Background
On 25 March 2013, the Court of Final Appeal of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delivered judgment in C & others v Director of Immigration and the Secretary for Security (FACV18/2011). The Court ruled that the Hong Kong Government, despite not being Party to the 1951 Convention/1967 Protocol, has an independent duty, subject to judicial review, to enquire into whether asserted fear of persecution in the event of return is well-founded.
In compliance with the judgment, on 03 March 2014, the Hong Kong Government commenced its Unified Screening Mechanism (USM) to assess claims for non refoulement protection. Upon the commencement of the USM UNHCR ceased its asylum screening procedures in Hong Kong. Persons who indicate that they will face the risk of persecution upon return to their country of origin and/or those who filed a claim under the USM will continue to be considered as Persons of Concern to UNHCR until a final determination of persecution risk is reached under the USM.
Although UNHCR in Hong Kong is no longer conducting refugee status determination, it is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that the protection needs of Persons of Concern are adequately met throughout this period of change. Working within national political, economic and social structures, UNHCR maintains open dialogue with Hong Kong authorities and advocates on behalf of refugees on their rights and continuing needs, seeking to improve the quality of protection available in compliance with the territory’s human rights obligations. Utilizing its wealth of unique expertise in international refugee protection, UNHCR is able to contribute to the technical development of the USM in accordance with established international standards, whilst raising the general awareness of the global refugee situation within Hong Kong society through engagements with schools, universities and other public organisations. For refugees, UNHCR continues to make efforts to secure a durable solution to their situation.
Opportunities
Sub-Office Hong Kong (SOHK) offers internships to motivated individuals throughout the year. Internships are offered depending on the availability of meaningful projects and the needs and capacity of units/offices to receive and supervise interns.
The kind of projects interns are offered depends on UNHCR requirements as well as the qualifications and interests of the applicant. Most interns work on a project which will benefit them and UNHCR, in fields such as refugee protection (legal and social), administration and public information.
The duration of internships is for a minimum of three months.
Application Forms
Please complete the following application forms;
1. UNHCR Internship Application Form:
The internship application form can be downloaded here
2. UNHCR P11:
The P11 can be downloaded here
Please email your cover letter and both forms to: chiho@unhcr.org
Please type "INTERNSHIP APPLICATION" in the subject line.
Time-line
You will be contacted only if UNHCR wishes to pursue your application. If you are not selected and are interested in future internship opportunities please re-apply.
Financial Considerations
No provision is made for remuneration of Interns. All costs connected with Internships must therefore be borne by the Interns or their sponsoring institutions or governments, including costs relating to travel, living and accommodation.
