Every summer, the International Human Rights Program (“IHRP”) at the Faculty of Law supports approximately 10-20 students wishing to pursue international human rights law fellowships with organizations around the world. Through logistical and financial support, the IHRP has been facilitating summer fellowships for over 30 years and has assisted over 500 students who have worked at governmental, non-governmental, and inter-governmental organizations in 70 different countries (including in Canada). Through IHRP fellowships, students have the opportunity to participate in human rights research, advocacy, and litigation often at the grassroots level.
In 2023, there will be two types of IHRP fellowships available: student-initiated fellowships and competitive fellowships with SASLAW and UNHCR. This guide provides information to assist you with applying to either one or the other. A list of past summer fellowships can be found here. To learn more about our students’ experiences, check out the fall edition of Rights Review.
All IHRP summer fellowships are open to 1L and 2L J.D. students at the Faculty of Law, as well as 3L students enrolled in joint degree programs and returning for study in the Fall of 2023. Fellowships consist of a stipend to cover fellowship expenses and are only open to students who are receiving government (federal and/or provincial) financial aid (including US Stafford or Perkins loans). To apply you must complete the application form and its requirements (Appendix A) and include this as part of your application on UTLC (deadline February 6, 2023).
Note: We are planning for an in-person experience for 2023 fellows. However, due to the dynamic nature of the pandemic, it is not possible to guarantee that fellowships will be in person. Certain countries may allow in-person fellowships, while others may not. The University or the Government of Canada policies may discourage or prohibit such travel. If you apply for an IHRP fellowship, you must understand that the fellowship may be required to become remote at any time.
November 3, 202212:30-2:00 p.m. Virtual | International Law Society student panel on IHRP summer Fellowship experiences
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November 24, 202212:30-2:30 p.m. J250 | CDO Information Session: Law School Summer Employment Program (LSEEP) panel (including IHRP Fellowships) (recording available with CDO office) |
February 6, 202312:00 p.m. | IHRP Summer Fellowship Application Deadline (for both student-initiated and competitive fellowships)Applications should be submitted through UTLC. |
March 13, 2023(NOTE: this date may be updated depending on international travel permissions) | IHRP Summer Fellowship Approval DateStudents whose fellowships have been approved will be notified by email. |
IHRP summer fellowships are open to 1L and 2L J.D. students at the Faculty of Law, as well as 3L students enrolled in joint degree programs and returning for study in the Fall. Fellowships are only open to students who are receiving government (federal and/or provincial) financial aid. Graduating 3L, LL.M, S.J.D., exchange students, and non-Canadian citizens / permanent residents are ineligible. Note that students enrolled in a joint degree program may be requested to maximize funding opportunities from both faculties. Students are eligible to apply to an IHRP fellowship if they have already undergone one in the past.
Students apply to become an IHRP summer fellow and must meet all associated deadlines and requirements. Completed applications must be submitted electronically through UTLC by February 6, 2023. Further details regarding the IHRP application process are set out in Section III below.
IHRP fellowships are opportunities available to students with demonstrated financial need. Only those students with demonstrated financial need (i.e., those receiving federal and/or provincial government financial aid) are eligible to apply for an IHRP fellowship, which consists of a stipend to cover some of the fellowship expenses. This stipend aims to ensure that financially disadvantaged students also have access to these valuable opportunities. Applications are judged and approved on merit alone, and the IHRP provides support throughout the application process and during the fellowship for all who are considered IHRP Fellows.
Students are encouraged to explore outside funding sources as well. Students in joint-degree programs may be requested to seek financial support from their non-law faculty. Students may also seek financial support from third-party organizations, including government agencies, depending on the nature and subject matter of their fellowship (see below).
IHRP summer fellows are required to attend mandatory pre-departure training session(s), including Safety Abroad Training, and to sign several forms and waivers. Fellows are also expected to facilitate contact between the IHRP and their host organization.
Students will also be required to provide information to the University’s Safety Abroad database, which allows the University to monitor safety conditions in the fellow’s host country. Students will be asked to access the database prior to departure to provide their primary overseas telephone numbers and addresses. If any mandatory information is missing, the IHRP reserves the right to withhold support (including funding, where applicable) until it is provided.
Fellows are required to obtain supplementary travel health insurance and ensure that it is comprehensive and allows for repatriation if required. The IHRP may also require students to obtain trip cancellation / interruption insurance in certain cases.
Students must independently research and obtain the appropriate visa required to undertake an unpaid fellowship in the host country. Students should contact the IHRP regarding visa concerns if they or their host organization feel that obtaining the appropriate visa would unnecessarily jeopardize their safety or security (for example, due to restrictions on human rights work in the host country).
Fellows are required to complete brief mid-summer and final reports, which may be posted online. Upon return, fellows are given the opportunity to share their experiences with the law school community and prospective fellows in a variety of ways. Students may be asked to contribute to a Rights Review article, as well as attend and participate in faculty events, depending on the subject matter of their fellowship.
The University of Toronto, including the IHRP, cannot allow students to travel to dangerous areas while participating in university-supported programs. Fellows should consult the Government of Canada’s travel advisories before planning their fellowship. The IHRP may not approve fellowships for JD students to areas where the Government of Canada recommends “avoid[ing] all travel” and “avoid[ing] non-essential travel”. In addition, in light of the pandemic, University policies may restrict or prohibit students from travelling to international locations.
Students interested in public interest fellowships in Canada can also apply to: the David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights, the Donner Civic Leadership Fellowship program, the June Callwood Program in Aboriginal Law, the Douglas Elliott Fellowship, the Lenczner Slaght Advocacy Internship, and SLS Public Interest Advocacy Summer Fellowship program. For more information on these fellowships, please contact the Career Development Office. Students may also wish to explore fellowship opportunities themselves by locating alternative sources of funding. Further information on alternative sources of funding for fellowships can be found in the McGill International Law Career Guide (on reserve in the library) or through the Canadian Directory to Foundations and Grants (available at Robarts Library.)1
This year, in addition to the student-initiated fellowships, the IHRP offers two competitive fellowships: two positions with the SASLAW Pro Bono Project in South Africa, and one with UNHCR (in the Human Rights Liaison Unit) in Geneva. Please see below for more information.
Students may only apply to one IHRP fellowship only. Students can apply for either a student-initiated fellowship or a competitive fellowship with UNHCR or SASLAW (Application form in Appendix A), but not both. More information about summer fellowship opportunities can be found in the IHRP/CDO's International Human Rights Career Guide (2017).
The IHRP fellowship program is meant to support international human rights law-related experiences, and the host organization may be based in Canada or abroad.
Students who apply to the IHRP fellowship and are successful in obtaining a fellowship receive a stipend to cover some of the fellowship-related expenses. The fellowships are limited to 1L, 2L, and 3L students enrolled in joint degree programs who demonstrate financial need. Financial need can be demonstrated through receipt of:
We encourage you to explore outside funding sources in addition to this amount. Students in joint-degree programs should also seek funding from their non-law faculty.
Applications are considered by the IHRP and assessed based on merit. Specifically, the IHRP considers the following aspects of the proposed fellowship: the host organization, the proposal, the student’s strengths and interests, and the student’s professionalism in all dealings related to the application process. The IHRP supports fellowships that allow students to gain valuable experiences working in the field of international human rights, and to contribute to important work of organizations working in this field.
IHRP fellowships vary in duration, depending on the student’s availability, commitments, and funding. Typically, host organizations require fellowships to last a minimum of 12-16 weeks to allow adequate time for fellows to contribute to the organization’s work following initial training.
The majority of IHRP fellowships are student-initiated. This provides students with the opportunity to propose a project on an international human rights-related topic of their choice, with an organization of their choice, in a part of the world of their choice (keeping in mind security concerns). The flexibility of this program ensures that IHRP fellowships cater to students’ unique background and interests, and ultimately, that it is a fulfilling and meaningful experience.
To apply, please complete the application form and requirements at Appendix A to this Guide. As with all IHRP fellowships, applications should be submitted through UTLC by February 6, 2023. A list of past summer fellowships can be found here. To learn more about our students’ experiences, check out the fall edition of Rights Review.
Students are expected to contact organizations and obtain an offer themselves prior to applying to an IHRP fellowship through UTLC by the prescribed deadline of February 6, 2023, following the information and templates provided in this Guide. To take full advantage of this opportunity, students are encouraged to begin researching early (see the “Tips” section below) as they require an Offer Letter to apply for an IHRP fellowship.
Students research and locate suitable host organizations, approach the organization to host them as a fellow, develop a project with the organization, and then apply to the IHRP to approve their proposal. This process allows students to create opportunities that capitalize on their past experiences and interests. While it may seem daunting to approach organizations, they are generally open to hosting fellows who are completing a professional degree program and are not seeking stipend support from them. The IHRP is unable to vet proposed organizations during the application process itself; however, previous host organizations can be found on the IHRP website.
Note: there is one position available with the IHRP itself (based in Toronto, with possible travel abroad) so interested students (preference for upper year) should reach out to the IHRP as you would any other host organization. Students may be interviewed for this in-house position.
A minority of IHRP summer fellowships are based on students applying for a posted, unpaid position at an organization through an open recruiting process (where applicants must submit an application that fulfils the host organization’s application requirements) and, upon receiving an Offer Letter, applying to the IHRP fellowship. Students should apply to the student initiated IHRP fellowship only after obtaining an offer from their chosen host organization.
A general overview of the process is as follows:
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot predict whether international fellowships can be in person for the summer of 2023 (for example, University policies or country travel advisories may discourage or prohibit such travel). Please talk to your host organization about this and ensure that they are prepared to host a virtual fellowship, if necessary.
To apply, please complete the application form and requirements at Appendix A to this Guide. As with all IHRP fellowships, applications should be submitted through UTLC by February 6, 2023.
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot guarantee an in-person experience for the summer of 2023. SASLAW and UNHCR have assured the IHRP that, even if in person is not possible, a robust virtual experience will be offered to students.
Since 2018, the IHRP has had a formal collaborative arrangement with the South African Society for Labour Law (SASLAW)’s Pro Bono Project in South Africa, which provides a unique fellowship experience for selected IHRP Fellows. T
his project has become an indispensable cornerstone of the administration of Justice at the four Labour Courts around South Africa, by assisting unrepresented and indigent litigants. Since its inception in February 2011, the project has assisted more than 18,000 clients, who otherwise would not have had access to justice.
In 2023, the IHRP will select two (2) law students to assist SASLAW’s Pro Bono project in Johannesburg, South Africa. The fellowship period will run for 12 weeks between May and September. Please see a description of last year’s workplan here. Students whose applications are successful will receive a $10,000 stipend.
We anticipate this fellowship will be in-person for the summer of 2023. However, considering the ongoing pandemic, we cannot guarantee this. SASLAW has assured the IHRP that, even if in-person is not possible, a robust virtual experience will be offered to students. Note that the program will either be in-person for all students or virtual for all students as SASLAW cannot provide virtual opportunities for some students and in-person for others. For instance, if a student needs to leave South Africa prior to the end of the fellowship term, no virtual options will be available to that student for the remainder of the fellowship.
The IHRP has a formal collaborative arrangement with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), also known as the UN Refugee Agency, a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people.
In 2023, the IHRP will select one (1) law student to assist UNHCR’s Human Rights Liaison Unit, which is part of the PPLA Section in the Division of International Protection (Service 1 - Policy & Law). The Unit aims at promoting the effective use of international human rights law and UN human rights mechanisms to strengthen the protection of persons of concern to UNHCR. The fellowship period will run for 12 weeks between May and September. The student whose application is successful will receive a $12,000 stipend.
Once the student has been selected, and required clearances have been obtained by UNHCR, the fellow will need to sign an “Internship Agreement” statement setting out the conditions of engagement with UNHCR. A template “Internship Agreement” is Annexed below (Appendix D below).
The student will be responsible for making their own travel and accommodation arrangements and for obtaining the necessary visa for entering the country (Geneva). The student is responsible for having all the prescribed vaccinations for travel to Geneva and will be responsible for the costs of travel, visas, accommodation, vaccines and living expenses.
Prior to commencing the fellowship, the student will be required to provide UNHCR with a certificate of good health from a qualified medical practitioner issued on letter head paper and certifying their fitness for work, as well as travel. The certificate of good health must include confirmation of vaccination against Covid-19 with WHO approved vaccine.
The student is fully responsible for arranging, at their own expense, medical insurance including medical evacuation covering the period of the fellowship at UNHCR. Students will be required to confirm that they have such insurance and to provide to their supervisor and local administration/local HR a copy of documentation attesting of such insurance coverage.
Before you approach a host organization, think carefully about your strengths and interests. A strong proposal capitalizes on the qualities and experiences that make you unique. Consider the following questions when determining your strength and interests:
At this stage, you should identify 2-3 potential host organizations. Students often find this the most difficult step in the process. Here are some ways to identify hosts:
An ideal host organization will have at least some of the following attributes:
Where you are applying for a student-initiated fellowship, you will be required to approach the host. Before you approach a potential host organization, you should understand the type of work the organization undertakes, consider why you want to work with them, and be able to articulate how you will add value to their existing work Bear in mind the following when you approach a potential host organization:
The proposal is one of the most important parts of your application (A sample fellowship application is included as Appendix B to this guide.)
A strong proposal will answer the following questions:
As noted above, the IHRP provides fellowship stipends for successful applicants. Students must disclose all other funds that they have received or expect to receive in relation to the fellowship. Your budget should include line items for:
A. Student Contact Information
Name: _______________________________________
Year of Studies: _______________________________________
Sessional Address: _______________________________________
Phone Number: _______________________________________
E-mail: _______________________________________
B. Financial aid information for the academic year 2022-23:
________ I am receiving government student financial assistance (i.e., OSAP, BC Student Assistance Program, US Stafford or Perkins loans). Please specify from which province/jurisdiction you are receiving funding:
C. Funding
Please check:
________ I am applying for an IHRP stipend
________ I can cover some expenses of the fellowship through ___________(and indicate amount)
D. IHRP Fellowship for which you are applying
Please check off the fellowship for which you are applying (you may choose only one):
________ Student-Initiated Fellowship
________ SASLAW Competitive Fellowship
________ UNHCR Competitive Fellowship
Have you applied for or received IHRP Summer Fellowships in the past? _______
E. General Statement of Interest in International Human Rights and/or Public Interest Law and Related Skills
In no more than 500 words, please provide a description of your interest in international human rights (or public interest law if none) and any related skills (language, work in high pressure environment, organizational etc.). Reflect on what about the particular fellowship appeals to you.
Please include information regarding any particular substantive interest (i.e., women’s rights, labour rights, business and human rights, aboriginal rights, climate justice, international humanitarian law, international criminal law, children’s rights, economic and social rights etc.) and/or past related experience (i.e., past employment, volunteer positions, courses, extra-curricular activities, publications etc.).
If you have not yet had the opportunity to demonstrate your interest in international human rights, please explain what factors informed your decision to apply for this fellowship.
F. Courses, Transcript, and Curriculum Vitae
Please list all courses that you will be taking during the current academic year (and any courses you have taken previously). Please attach your transcript, if available, and your curriculum vitae.
G. Fellowship Proposal (*Only for Student-Initiated Fellowship Applications)
In no more than 700 words, please describe your proposed fellowship. A strong proposal will answer the following questions:
H. Willingness to Accommodate Virtual Format, if necessary (*Only for Student-Initiated Fellowship Applications)
In light of the ongoing COVID pandemic, we cannot predict whether international fellowships can be in person for the summer of 2023 (for example, University policies or country travel advisories may discourage or prohibit such travel). Please outline: whether you have spoken to your Host Organization about this possibility, whether the Host Organization is willing to accommodate a virtual format for this fellowship (if necessary), and if there are any concerns in this regard. If the Host is not willing to accommodate a virtual format, please outline what your backup plans for the summer would be.
I. Proposed Host Organization Details (*Only for Student-Initiated Fellowship Applications)
Please provide the full name of the host organization, a description of its work or mandate, its mailing address, telephone number, the name of your proposed supervisor and their email address, and the anticipated length of the fellowship.
J. Offer Letter (*Only for Student-Initiated Fellowship Applications)
Please attach to your application a letter or email message of support from your proposed host organization.
K. Safety and Security Issues Please indicate the current Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Travel Warning for the country and specific city/region in which you propose to work and provide a realistic assessment of any safety/security issues you may encounter and how you will mitigate against them.
L. Project Budget (*Only for Student-Initiated Fellowship Applications and UNHCR Applications)
Please include a projected budget for your fellowship.
Your budget should include line items for:
M. Short Biographical Paragraph
N. Letters of Recommendation
Please provide two references from a graduate or undergraduate supervisor, or employer.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A. Student Contact Information (redacted)
B. Financial Aid Information
___X___ I am receiving government student financial assistance (i.e., OSAP, BC Student Assistance Program, US Stafford or Perkins loans). Please specify from which province/jurisdiction you are receiving funding: Ontario (OSAP)
C. Funding
Please check:
___X___ I am applying for an IHRP stipend
_______ I can cover some expenses of the fellowship through _____ (and indicate amount)
D. IHRP Fellowship for which you are applying
Please check off the fellowships for which you are applying.
___X___ Student-Initiated Fellowship
_______ SASLAW Competitive Fellowship
_______ UNHCR Competitive Fellowship
Have you applied for or received other IHRP Summer Fellowships? _______
E. General Statement of Interest in International Human Rights and/or Public Interest Law and Related Skills
I have long held a strong interest in international development work, as evidenced by my undergraduate degree in International Development Studies. My work and volunteer experiences only further confirm my commitment to this field. For one year, I worked in Sri Lanka as a Junior Program Officer for X. I have also conducted research for organizations such as X, X and X (see resume attached for more details). More recently, my interest has evolved to focus specifically on the role of law in international development.
My motivation in applying for IHRP fellowship lies in my commitment to furthering global equity through the law and more specifically, my concern for refugees and the challenges they face. My experiences working with Afghan youth in Toronto, many of whom previously lived in Pakistan within refugee camps, have underscored the vulnerability of these populations and their need for legal protection. With this in mind, I recently became involved with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) X (through Pro Bono Students Canada). Under the auspices of this program, I underwent training to conduct legal rights education for asylum seekers held in detention centers around Toronto and will be leading a legal education workshop in March. Undergoing a fellowship with UNHCR will be an excellent opportunity to make further contributions in this field and develop my legal skills.
F. Courses, Transcript, and Curriculum Vitae (redacted)
G. Fellowship Proposal (*Only for Student-Initiated Fellowship Applications)
It is not always possible for refugees to return to their homes or settle in countries of first asylum. In these situations, third country resettlement is frequently the only viable long-term option, making it a critical element of international refugee law. The UNHCR Regional Office for X has offered me a summer fellowship with their Resettlement Unit. As a fellow, I will assist in all aspects of the resettlement process, including assessment of eligibility, preparation of referrals and coordination of submission and selection. The specific terms of reference are as follows:
With my background in international development and familiarity with refugee issues, I am in a strong position to make such contributions to UNHCR. Prior to commencing my legal education, I completed a multi-disciplinary undergraduate program that allowed me to achieve a broad understanding of international development issues, including the myriad of factors that create refugee flows and the complex issues that arise thereafter. I have had the opportunity to study the evolution and effects of the 1951 UN Convention on Refugees, the role of the UNHCR and other elements of the international refugee regime through courses such as Global Governance and Citizenship & Immigration.
In addition to my academic qualifications, professional experiences have also prepared me to make substantial contributions. My work with Afghan refugee youth has developed within me an understanding of, and sensitivity towards, the challenges that refugees face. Recently, my knowledge of refugee law has further expanded through the training provided by the UNHCR Detention Center Program. In addition, my one-year placement in Sri Lanka with X has given me an appreciation of how development work unfolds in practice in overseas contexts.
What I will gain from this fellowship is further international work experience and most importantly, an opportunity to develop legal experience in an area that I am considering pursuing as a long-term career. Interviewing and counseling resettlement candidates as well as assessing cases and preparing documentation for submission will provide me with valuable legal experience. It will also deepen my understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the international refugee legal system. This fellowship will allow me to learn a great deal about international human rights work from those more experienced in the field as well as the nature of working for an international organization. In summary, a fellowship with the UNHCR is an important step for me in the process of creating a meaningful career in international human rights law.
H. Willingness of Host Organization to Accommodate Virtual Format, if necessary (*Only for Student-Initiated Fellowship Applications)
I have spoken to ____ at my Host Organization about the possibility of a remote fellowship experience if University policies or country travel advisories discourage or prohibit my travel to the fellowship location. ____ noted that the Host Organization is willing to accommodate a virtual format for this fellowship, if necessary. They did not express any concerns in this regard and noted that they have current interns working remotely already. I have the equipment necessary to participate in a virtual fellowship.
I. Proposed Host Organization Details (*Only for Student-Initiated Fellowship Applications)
Name: UNHCR Regional Office for X
Project Supervisor and email:
Length of fellowship: The fellowship will be for 3.5 months in line with requirements set out by the organization.
Description of Work: The UNHCR leads and coordinates international efforts to protect the rights of refugees. It strives to protect these rights by upholding the right to seek asylum and find refuge. It also supports refugees in their efforts to voluntarily return home, integrate locally or resettle in a third country.
J. Offer Letter (*Only for Student-Initiated Fellowship Applications)
Please find the attached email (or letter) that confirms support for this fellowship from X.
K. Safety and Security Issues
The current Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Travel Warning for The Netherlands is green (“Take normal security precautions”). The location of my proposed fellowship would be in the Hague with no required travel to other locations. My research indicates that there are minimal precautions to take to ensure my safety/security during my fellowship and I have spoken with past fellows regarding the safety/security situation when they travelled there. Regardless, I plan on taking the following precautions: …
L. Budget (Sample)
Item | Cost in CAD $ | Multiplier | Total |
Rent | 500 / month | 3 | 1,500 |
Food, Transportation, Phone & Personal Expenses | 400 / month | 3 | 1,200 |
Flight | 1850 | 1 | 1,850 |
Travel & Medical Insurance | 150 | 1 | 150 |
Visa | 80 | 1 | 80 |
Vaccinations | 200 | 1 | 200 |
TOTAL = 4,980 |
M. Short Biographical Paragraph
Jane Doe is a 2nd year JD candidate at the Faculty of Law. She completed a B.A. (Hons.) in Psychology from the University of Toronto. In 2003, Jane spent a year living and working in India with the NGO X. At NGO X, she was responsible for organizing workshops for migrant workers on international human rights instruments. Jane previously completed a summer fellowship program with X and Y where she conducted election monitoring during the Ugandan elections. At the law school, Jane is involved in XYZ and is a member of XYZ. Jane is proficient in English and French.
N. Letters of Recommendation
Attached please find two reference letters: one from an undergraduate supervisor and one from a previous employer.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
* This is a sample email that can be used as a template when contacting potential host organizations to explore the possibility of a summer fellowship. You are by no means required to use this email and can modify it as you see fit. The key is to appear professional and knowledgeable about the organization. This should not look like a form letter that you have sent to several different organizations!
You should address the email to a specific person (i.e. fellowship coordinator, Executive Director, staff lawyer etc.), and avoid sending it to a general mailbox.
Dear [NAME OF RECIPIENT – AVOID “TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN”]:
I am a [YEAR]-year law student at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law in Toronto, Canada. I am very interested in completing a fellowship at [FULL NAME OF ORGANIZATION] during the summer of 2023 and am writing to explore the possibility of that with you. Indeed, if you are interested in hosting me as a fellow, I may be able to obtain funding to support my fellowship through the Faculty’s International Human Rights Program (“IHRP”).
The IHRP enhances the legal protection of existing and emerging international human rights through advocacy, knowledge-exchange, and capacity-building initiatives that provide experiential learning opportunities for students and legal expertise to civil society. Through its summer fellowship program, the IHRP transforms Canadian law students into global citizens by providing formative experiences at a pivotal point in their careers. The IHRP has been sending fellows into the field for over 30 years. [Indeed, I understand that you hosted an IHRP fellow in YEAR: NAME OF FELLOW]. You can learn more about the IHRP and past fellowship placements by visiting the IHRP website or contacting the Director.
I am confident that I would contribute positively to your organization for the following reasons. [PROVIDE OUTLINE OF YOUR PAST EXPERIENCES, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND LINK THIS DIRECTLY TO THE ORGANIZATION’S WORK]. Please find attached my curriculum vitae, which provides additional information about my experience and background.
I look forward to hearing from you about the possibility of a fellowship at [NAME OF ORGANIZATION]. Please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss further or if you require additional information. I can be reached via email or by telephone at [ADD NUMBER – INCLUDE INTERNATIONAL AREA CODE IF NECESSARY]. I understand that you must be very busy; therefore, if I do not hear from you within two weeks, I will follow up once more. Also, please feel free to forward my email to your colleagues if someone else at the organization may be better able to assist me.
Sincerely,
[YOUR FULL NAME]
J.D. Candidate, Expected 20[XX]
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
*Once the student has been selected, and required clearances have been obtained by UNHCR, the fellow will need to sign an “Internship Agreement” with UNHCR that sets out the conditions of engagement with UNHCR. A template “Internship Agreement” is Annexed hereto for reference as is a description of the fellowship with UNHCR (“Terms of Reference”).
INTERNSHIP AGREEMENT
I, as an intern, accept the present conditions governing UNHCR’s Internship Programme and undertake to abide by the following:
Conditions governing the internship
1. As an intern, I will not be considered in any respect as a staff member of UNHCR.
2. My internship will be for the following period: from __________ to __________. I am aware that this internship does not carry any expectation or entitlement to employment with UNHCR at the conclusion of the internship or at any time thereafter.
3. As an intern with UNHCR, I will receive Stipend of (local currency or USD). (Please remove the following sentence if the intern is not sponsored: In case I receive funding that is less than the amount of Stipend from the sponsoring institution or another sponsor, UNHCR will pay the difference between this amount and the above stipend).
4. I will accumulate 1.5 leave days and 0.5 day for uncertified sick leave per month of continuous service. The uncertified sick leave may be used to attend to family-related emergencies. I may take leave following the agreement of the manager. The leave days entitlement for part-time internship is pro-rated.
5. In cases of absence(s) due to illness exceeding the balance of uncertified sick leave, a medical certificate issued by a qualified medical practitioner must be produced. In cases where I exhaust the authorized sick leave days for the duration of my internship, this Internship Agreement will come to an end without notice.
6. I will be responsible for making my own travel and accommodation arrangements and for obtaining the necessary visa for entering the country of duty station in which I will undertake my internship. UNHCR may facilitate the process of obtaining entry visas and residence permits for countries of assignment. I am responsible for having all the prescribed vaccinations for travel to the duty station of my internship. I will be responsible for the costs of travel, visas, accommodation, vaccines and living expenses.
7. I will provide UNHCR with a certificate of good health from a qualified medical practitioner issued on letter head paper and certifying my fitness for work, as well as travel. The certificate of
good health must include confirmation of vaccination against Covid-19 with WHO approved vaccine. In the event I am not able to produce the required certificate, I will not be admitted to the Internship Programme.
8. I am fully responsible for arranging, at my own expense, medical insurance including medical evacuation covering the period of internship at UNHCR and I confirm that I have such insurance. I will provide to my supervisor and local administration/local HR a copy of documentation attesting of such insurance coverage.
9. As an intern, I will not receive any remuneration, subsidy, compensation or other benefit from UNHCR, except as provided in paragraph 3 above.
10. I declare that I do not bear any of the following relationships to a staff member of UNHCR including a Temporary Appointment holder or a member of the Affiliate Workforce: father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister.
Obligations with respect to the internship
11. During the course of my internship, I will conduct myself in a manner compatible with normal standards of courtesy and professional behaviour.
12. I shall refrain from any conduct that would adversely reflect on UNHCR and shall not engage in any activity that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of UNHCR, or the exercise of my functions.
13. I will respect the impartiality and independence of UNHCR, and will neither seek nor accept instructions from any government or from any other authority external to UNHCR.
14. I will keep confidential any and all unpublished information made known to me by UNHCR during the course of my assignment and will not publish any reports or papers based on information obtained or made available to me during my assignment, except with the written authorization of UNHCR. This provision shall survive the expiration of my internship with UNHCR.
15. Title rights, copyrights and all other rights of whatsoever nature on any material produced by me during the course of my internship with UNHCR will be vested exclusively in UNHCR. However, it is agreed that I may use the results of the work done by me during the course of my internship with UNHCR in my academic dissertation or for any other academic purpose, subject to UNHCR’s authorization as per paragraph 14.
16. I will perform the functions specified in my Terms of Reference, in accordance with the hours established by the UNHCR office in which I have to undertake my internship.
17. I will complete the BSAFE. and other mandatory UNHCR online training programmes that are applicable to UNHCR personnel.
18. I will perform my functions under the authority, and in full compliance with the instructions of the supervisor assigned to me, and of any person acting on his or her behalf.
19. I will return all the items in my possession belonging to UNHCR (e.g. security pass, etc.) on the last day of my internship to the designated authority.
20. At the end of the internship I will complete the Intern Exit Evaluation Form and send directly to hqintern@unhcr.org,
Termination
21. I am aware that my unilateral decision to resign from the internship before the date of termination requires 14 calendar days’ written notice to UNHCR.
22. I am aware that unsatisfactory performance or failure to conform to the standards of conduct set out above (including those set out the Internship Administrative Instruction) or absence from the office in excess to the authorized leave days shall lead to termination of the internship, for cause, at the initiative of UNHCR. 14 calendar days’ notice shall be given in such cases.
23. However, any serious breach of the duties and obligations that, in the view of UNHCR, would justify separation before the end of the notice period will lead to the immediate cessation of the internship.
24. I am aware that, in cases where the UNHCR implements increased security measures necessitating reduction of activity, my internship may be subject to termination. In such cases, I will not report to the office and, if I am serving outside my country of residence, I must depart from the location of internship as soon as possible.
Signature: Signature:
Name of the Intern: Name of the Supervisor:
Date: Date:
TERMS OF REFERENCE
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is offering a full-time internship position within the Human Rights Liaison Unit of the Protection Policy & Legal Advice Section under the Division of International Protection at UNHCR Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Internship is established pursuant to a Sponsored Internship Agreement (MoU) between UNHCR and the University of Toronto, Faculty of law.
Established in December 1950, UNHCR is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. Every year, millions of men, women and children are forced to flee their homes to escape conflict and persecution. UNHCR works in over 130 countries, using its expertise to protect and care for millions.
Title: Human Rights Intern
Organizational Unit: Division of International Protection, Human Rights Liaison Unit
Duty station: Geneva, Switzerland
Contract Type: Internship, full-time
Duration: 3 months
Expected start date: May 2023
Organizational Context
The Human Rights Liaison Unit is part of the PPLA Section in the Division of International Protection (Service 1 - Policy & Law). The Unit aims at promoting the effective use of international human rights law and UN human rights mechanisms to strengthen the protection of persons of concern to UNHCR.
Goals:
The strategic goals of the Human Rights Liaison Unit are three-fold: first, to contribute to human rights standards setting as relevant, and advocate for the inclusion of protection issues related to refugees, asylum-seekers, IDPs, stateless persons and returnees into legal instruments, policy documents, recommendations and other outcome documents of the Human Rights Council, the Human Rights Treaty Monitoring Bodies, the UN Special Procedures, and in other inter-agency or relevant fora. The second goal is to contribute to the mainstreaming
of human rights into all areas of UNHCR’s work and promote the effective use of human rights law, procedures and standards for advocacy and as complementary protection tools in the respective UNHCR operations. This area prioritizes seeking ways to promote operationalization of human rights engagement in the field to ensure protection of persons under UNHCR’s mandate. Third, the HRLU endeavours to function as the liaison between UNHCR and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to strengthen human rights approaches and ensure continuous exchange of relevant information.
Objectives:
In support of the above-mentioned Goals, the Unit leads and supports DIP’s efforts, as appropriate, to ensure that:
Activities:
Given the importance of international human rights law to the protection of refugees and other persons of concern to UNHCR, the Human Rights Liaison Unit continuously cooperates with the Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and monitors the work of the Human Rights Treaty Monitoring Bodies, the Human Rights Council, including the Universal Periodic Review and its Special Procedures, and contributes, if and when relevant, to ensure that the rights and needs of persons of concern to the Office are systematically considered in the discussions, country visits and other activities and reflected in the respective reports, decisions, conclusions and recommendations.
Consisting of one Senior Legal Officer (Human Rights)/Head of Unit, one Legal Officer (Human Rights) and an average of 1-2 legal interns at any given time, the Unit carries out and provides the following activities and services:
General information and advice:
Contribution to standard-setting exercises:
Cooperation with Treaty Monitoring Bodies:
Contribution to the Universal Periodic Reviews:
Cooperation with the Human Rights Council:
Cooperation with the UN Special Procedures:
Key internal relationships:
All of DIP; Bureaux Regional Legal Advisers/Policy Officers; Department of Operations; Media Relations and Public Information Service; Liaison offices in Vienna and New York; Regional Protection Hubs and colleagues in UNHCR Country Offices.
Key external relationships:
International Agencies: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), UN Treaty Monitoring Bodies, UN Special Procedures mandate holders, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and other UN entities as relevant.
Other: Permanent Missions in Geneva, several universities and academies, coordination bodies such as GANHRI, and NGOs as relevant.
The position
The focus of the internship is the ongoing legal protection work of UNHCR. Through the internship, interns will: (i) gain a deeper knowledge of and contribute to the work of UNHCR; the international legal framework governing the organization’s interventions, namely international refugee law, human rights law and the international standards relating to the prevention and reduction of statelessness and the protection of internally displaced persons; and the way UNHCR uses the UN human rights machinery at large to further the protection of persons of concern and (ii) practice and develop ‘professional working skills’, such as time management, prioritization, management of tasks, team work, presentation skills etc. The work of an intern is not confined to a single research project (of an academic nature) as may be the case with other internships, but it rather involves direct engagement with operational aspects of the work of the Unit although it might also encompass some elements of routine (e.g. compilation and preparation of seminar folders) at times.
Interns may occasionally be asked to offer support to other colleagues in the Protection Policy and Legal Advice (PPLA) Section within the Division of International Protection.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Head of Unit, the intern will undertake the following responsibilities:
In addition, where occasions arise, interns may participate in bi- and multilateral meetings of UNHCR with government and other agency partners, as well as in training seminars or briefings offered by UNHCR colleagues.