Monash University > News and Events > Monash Memo

Witness to UN debate

22 April 2009

Marianna Linnik

Final year arts/law student Marianna Linnik has witnessed how human rights are debated and enforced, completing a one-month internship with the Australian delegation to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe.

Marianna's internship involved attending the main session of the council and parallel meetings to debate draft human rights resolutions and meet with non-government organisations about human rights issues.

"My fellow intern and I were often the eyes and ears of the delegation, recording our observations and communicating them to the Australian Mission in Geneva," Marianna said.

Marianna said she enjoyed meeting a range of people from across the world and learnt a lot about topical human rights issues.

"This internship gave me a practical perspective on my studies, allowing me to witness how human rights law can be used in the international arena to encourage States to protect human rights," Marianna said.

"It has also encouraged me to get a better understanding of the world events that affect so many people.

"I'm now at the end of my bachelor degree, however undertaking this internship has inspired me to continue studying in the field."

Marianna encouraged students with an interest in human rights and diplomacy to apply for the internship program.

"It was one of the most interesting experiences of my life -- this type of hands-on experience is absolutely invaluable," Marianna said.

For more information on the internships available through the Castan Centre visit the Castan Centre Global Internships website.