INTERNSHIP & PRO BONO PROFESSIONALS PROGRAMMES

The Special Court for Sierra Leone is a commitment to peace and justice, reflecting current attempts to make international criminal justice work for a nation which has seen the most heinous atrocities imaginable. The fact that it is established in Sierra Leone, where war has been a reality for a decade, fuels a sense of immediacy and commitment to seeing justice delivered. Established along side a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, it is believed that a fair process of accountability will encourage respect for the rule of law, provide a sense of closure and solace to victims as foundations for peace to take hold. In an environment where peace is fragile, the success of justice as a foundation for lasting peace takes on a particular significance for stakeholders across the board.

In light of the interest in this kind of process amongst students, legal practitioners, human rights defenders and experts in relevant fields, an internship and pro-bono programme provides unique opportunities for interested students and experts alike to make a substantial contribution to the work of the Court. While legal research and substantive legal work in international human rights and humanitarian law are obvious areas for candidates, there a number of other areas of interest where fixed positions have been identified.

Details of the Programme
Maximum of 6 month internship or pro-bono professionals
· 3 Chambers Placements – legal research and drafting of decisions and judgements
· 3 Defence Support placements – legal research, investigation, and drafting
· 3 Prosecutor’s Office - legal research, investigation, and drafting
· 1 Registrar’s Office – policy work
· 1 Press and Public Affairs Office
· 1 Audio-visual Unit – video editing, documentary production

The Court will define the number and nature of positions on a continuous basis, according to needs. The recruitment process will be handled on an on-going basis and each intern / pro bono attorney will carry out his or her assignments under a supervisor.

Applicants for the Internship Programme should recent graduates or be currently enrolled in a graduate (Masters or equivalent) or post-graduate programme.

Participants in the Pro Bono Professionals Programme will be selected from that want to enhance and consolidate their experience in the public interest sector.
Interns will receive no remuneration. Cost of travel and accommodation, as well as living expenses, are the responsibility of interns and/or their sponsoring institution.  Both interns and pro bono attorneys will be responsible for obtaining the necessary visas and making arrangements regarding their travel to Freetown (Sierra Leone).  Moreover, the Special Court will accept no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness that may occur during the internship and participation to the pro bono programme, respectively.  Accordingly, interns and pro bono attorneys will have to subscribe to a health/accident insurance plan.

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