I began my internship at the United Nations last Monday. Every summer term (the UN also takes in interns during the fall), around 200 graduate students from all over the world descend on the UN headquarters to work for the various offices of the United Nations. This year, the interns represent more than 70 countries. So far, I've met students from England, China, Korea, Lithuania, among others, and law students from Australia, Canada, Russia and Sweden. (I believe there are quite a number of law students who are interns this summer; but not all of them work in the Office of Legal Affairs)
I work in the Codification Division of the Office of Legal Affairs. I work with two other interns, both of whom are LLM students. Our division conducts research for the Sixth Committee of the UN General Assembly, the International Law Commission and the numerous legal publications of the UN. Several of my supervisors are also involved in the drafting of different international legal instruments. (Our office is located on one of the top floors of the building and has majestic views of Manhattan and Queens. Pictures to come soon!)
What is interesting to note is that the UN compound enjoys some kind of extraterritorial status. (The UN offices are actually spread around the area. There are a few UN buildings which are located outside of the headquarters.) Federal and state laws of the United States have very limited application and enforceability within the headquarters district. (at least when these laws conflict with applicable UN regulations) Many members of the UN staff also enjoy diplomatic immunity and thus cannot be prosecuted by local courts unless this immunity is waived by the UN Secretary General. Because of this unusual character of the UN compound, the headquarters is probably one of the few (or the only?) building in New York where smoking is still allowed indoors! Of course, staff cannot smoke anywhere they please. There are still designated areas within the building where smoking is allowed. The UN also has its own post office. (and its own stamps! Incidentally, if you are a tourist -- or not -- and want your stamps personalized and have your picture printed on the stamp, you can do that too.) Aside from the post office, there is an in-house police force and fire department among other things.
If you're curious to see the provisions of the UN Headquarters agreement between the United States and the United Nations, visit: http://www.un.int/usa/host_hqs.htm
My next post: A short story about a briefing by the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court
1 comment:
I remember a big to-do a few years ago having to do with parking tickets for UN-related folks with diplomatic license plates. Unreal that smoking is still allowed in the building! It sounds like your experience here on the East Side is just about as "foreign" as some of your fellow students abroad! Thanks for the photos.
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