By Robia Amjad and Celine Gruaz
Robia Amjad, UCI Law 3L
Last fall, I externed in Geneva, Switzerland, for the Civic Space Unit of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
At the Civic Space Unit, I primarily worked on matters with the goal of protecting civil society’s freedom of expression and other rights in online spaces. A notable project consisted of research and analysis of leading social media companies’ content moderation practices. My research and analysis culminated in a direct appeal to social companies for more uniform responses to civil society demands on these issues. For another project, I gathered information on the regulatory initiatives combatting disinformation and analyzed the human rights implications of a new draft international treaty on cyber-crimes.
The online civic space has become an increasingly important area for people to express themselves and mobilize others and their communities. It was a privilege to work with experienced UN staff members in addressing the pressing challenges in this realm. I am thankful to everyone at the UN who provided immense support and guidance during my externship. I am especially grateful for the long conversations I was able to have with staff and interns about the role of the UN and pressing issues like disinformation and freedom of expression. These conversations gave me a deeper appreciation and understanding of the UN systems and how to best enhance and promote civic space. I am also grateful to Professor David Kaye for helping me through the externship process.
Celine Gruaz, UCI Law 3L
My externship was within the Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ESCR) section of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). As an International Law Scholar and Center on Globalization, Law, and Society Fellow, I have always been passionate about international human rights. Being able to extern at the United Nations during law school was a dream come true. Every day was a deep dive into issues that truly matter, from fighting for basic human rights to tackling global challenges. It was intense, rewarding, and absolutely unforgettable.
In the ESCR section, I worked on a variety of mandates such as the right to an adequate standard of living, establishing a human rights economy in developing countries, fighting political corruption, and more. I had the unique opportunity to work directly with the Chief of the ESCR section, helping with researching and drafting his international high-level public statements and presentations. Additionally, I aided human rights officers with facilitating numerous multi-state panel discussions and subsequently drafted 50-page summary reports to be published by the OHCHR. I also conducted in-depth research and analysis to draft a new UN official report on the role of public service in the promotion and protection of human rights and sustainable goals.
Another highlight of my externship was representing the ESCR section at the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review of the United States NGO briefings, where I spoke directly with NGO representatives, such as the ACLU, to discuss various human rights issues and potential solutions. I also participated in the negotiation process of a new multi-state resolution, gaining firsthand experience in diplomatic processes. From speaking with the High Commissioner Volker Turk to meeting with Ukrainian Prisoners of War turned activists, I was able to meet an array of individuals during my time in Geneva. My externship experience at the UN not only enriched my understanding of international law but also deepened my fervent commitment to human rights.
My experience living in Switzerland to extern at the United Nations helped me grow tremendously, both professionally and personally. My first two years at UCI Law, especially working with Professor David Kaye in his International Justice Clinic, positioned me to excel in the externship and establish amazing lifelong memories.
Learn more about UCI Law’s robust externship program which provides academic credit for students doing legal work for judges, nonprofit organizations and government agencies around the world.
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