I will never forget my first time in Africa. As part of my studies, I spent a research period in Tanzania as an intern with the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. I worked for the Office of the Prosecutor and participated in interviewing genocide survivors and witnesses. Their powerful stories and the physical and mental scars they chose to share made an impact on me. I never thought the legal profession could be as rewarding as I found it to be at the Tribunal. This enriching internship sparked my interest in international law and led to my career with the United Nations.  

After my internship, I applied for a position as a United Nations Volunteer. Within two months, I was deployed to the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) where I worked for the Department of Justice of UNMIK to support the local judges and prosecutors. We helped ensure that standards of impartiality and independence within the legal system were granted to everyone. This allowed the judges to bring some balance back into the community.

Confident that the experiences I had gained and the lessons I had learned as a volunteer could also be helpful on the professional level, I later pursued a position with the Special Chamber of the Supreme Court of UNMIK. In this office we dealt with civil legal matters arising from the privatization of socially and publicly-owned enterprises, including labour disputes and employees entitlements, reviewing claims and making sure the process was sound. 

The United Nations has shown me that my background in law does not limit me to a career in a law firm. My legal experience has given me job mobility within the Organization, allowing me to hold similar positions and also help people in Afghanistan and Côte d’Ivoire. With each relocation, including to my current post in Darfur, I am always able to pick up where I left off. 

Currently, I am a part of the Legal Affairs Office in a “hybrid mission”. This means that, generally speaking, the United Nations provides funding and civilian staff, while the African Union Member States provide troops to maintain peace within the communities. Our office prepares legal agreements with local government institutions and other organizations present on the ground and handles matters related to United Nations privileges and immunities. For example, if a staff member commits a crime, we liaise with the Office of Legal Affairs in New York and the host country institutions in order to ensure the proper administration of justice. Similarly, if a crime is committed against the United Nations or any of its staff members, we make certain that the victims can participate in the legal proceedings established for this purpose and that the interest of the Organization is protected.

Our job is important because we ensure that the United Nations is working within the established legal framework. Alone I cannot make a difference, but together with the efforts of my colleagues at the mission, I see the real impact that our work has in the mission and in the community.

Sometimes, both sides of a conflict continue to be present in a region after the end of its active phase. Even years after the end of the hostilities, the debate can linger in the minds and divide the people who live in the area. Social and legal bounds may be overstepped as a consequence of that. However, with our work we help ensure that people can temporarily rely on an impartial external authority, while focusing on rebuilding their society and on reconciliation. It gives the community faith that one day life can continue as they knew it.

We integrate with the community as we share our legal knowledge with those who need it. It is enriching to spend time doing something that I love, practicing law, but it is a gift to do it in an environment that values humanitarianism. Our work is “give and take” as we learn from the people we serve. This is one of the best things about working for the United Nations.