Fellowship Application Guide

2023 IHRP Summer Fellowship Guide

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. 

Table of Contents

I.  Information Sessions and Application Deadlines

II.  Introduction to the IHRP Fellowship Program

a.  Who can apply?

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.

b.  Process

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.

c.  Funding

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).

d.  General Expectations

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.

e.  Geographic Limitations

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. 

f. Other public interest fellowships

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

1. Arthur C. Helton Fellowship
2. Action Canada Fellowship - This is a $20,000 CDN fellowship grant that requires a one-year commitment concurrent with studies. However, the proceeds you receive can be used for any purpose, including a summer fellowship. Please check website regularly for application deadline. 
3. Canadian Window on International Development Awards 
4. Helton Fellowship Program 
5. IDRC Doctoral Research Awards 
6. Government of Canada International Research Scholarships2 
7. Scobie Award for Exploratory Research Trip for PhD Student 

 ¹ For students who are graduating (or recently graduated) and interested in international human rights work, please consider the following: Human Rights Advocates Program at Columbia University; IDRC Fellowships (must be enrolled in a graduate program, i.e. LLM or SJD); Law Foundation of Ontario Public Interest Articling Fellowship; Canadian Bar Association (CBA) Young Lawyers International Program Fellowships.  

² There are many other channels through which students can apply for funding. The key is being creative, well prepared, and professional. Students should also be aware that PSJD.org, LexisNexis Quicklaw, and Westlaw all contain information on fellowships, grants, and foundations.

III.  IHRP Fellowships

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).

a.  Basic Information re: IHRP Fellowships

i.  Substance of Fellowship

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.

ii.  Funding Sources

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:

• Government student financial assistance (i.e., Canadian federal and/or provincial student loans); and/or
• US Stafford or Perkins loans.

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.

iii. Selection of Fellows

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.

iv. Duration of Fellowship

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.

b.  Student-Initiated Fellowships

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.

• Note that if the position is at an inter-governmental organization (i.e., the UN), an international court or tribunal (ICC, IACHR), or a leading non-governmental organization (i.e., Amnesty International), competition for positions will be intense, application processes may be lengthy, and deadlines may not align with IHRP fellowship timelines. Some organizations, including the International Criminal Court, have early application deadlines (i.e., November 1). For most other courts, tribunals, and commissions, applications must be received at least 3 months in advance of the desired start-date. As such, it may be difficult for students to obtain an Offer Letter for the position prior to applying for an IHRP fellowship by the deadline of February 6, 2023.
• Students should also be aware that, in comparison to student-initiated fellowships where they work with the host organization in advance to develop a project, they will have less control over the work that they do.

A general overview of the process is as follows:

• Students research and locate suitable host organizations and approach the organization to host them as a fellow/intern for the summer.
• The student completes all application requirements stipulated by the host organization and submits the application directly to the host organization by a specified deadline. Many deadlines are in October and November, so make sure to check websites early!
• The recruiting organization determines whether to present the student with an Offer Letter.
• If the student receives an Offer Letter from the host organization and the host organization does not provide funding, the student may complete and submit an IHRP fellowship application by February 6, 2023.
• The IHRP will render its decision regarding the student’s application.

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.

c.  Competitive Fellowships

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.

i. SASLAW

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.

ii. UNHCR

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. 

IV.  Tips for Putting Together a Successful Fellowship Proposal

Step 1: Identify your Strengths and Interests

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: 

• What were you interested in and what did you study before coming to law? What work experience or volunteer experiences do you have?
• What interests have you developed in law school? What topics have grabbed your attention? Could topics, courses, or volunteer experiences form the basis of an interesting fellowship?
• Have you travelled internationally? If so, where? What did you like about the places you visited? What did you not like?
• What are your personal and professional strengths? Do you like working in groups or do you tend to work alone? Are you well-organized? Do you like predictability or “flying by the seat of your pants”?
• Do you want to be on the “front lines” (field work) or do you prefer to be “behind the scenes” (policy work)? Do you want to have direct contact with victims or with policy leaders?
• Do you have particular life experiences that may be useful in terms of advocacy on behalf of particular vulnerable groups?
• Can you speak another language?

Step 2: Identify Potential Host Organizations

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:

• Look at the list of past IHRP summer fellowships here and determine whether any of the organizations on the list share your interests.
• Consider people you already know who work in public interest organizations. Approach these people and ask them for information about potential hosts.
• Do some research to isolate those organizations that are already working on the issues in which you are interested. Google, google, google!
• Contact previous fellows to learn more about the organization they worked for and other organizations that they may have developed connections with.

An ideal host organization will have at least some of the following attributes:

• At least a portion of their work will focus on international human rights law or advocacy;
• They will appear credible (to determine credibility check out who funds them, who is on their board, who is their staff etc.); and
• They will have hosted fellows before and/or understand the responsibilities involved.

Step 3: Approach Potential Host Organizations (for Student-Initiated Fellowships only)

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:

• Approach the organization with enough time to ensure that any Offer Letter obtained will occur prior to applying to the IHRP fellowship by February 6, 2023.
• Try to identify the person(s) at the organization who would most benefit from or be interested in your fellowship proposal and address your correspondence to that person. If you cannot identify such a person, address it to the Executive Director and Legal Director.
• If you know someone who has a contact at the organization (i.e. a former fellow, the Director, a personal contact), request that he/she facilitate your introduction to the organization.
• You may wish to send an initial email outlining your interest in the organization and then suggest a follow-up phone call to discuss details. Do not underestimate the power of speaking directly to someone versus communication exclusively through email.
• Once you have solidified your partnership, request a letter of support to include in your application package. If it is the case, mention to the organization that you will be accepting any offer obtained through the host organization regardless of the outcome of your application for funding through the IHRP fellowship.
• All correspondence should be professional in tone and content.

Step 4: Draft the Proposal

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:

• What are the issues or problems that you hope to engage with? Why are these issues important? Why are you interested in these issues?
• What is the goal of your particular project? Is the goal realistic given time, financial, and other constraints?
• How does your project relate to your particular skills or experiences?
• Who is your host organization? Does this organization have particular expertise with the issue? Are they credible? What is their previous track record? Have they hosted past fellows? If so, what have these fellows done?
• What kind of contribution can you make to the host organization? How will your work contribute to a solution to these problems?
• What are some of the potential problems or stumbling blocks you may encounter and how would you address these?
• What do you hope to take away from the experience? You may wish to ask your host organization to review your proposal to ensure that it reflects their understanding of the project. Staff in the Career Development Office may be available to review proposals and give you feedback.

Step 5: Create a Budget

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:

• anticipated living expenses (including housing, food, phone, transit, personal expenses);
• the cost of travel to the fellowship site or sites;
• fees for visas or other required travel documentation;
• fees for travel inoculation; and
• fees for travel and medical insurance.

APPENDIX A:

2023 IHRP Summer Fellowship Application Form

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:

• What are the issues or problems that you hope to engage with? Why are these issues important? Why are you interested in these issues?
• How does this fellowship fit within your career plans (if known)?
• What is the goal of your particular project? Is the goal realistic given time, financial, and other constraints?
• How does your project relate to your particular skills or experiences?
• Who is your host organization? Does this organization have particular expertise with the issue? Are they credible? What is their previous track record?
• What kind of contribution can you make to the host organization? How will your work contribute to a solution to these problems?
• What are some of the potential problems or stumbling blocks you may encounter and how would you address these?
• What do you hope to take away from the experience?

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:

• anticipated living expenses (including housing, food, phone, transit, personal expenses);
• the cost of travel to the fellowship site or sites;
• fees for visas or other required travel documentation;
• fees for travel inoculation;
• fees for travel and medical insurance; and
• any other costs associated with the fellowship.

M. Short Biographical Paragraph

N. Letters of Recommendation

Please provide two references from a graduate or undergraduate supervisor, or employer. 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix B:

Sample 2023 IHRP Summer Fellowship Application

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:

• Determining whether resettlement is the most appropriate solution for individual refugees, taking into account available information and established UNHCR resettlement criteria outlined in the Resettlement Handbook;
• Interviewing candidates for resettlement, completing Resettlement Registration Forms and preparing case documentation for submissions. Case documentation must demonstrate knowledge of country-of-origin information as well as receiving country quotas and procedures;
• Providing counseling to individual refugees, explaining the process, prospects and problems involved in resettlement in order to enable individuals to be realistic about their future prospects;
• Working closely with UNHCR staff, NGOs, and resettlement country representatives to identify vulnerable cases for resettlement submission as priority cases;
• Following-up on the outcome of decisions for each case submitted for resettlement consideration and providing additional information or documentation if necessary;
• Any other assigned duties related to resettlement efforts.

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)

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.

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Appendix C:

Sample Email to Prospective Host Organization

J.D. Candidate, Expected 20[XX]

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Appendix D UNHCR Template Internship Agreement & Terms of Reference 

*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:

• Protection of persons under UNHCR’s mandate is complemented and strengthened through the use of human rights standards.
• Substantial resolutions of the Human Rights Council, reports and recommendations issued by Special Procedures, as well as General Comments and General Recommendations of Treaty Monitoring Bodies and other standard setting instruments are in line with and contribute to the progressive development of international refugee law and to the enhancement of the protection of persons of concern.
• Asylum-seekers, refugees, IDPs, returnees and stateless persons, and information about the extent to which they enjoy their rights, are systematically included in Treaty Body Concluding Observations and Recommendations, General Comments and General Recommendations by the Treaty Monitoring Bodies, UPR recommendations, reports of Special Procedures mandate holders, by OHCHR and by the High Commissioner for Human Rights in statements and interventions.
• Human rights law and standards, as well as human rights mechanisms are regularly and effectively used as protection tools by colleagues for UNHCR advocacy and interventions; and eventually incorporated into regular protection planning. Protection colleagues are well capacitated to identify and make use of human rights engagement in their programming.
• The cooperation with diverse human rights bodies results in the adoption of specific concluding observations, recommendations, resolutions and reports, which benefit country operations and specific protection situations, and operations are capable of taking advantage to produce results in the field.
• The rights of asylum-seekers, refugees, stateless persons, internally displaced persons and returnees, as set out in the international human rights treaties, are promoted in a non-discriminatory manner.
• In close partnership with OHCHR and in cooperation with UN agencies, human rights strategies and approaches are consolidated and joint advocacy and interventions are taken, when appropriate and relevant.
• Ensure that effective communication between the various counterparts – from UNHCR, UN agencies, human rights mechanisms, and others – is promoted and supports greater protection.

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:

• Provide constant guidance and advice to staff on how to effectively and strategically use the UN human rights mechanisms and standards.
• Keep colleagues informed about developments in the area of human rights of relevance to UNHCR. This includes webinars, newsletter dissemination, Community of Practice engagement and other forms of regular and more particular communication.
• Analyse new international and human rights instruments as to their potential value for the work of UNHCR.
• Review findings and recommendations of Treaty Monitoring Bodies, the Human Rights Council and Special Procedures as to their standard setting, promotional or COI value and systematically disseminate for use in UNHCR’s protection and promotion efforts.
• Support UNHCR colleagues to incorporate human rights engagement into their strategic protection planning through provision of recommendations and guidance, upon completion of ongoing analysis and pilot project phase.

Contribution to standard-setting exercises:

• With the support of, and in consultation with thematic and country-specific focal points, provide input into new legal instruments in the area of human rights during the drafting process, including Human Rights Council resolutions, Treaty Body General Comments/Recommendations, Special Procedures reports and OHCHR guides and studies.
• Provide legal and doctrinal advice on human rights standards.
• Prepare papers, statements and speeches, as well as other contributions into global and regional human rights processes which promote UNHCR’s position.

Cooperation with Treaty Monitoring Bodies:

• Assist colleagues in the preparation and finalization of Confidential Comments for submission to the human rights treaty monitoring bodies.
• Monitor and provide feedback to colleagues from treaty body sessions, highlighting concluding observations and recommendations of particular relevance to UNHCR’s mandate and advising on how these can be used as protection advocacy tools.

Contribution to the Universal Periodic Reviews:

• Assist colleagues in the preparation and finalization of contributions to the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism, in the form of standalone contributions to the OHCHR Compilation Reports or in the context of reports prepared by UN country teams.
• Monitor UPR sessions and provide feedback to colleagues on adopted recommendations of particular relevance to UNHCR’s mandate, including advice on how these can be used in the context of protection strategies and as advocacy tools.

Cooperation with the Human Rights Council:

• Monitor regular and special sessions of the Human Rights Council, and inform colleagues about discussions, reports, decisions and resolutions of particular interest to UNHCR, which can complement or reinforce UNHCR’s positions and protection strategies.

Cooperation with the UN Special Procedures:

• Provide input into thematic, country-specific and mission reports and studies by relevant Special Procedures mandate holders, in collaboration with field-based colleagues and thematic and country-specific UNHCR focal points.
• Inform colleagues about relevant recommendations by Special Procedures and how these can be used as protection advocacy tools.

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:

• Conduct analysis and prepare feedback on the outcomes of the UN treaty bodies;
• Participate as an observer in the sessions of the Human Rights Council, as well as in informal meetings organized in parallel to the Council sessions, or any special Council meetings throughout the year and prepare related reports as relevant;
• Contribute to the compilation of information and preparation of UNHCR submissions on countries to be examined under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism;
• Contribute to the preparation of UPR-related documentation to be used for outreach and advocacy purposes ahead of the UPR sessions;
• Participate as an observer in the sessions of the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Reviews as relevant and prepare related feedback reports;
• Contribute to the development of the analysis of the third and fourth UPR cycle (as to date);
• Contribute to the compilation of information and preparation of UNHCR submissions to the different treaty bodies;
• Undertake legal research on human rights issues relating to refugees and other persons of concern to UNHCR;
• Develop and update internal tools and guidance on the UN human rights mechanisms, as needed;
• Search for and analyse documents produced by the UN human rights machinery when needed and as relevant;
• Edit position papers and other legal documents as applicable.
• Assist in the organisation, preparation, recording and follow-up of workshops, webinars, conferences and meetings.
• Coordinate development of communications materials such as the leaflets, posters, and HRLU’s regular newsletter, and promotional content for events and campaigns.
• Facilitate the translation of certain materials.

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.