Application Deadline: 12 April 2024.
United Nations Office at Geneva (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.
The International Law Seminar is not intended to be an introduction to international law. Applicants must prove a sound knowledge of international law, on the basis of either their postgraduate studies or significant professional experience in the field. 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.
Eligibility Requirements
- New candidates applying this year must be between 24 and 38 years of age on 1 January 2024.
- This rule will be strictly applied. This year, 25 participants will be selected by the Selection Committee to participate in the Seminar.
Participation
Participants will attend the plenary meetings of the International Law Commission as well as lectures given by members of the Commission, officials of the United Nations or Specialized Agencies and other professors from academic institutions in Geneva. Participants are expected to take active part in the discussions following each lecture and to produce short reports within small working groups on topics on the agenda of the Commission.
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 for travel and/or living expenses.
Fellowships
Candidates can request for fellowship on the application form and justification must be provided in the letter of motivation. The awarding of fellowships will be decided by the Selection Committee, depending on the availability of funds.
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.
This allowance does not cover (and the United Nations does not assume responsibility for) the following:
- all expenses for passport, visa, vaccination and other miscellaneous items; all expenditures in the home country and in connection with the travel;
- payment of any salary and related allowances from the current employer of participants during the period of the Seminar;
- travel and other costs incurred by dependents who might accompany participants;
- costs incurred with respect to travel and accident insurance, medical bills and hospitalization costs in connection with attending the Seminar;
- compensation in the event of death or disability in connection with attendance of the Seminar.
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.
The ticket issued to you will be in economy class and no change in the reservation will be permitted which would incur additional expenses to the Organization.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) International Law Seminar