HRLC Interns Support UN Special Rapporteur in Addressing Worst Forms of Child Labour

For the fourth consecutive year, the Human Rights Law Centre (HRLC) has offered an internship scheme to support the work of the UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences, Professor Tomoya Obokata.

This year’s interns, Joline-Sophie Klein and Aline Pereira, contributed to the preparation of Professor Obokata’s thematic report to the 60th Session of the Human Rights Council on the Worst Forms of Child Labour. Their work involved identifying and reviewing sources to be incorporated into the final report, which addresses the global challenges and human rights violations faced by children subjected to the most severe forms of labour exploitation.

Reflecting on her experience, one of the interns noted that:

“The placement was really rewarding. While the HRLC provided consistent support, I appreciated the independence and flexibility we were given. Professor Obokata and the HRLC entrusted us to design our own research path, which kept the work engaging and diverse.”

In addition to this research, the interns drafted and submitted a response to the UN Special Rapporteur’s call for inputs, drawing on the research that they had undertaken over the course of their placement. This work was supervised by Professor Ralph Sandland. The HRLC’s submission is referenced in the report at paragraphs 27 and 34.

Professor Obokata said:

“I very much appreciative of the support provided by the excellent interns at the Human Rights Law Centre. I was able to gather important facts relating to this year's report.”

Professor Aoife Nolan, Director of the HRLC, added:

“At a time when the UN human rights system is under huge pressure, the HRLC is committed to doing what it can to support Special Rapporteurs’ vital work. We are delighted that our students interns have been able to contribute in this way.”

In October 2024, Professor Obokata visited the University of Nottingham for a Fireside Chat co-hosted with the University of Nottingham Rights Lab. During the event, he shared insights into his important fact-finding work as UN Special Rapporteur and reflected on his two terms in the position. Read more about the event here.