Castan Centre for Human Rights Law

A 'HOW TO' MANUAL BY SIMONE CUSACK ON HER 2003 INTERNSHIP WITH THE AUSTRALIAN PERMANENT MISSION TO THE UN: COMMISSION ON
HUMAN RIGHTS

What is the selection process for the internship?The best place to find out information about the internship is on the Castan Centre website: http://www.law.monash.edu.au/castancentre/index.html. When I applied information was posted on notice boards around the Law School towards the end of second term. Information was also posted on the Castan Centre website under 'Internships'. Following the deadline for applications, the Castan Centre conducted interviews, and successful candidates were notified sometime in November.

Front row L-R: Simone Cusack, Law Faculty, Monash University; Ambassador Mike Smith;
Back row L-R: Emma Leske, University of Adelaide; David Goldberg, Law Faculty, Monash University.

What background knowledge do I need for the Commission?

Although there are no specific application criteria, there are a number of things which will enhance your application, and if successful, your time at the commission. I would highly recommend taking International Law, International Human Rights Law, or International Organisations to get some idea of how the UN works and the Commission work. A demonstrated interested in the area of human rights or Government would be highly recommended.

If selected, its also useful to read up on Australia's position on a number of issues such as the Middle East and Iraq, and anything else that might be likely to arise at the Commission. Although not required, I found this background information was extremely useful. Two helpful sites are the DFAT website (http://www.dfat.gov.au/) and the website of the Australian Permanent Mission in Geneva (http://www.australia.ch/eng/). For general information on the Commission on Human Rights refer to the website of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights: http://www.unhchr.ch/.

What will I be doing during the Commission?

During the Commission our role was constant and varied. We began each morning attending various meetings, including the Bureau (1) and Western Group (2). After that a large part of our day was spent monitoring the plenary. In addition, we were required to attend 'informal' and 'open-ended' consultations on resolutions. These meetings ran parallel with the plenary and involved negotiating the resolutions and lobbying the Australian Government's position. As Australia was not only a member of the Commission this year, but also Vice-Chair (and thereby a member of the bureau), we were also able to gain an insight into procedural aspects of the Commission. It would be remiss of me not to mention the numerous functions and receptions we were invited to...it's a hard job, but someone has to do it!

One of the most interesting aspects of the Commission was being party to multi-lateral negotiations. Trying to negotiate consensus texts was extremely fascinating, especially given the extreme diversity of opinion, although it was at times frustrating. Additionally, the plenary provided an excellent opportunity to witness debate at the international level.

"Plenary" in which most debate takes place.

What should I wear?

The dress-code at the Commission seems to be very varied, especially given the range of people in attendance at the Commission. Whilst representatives from NGOs generally tended to dress more causally, delegation members normally wore suits or business causal. Girls can expect to wear a suit, or nice pants/skirt and a shirt. For guys, it seems that you're options are a suit or a suit - unfortunately it seems that you a little more restricted in what you are expected to wear.

What is the cost of living like in Geneva?

There can be no escaping it, the cost of living in Geneva (as well as the rest of Switzerland), is extremely expensive. Spending the Australian dollar doesn't do much to help the situation. However, all is not lost. It is possible to get by on a reasonable budget, where necessary, but you might have to cut back on some of that fine Suisse chocolate (I know it will be hard!!!). For those of you who are interested in the internship and are wondering about approximate costs, I have sketched out a rough estimate of what I spent during my time in Geneva. I have also included, where possible, some tips to make the experience a little more "student-friendly."

Getting there and back:
The cost of getting to Geneva will set you back approximately $2,500 (maybe up to $2,800). You will also need to factor in taxes and travel insurance which will vary depending on your time spent in Geneva, and whether you decide to stay in Europe after you finish at the UN.

Accommodation:
Accommodation in Geneva is right up there with some of the most expensive in the world.

If you are interested in getting your own apartment (unless you know someone in Geneva, this ay be difficult to find due to the busy time of the year, and the short stay), you will be looking at paying approximately A$500-750 per WEEK (I am not joking).

For those of you who are accustomed to backpacking, or who wouldn't mind staying in a hostel, I would suggest checking out the many hostels/student foyers in Geneva. For girls, one that is especially good is Home St. Pierre, which is located in the old town (a 20 minute bus ride from the UN, or an hour walk). For a single room, equipped with a bed, desk and basin, you can expect to pay between A$700 and A$850 per MONTH. For this price you will also have the use of kitchen facilities etc etc. If you're budget requires something cheaper it might be worth checking out the twin share rooms offered by the foyer. You will be placed in a room with someone you won't know, but based on my experience, chances are that at this time of the year it may even be with someone else who is attending the Commission.

I should mention also that many people visiting Geneva actually live in nearby Ferney Voltaire which is just across the border in France. I know this concept may seem somewhat weird to Australians, who live in a country surrounded by sea, but it is actually very easy to get to the UN from here, and it should be considered a viable option for people wanting to save on costs (Many delegation members from all countries stay here).

I do have a number of other suggestions (for boys as well) including places to avoid as well as to consider, and I have left the relevant information with the Castan Centre.

NB - The Commission is held in March/April each year. This is an extremely busy time in Geneva. Successful candidates will need to find accommodation as soon as possible, to avoid paying exorbitant Geneva prices.

Local transportation:

As far as cities go, Geneva is relatively small. The local bus network makes it extremely easy to negotiate. For around A$40 you can purchase a one-month bus pass which is good in all zones in Geneva. Otherwise, a single trip, one zone ticket will cost around A$3. Alternatively, depending on where you live, Geneva is small enough to walk around - depending on how much you like to exercise, it is even possible to get around on bike or on foot with no major concerns.

Food:

I can say with 100% conviction that I do not recommend eating out in Geneva. The prices are horrendous (expect to pay A$40 for a bowl of pasta), and to be perfectly honest, and the locals will tell you as much, the food is not all that good. Your best bet is to shop at the supermarket, and if possible, to get yourself to the fruit and vegetable markets held on Saturdays. Supermarkets tend to be reasonably priced by Geneva standards and you will be able to save a lot of money. A lot of Genevois also shop in Ferney Voltaire, as prices seem to be much cheaper in France (and they have a great market on weekends).

The strict shopping hours in place in Geneva complicates shopping at the local supermarkets. With most shops open from only 9-5pm, it can be difficult to get to the supermarket to buy food. However, some supermarkets stay open a little later (though not much). The UN also has its own mini supermarket, SAFI, which is very well priced, although it only stocks certain items (nothing fresh). Many people who work at the UN simply buy their lunch at the cafeteria down stairs. People wishing to do this should be warned that lunch in the cafeteria would set them back between A$10 to $20a day. All in all I would probably allow for about A$100 a week (depending on how much you eat out, how much you eat, and whether you eat in the cafeteria).

NB - A clever hint - during the Commission a lot of NGOs schedule parallel meetings. Many of these meetings are incredibly interesting and valuable, and what is more they serve lunch - well worth the visit, on both accounts.

Living and other expenses:

Well I guess this depends on how much chocolate you like, whether you want to buy a Suisse watch, how much skiing and travelling you do, or whether you would become addicted to shopping in Europe. My only suggestion is that it is worth budgeting for more than less when living in Europe.

What is the social scene like in Geneva?

There is a bustling social scene for interns in Geneva. It seems that interns from the Commission, as well as from other organisations like the World Health Organisation and the International Labor Organisation, make it their prerogative to get out and have some fun, in a city that can at times be dull if you're not sure where you're going. Be sure to introduce yourself to anyone who looks like an intern, and ask them what is going on - only be sure not to mistake a delegation member for an intern (it was done by one intern at this commission).

There are a number of receptions that occur throughout the Commission which interns may be invited to. The 'Austrian DO' and the UK closing party are notable examples, but there are also receptions occurring throughout all of the Commission. Interns seem to get rather excited about the possibility of attending these events, and are frequently spotted as the first to attend and the last to leave. For those of you who choose to stay in the many student foyers, you will get to meet many people your same age doing similar things, and they will also know about many parties which are organized specifically for international visitors to Geneva.

What other places should I visit when I stay in Geneva?

Whether you like Geneva or not, the benefit of being there is that you are so close to the rest of Europe. Obvious places to visit for those who haven't already been include Paris (I think a 5 hour train trip), Rome, Milan, Vienna...the list could go on forever. For those of you who would prefer to see the sites of Switzerland, I highly recommend Lucern. Other amazing places to visit include Montreux, Lausanne-Ouchy, Zurich, Bern, and one of my favourites Gruyeres (an extremely tiny, very Suisse, village made famous for its cheese). A scenic train trip through the countryside of Switzerland is not to be missed, although I recommend taking the 'normal' trains as they are much cheaper than the scenic trains and they take the same root. For anyone considering extensive travel in Switzerland and/or Europe, consider purchasing a Eurail ticket before leaving Australia - it will work out much cheaper.

What else can I expect?

My experience at the Commission was amazing, and it is one that I will certainly never forget. The chance to interact and network with people at this level is an unparalleled opportunity. As well as providing an insight into the workings of Government delegations and the UN itself, the internship provides interns with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with a variety of issues ranging from the death penalty to violence against women. Interns need to be realistic about their expectations of the Commission - it is not all about attending receptions and networking. That having been said, successful interns will have a fantastic experience, one that will be most enjoyable and rewarding.

Australian Delegation:  Front row L-R: Simone Cusack, Law Faculty Monash; Amanda Gorely, Deputy Permanent Representative, Australian Mission to UN.
Middle row L-R: David Goldberg, Law Faculty, Monash; Emma Leskie, University of Adelaide; James Choi; Julia Fenney.
Back row L-R: Gerry McGuire; Lloyd Brodrick; Ambassador Mike Smith; Peter Truswell.
Absent from the Delegation: Jen Meehan

And lastly...

I would like to thank the Castan Centre for providing this excellent opportunity, and for all of their support and advice throughout the time here. I would also like to thank the Dean of the Law Faculty for lending us his generous support via the Dean's Travel Fund.

I would highly recommend the internship to anyone interested in human rights and international law, or to anyone interested in pursuing a career in government. Further information regarding this internship, or other internships offered through the Castan Centre, can be found at the Castan Centre website - www.law.monash.edu.au/castancentre/index.html. Alternatively, feel free to contact me with any inquiries at simone_cusack@yahoo.com.

1 The Bureau consists of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairpersons, the Secretariat and representatives from all of the regional groups.
2 The Western Group consists of countries from the European Union, and JUSCANZ (Japan, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Norway amongst others).