Legal internship on fundamental freedoms in Zimbabwe

Organisation background information The Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales (BHRC) is the international human rights arm of the Bar of England and Wales. It is an independent body primarily concerned with the protection of the rights of advocates and judges around the world. The Committee is also concerned with defending the rule of law and internationally recognised legal standards relating to the right to a fair trial.

The John Smith Memorial Trust (JSMT) is a cross-party UK charity which specialises in the delivery of fellowship programmes for emerging leaders in transitional democracies. It has been running fellowship programmes in Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia for the last 14 years. Since 2008, the JSMT has been developing programmes for African countries of the Commonwealth and the MENA. Project background and information The BHRC has worked extensively with Zimbabwean lawyers, human rights defenders and civil society organisations to monitor and strengthen respect for the Rule of Law in Zimbabwe. In 2010, the BHRC published a report on the state of the Rule of Law in Zimbabwe which highlighted that since the signing of the Global Peace Agreement and the formation of the transitional Government in 2008, there has been continued political violence by ZANU-PF, its surrogates and the security forces against MDC members and perceived sympathisers. The BHRC and the JSMT are developing a manual to accompany training for Zimbabwean lawyers and human rights defenders in relation to fundamental freedoms and human rights ahead of Presidential elections, and strengthen their capacity to monitor and address discrimination and violence against those promoting freedom of expression in particular.
Internship information The BHRC and the JSMT are recruiting interns to assist with researching and compiling training materials. Interns will research substantive international law and jurisprudence as well as draft and edit documents.

Interested applicants are required to have a legal training background and knowledge of international law. Experience in developing training materials and knowledge of human rights in Zimbabwe are desirable. Interns are asked to work for at least three days a week for up to six weeks starting immediately. The structure of the time committed is negotiable. Interns can work from home provided there is internet access; alternatively, space can be provided within chambers. How to apply Interested applicants should send their CV and covering letter outlining relevant experience to the BHRC project coordinator at bhrc@compuserve.com by Thursday, 15/09/2011