Human Rights Intern: Middle East and North Africa

Organizational Context

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a UN entity dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. This internship is within the Middle East and North Africa section, contributing to the section's mandate and the broader mission of OHCHR.

Job Purpose

This internship aims to support the Middle East and North Africa Section of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The intern will assist in the systematic collection and analysis of information concerning the human rights situation in the region. This includes researching and drafting reports, preparing country profiles and briefing packages, and supporting responses to information requests. The role contributes to the section's efforts in monitoring, reporting, and advocating for human rights within the specified region, and provides valuable learning experience in international human rights work.

Responsibilities

Assist in the systematic collection and analysis of information on the human rights situation in Middle East and North Africa countries. Research and draft individual cases of alleged human rights violations. Support Desk Officers in responding to information requests regarding the region's human rights situation. Prepare and update country profiles, briefing packages, and regular reports. Assist in preparing documents on thematic and country-specific human rights issues. Take minutes of meetings, attend side-events, and support participation in Human Rights Council sessions, Treaty Bodies reviews, and Universal Periodic Reviews (UPR). Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Work Experience

No prior experience is necessary. Candidates with relevant project and research experience backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Coursework in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field is preferred.

Skills

Team player, collaborative, reliable, communicative, commitment to advancing human rights, ability to work with diverse cultural backgrounds, upholding human rights principles, fluency in English (written and spoken). Knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.

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