK) I’m studying for an LLM in Public International Law with the University of London External System, and job hunting in Geneva.
Antonina Vikhest (USA)
I am working with Centro Las Libres, a woman's rights organization here in central Mexico and am also completing research on access to higher education for girls in marginalized communities in Guanajuato State. As a result, the organization wants to start a scholarship fund for the girls to attend university! Starting September, I will be completing my final year at Duke for my political science degree, and will be applying to graduate school. I am also considering writing my honors thesis on CEDAW, all thanks to my wonderful training at ISHR :)
Annika Aberg (Sweden)
After her internship at ISHR, Annika interned as research assistant at the Mediation Support Project (a joint mediation/facilitation project between the Center for Security Studies and Swisspeace) in Zurich and at the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) in Geneva during 2008. She is currently attaché at the human rights section of the Permanent Mission of Sweden to the UN in Geneva. Her areas of work relate to representing Sweden's interests and coordinating the EU in matters of racial discrimination, freedom of expression, HRC Special Procedures' country mandates, and HRC special sessions, something which is done primarily through multilateral negotiating forums, but also through bilateral contacts with states, OHCHR and civil society.
Hameed ul Mehdi (Pakistan)
I am continuing my work in Pakistan working with my organization. I am going to Indonasia for a world congress on HIV/AIDS in Asia soon.
Rebecca Whelan (UK)
After finishing her internship with ISHR Rebecca went on to complete her Masters degree in Human Rights at University College London (UCL). Whilst studying in London she worked for Women for Refugee Women; where she helped organise events held in Parliament and interviewed current Asylum seekers on their experiences in UK Detention centres. These interviews are now published in a report 'Out of sight; Out of Mind' compiled by Bail for Immigration Detainees (BID). Rebecca is currently based in Nairobi, Kenya; where she is conducting research for her MA thesis on women and rights-based development projects.
Paul Chick (France)
After graduating in Law at the University of Kent in July 2009, I decided to take a break with the academics and went for 12 months to West Africa to gain experience on the field. My experience at ISHR as an intern enabled me to make great contacts, who were exited to give me the opportunity to help on the field. There, I worked with the West African Human Rights Defenders Network and Amnesty International Togo. I am curently in Lome working with various NGOs as the presidential elections are approaching (28 feb). After this, I intend to do a Masters degree in International Humanitarian Law, and ultimately, work with organisations related to humanitarian emergencies or human rights in general.
Lauren Gecuk (Australia)
I am currently doing a Masters in Peace and Conflict studies at the University of Sydney and fundraising for UNHCR's Emergency Response Team. When I finish I plan to do some work in the field in India and South America.
Alice Hughes (UK)
After leaving Geneva at Christmas 08, I went back to London to continue the internship adventure... I worked two days a week as an intern at UnLtd- a charity which gives out grants to people/groups to set up social enterprises- on their RISE scheme (Refugee Initiative for Social Entrepreneurs). This was a great opportunity to get experience in a related field to the work I did at ISHR, but with a different focus- hopefully broadening my experience and future employability! I also worked two days a week as a parliamentary intern in the office of Barry Sheerman MP- again, a great opportunity to witness firsthand events at westminster & get a clearer idea as to the workings of the UK government. In September I will start my Msc at UCl in Social Development Practice.
Patriani P Mulia (Indonesia)
Patriani P Mulia is an Indonesian lawyer. She graduated cum laude in 2008 and has also received several awards for her achievements, in both academic performance and organizational activities. Before joining ISHR, she has worked as a lawyer in addition to training law students in international law related materials, particularly in preparing the students for international moot court competitions. At the moment, Patriani is carrying out her internship at the Association for the Prevention of Torture, another Geneva-based NGO, focusing its works on the prevention of torture worldwide.
Rachel Clarke (USA)
I finished my second year of law school in May, during which I co-chaired the 2009 Harvard Black Law Students Associations Spring Conference and became primary editor of the Harvard Human Rights Journal. I spent the first half of my summer as a Summer Associate at a large international law firm in Atlanta, Georgia and the second half of my summer interning at the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, DC as part of the Summer Honors Program. I am entering my final year of law school this fall, will graduate next May and am still determining what to do thereafter!
Christopher Brown (U SA)
Christopher Brown is in the process of completing a Masters degree in International Studies at the University of Connecticut, U.S.A. He is focusing on conflict resolution, democracy building, and human rights enforcement and plans to pursue a career in the NGO sector upon completion of his studies.
Tina Kristensen (Denmark)
Tina is now working in the Danish Immigration Service, which is a directorate under the Ministry of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs. The Immigration Service administers the Danish Aliens Act, that is, it processes applications for asylum, family reunification, visas, residence and work permits, etc. More specifically she is working in the department of residence and work permit, where she processes applications and works as a consultant for both national and international business.
Tae-Hohn Lee (Korea)
Since concluding his internship with ISHR in April 2008, Tae-Hohn has gotten happily married and is about to start his (hopefully) final batch of schooling with the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. He's doing a joint degree with law and public policy (JD & MPP), luckily under full scholarship the whole way. He would like to say: "Geneva during springtime is one of the best places to pop the question."
Rosa Sanz (Spain)
Since concluding her fellowship at ISHR in May 2008, Rosa has been working for Age Concern and Help the Aged in London, an NGO dedicated to improve the lives of older people. She is managing a human rights project aimed at empowering disadvantaged older people to use human rights principles and standards to influence the improvement of local public services through the delivery of awareness-raising sessions, information, training and support.
Philipp Thorquindt (Australia)
Upon leaving ISHR after a relatively short yet intensive and immensely enriching internship in 2008, Philipp also interned at a private law firm in Munich before returning to Sydney, where he continued to work as a research assistant at the Department of Linguistics at Macquarie University and completed a Masters in International Law and International Relations at the University of New South Wales in August 2009. After considering pursuing a PhD project on specific aspects of international law implementation and declining a scholarship for another Master, he finally accepted a promising job offer from a renowned and thriving Swiss multinational financial concern and now works as an international advisor and communications specialist in Zurich.
Philipp values his time at ISHR as a precious experience and a priceless opportunity to gain insight into the world of NGOs and the UN in Geneva as well as to make contact with extremely interesting and truly inspiring personalities. He is very grateful to all staff members of ISHR who were supportive and eager to share their vast experience, and he feels particularly indebted to the amazingly passionate internship coordinator whose efforts go way beyond her regular duties. Her unequalled dedication makes ISHR internships more worthwhile than any other (paid) internship. Many thanks!
Matthew Gray
Matthew started at ISHR back in 2002, and he spent much of his time reporting on the key themes of meetings held by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). After completing his internship at ISHR, Matthew has gone on to study International Relations in Canada. Over the past eight years, he has pursued a successful and varied career which took him to: Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Kazakhstan where he worked for a number of highly-regarded organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) among others. He is currently acting as Head of Mission at Solidarites International in Myanmar. Matthew said: ‘Looking back at my time at ISHR, I was really inspired by some of the harrowing stories that I heard as part of my work with the UNHCR. I realised that I needed to pursue a proactive international career to try to address some of the things that I learned about.’
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