Registration is open for the 2024 United Nations International Law Seminar (ILS). Since its inception in 1965, the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG) has organized ILS annually. It deepens the understanding of international law among postgraduate students, young scholars, government officials, and lawyers in the field.

The Seminar offers a unique platform for participants to engage with the work of the International Law Commission (ILC) and to exchange views on the codification and progressive development of international law.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: 12 April 2024
• Seminar Dates: 1 – 19 July 2024 (3 weeks)
• Funding Type: Fellowship available
• Organizer: United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG)
• Eligible Countries: Member States of the UN
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Postgraduate students, young scholars, government officials, and young lawyers in international law
• Focus Area: International Law
• Study Level: Postgraduate
• Number of Opportunity: 25 participants
• Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Benefits of the ILS

The following are the benefits of the ILS:

• Opportunity to attend meetings of the International Law Commission (ILC)
• Engage in discussions with experts in the field
• Fellowship available for eligible candidates
• Limited fellowships are available for participants from developing countries.

Note: Participation in the Seminar is free, but UNOG will not pay all participants for travel or subsistence. However, limited fellowships are available for participants from developing countries for travel or living expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

All candidates should meet the following requirements before applying to the UN ILS:

• Age requirement: Applicants must be between 24 and 38 years old on 1 January 2024.
• Eligibility: Postgraduate students, young scholars, government officials, and young lawyers in international law
• Knowledge requirement: Sound knowledge of public international law based on postgraduate studies or significant professional experience.
• Participation: Attend plenary meetings, lectures, and discussions and produce short reports.
• Language proficiency: Proficiency in at least two working languages (English, French, Spanish).

Required Documents

Please prepare and submit the following required application documents:

• Curriculum vitae, including personal information, educational background, professional experience, academic working papers, and publications
• Letter of motivation (400-800 words) justifying any request for fellowship.
• Two signed and dated letters of recommendation specifically referencing the Seminar from official sources such as universities, governments, or members of the International Law Commission.

Selection Process

Selection process details are as follows:

• The selection committee includes UN officials and a professor chairperson.
• The selection committee will consider the following criteria: Legal experience, academic background, usefulness of the Seminar for the applicant’s career and country, language proficiency, gender balance, and availability of funds.
• Only complete applications will be consider
• Applicants must meet the requirements and provide all required documents.
• Selection will occur based on the application’s quality, including the letter of motivation and recommendations.

How to Apply?

• Read the information note carefully before starting the application.
• Ensure all required documents are ready.
• Complete the online application form provided in the link below.
• Apply before the deadline on 12 April 2024. Applications received after the deadline will not be considerable.

Apply Now

Further information and details are available on the official website of the UN ILS.

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