Deadline: April 8, 2019
Calling postgraduate students in international law, young scholars, government officials and lawyers in this field. Applications are open for the 2019 The United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) International Law Seminar, Geneva, 8-26 July.
The Seminar is designed for postgraduate students in international law, young scholars and government officials working in the field of international law, to widen their knowledge of both the work of the International Law Commission and of the codification and progressive development of international law. It also provides an opportunity for young lawyers from different legal systems and cultures to exchange views regarding items on the agenda of the Commission.
The International Law Seminar is not intended to be an introduction to international law. Applicants must prove a sound knowledge of public international law, on the basis of either their postgraduate studies or significant professional experience.
About
UNOG organized the very first International Law Seminar (ILS) in 1965, in connection with the annual session of the International Law Commission (ILC), for a duration of three weeks. The Seminar takes place on an annual basis and is designed for postgraduate students in international law, young scholars, government officials as well as young lawyers in the field of international law, to widen their knowledge of both the work of the International Law Commission and of the codification and progressive development of international law. It also provides an opportunity for lawyers coming from different legal systems and cultures to exchange views regarding items on the agenda of the Commission.
Twenty five participants from various Member States of the United Nations participate in ILS. As well as attending the meetings of ILC, participants are expected to take an active part in the discussions which follow lectures given by members of the Commission, officials of the United Nations or specialized agencies in Geneva and other speakers invited for the occasion.
Fellowships
The working languages of the United Nations are English, French and Spanish. As simultaneous interpretation may not be available for all the sessions, candidates must be proficient in at least two of the working languages. All participants will be given access to the library and the cyberspace of the United Nations Office at Geneva.
While participation in the Seminar is free, the United Nations cannot cover the cost of travel or subsistence for all participants. A limited number of fellowships will be made available to participants from developing countries (travel and/or subsistence allowance), depending on the amount of voluntary contributions received from Governments prior to the start of the Seminar.
- Fellowships awarded for subsistence: An allowance to cover accommodation, meals and miscellaneous will be paid to participants upon their arrival at Geneva. Participants must provide proof of accommodation to the Legal Office.
- Fellowships awarded for travel: Participants will be awarded a return air ticket to Geneva from their country of residence for the period concerned (arrival the day before the opening of the Seminar, return at the latest the day after closure). No payment will be made to cover other routing or modes of transportation or extension of the period referred to above.
Eligibility
The members of the Selection Committee choose an average of six candidates from different countries from four geographic regions (Africa, America, Asia/Middle East and Europe) and are guided by the following criteria:
- Must be between 24 and 38 years of age on 1 January 2019.
- Legal experience and academic background
- Usefulness of the Seminar for the career of the applicant and for his/her country
- Good knowledge of at least two of the three working languages of the Seminar (English, French, Spanish)
- Adequate gender balance
- Availability of funds for fellowships.
All applications will be considered, but the Selection Committee does not disclose the motivation of its choices and decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
The 25 participants in the Seminar are selected through a Selection Committee that is composed of three officials of the United Nations with a background in international law. The Selection Committee is usually chaired by an outside eminent person (usually a Geneva-based Professor of Public International Law or Humanitarian Law).
Application
Kindly fill in the application form below and attach the following documents:
1. Curriculum vitae containing the following information:
- Personal information
- University education, degrees obtained
- Professional experience
- Academic working papers and main publications
2. Letter of motivation (minimum 400 words, maximum 800 words; including justification for any request for fellowship)
3. Two letters of recommendation, duly signed and dated 2019 with specific reference to the Seminar, from official sources (i.e. university, government or member of the International Law Commission).
The deadline to receive your application is 8 April 2019. Applications will not be accepted after this date. Please be advised that applicants must be between 24 years and 38 years on 1 January 2019. This rule will be strictly applied.
For more information, visit UNOG International Law Seminar.
