Originally from Bulgaria, Marcela joined the Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) as an intern in June 2025. She is currently in her second year at the Integrated Master of Laws at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Although still at an early stage of her professional journey, Marcela has already identified her intended career path in international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Her academic and professional interests include strategic advocacy, with a particular focus on strategic litigation aimed at holding governments and corporations accountable for human rights violations. During her work at GICJ, Marcela completed a report examining recent judicial reforms undertaken by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), analysing the current patterns of legal thought. She is currently working on an extensive report on immigration, focusing on violations committed under the Trump administration. This research explores the historical context of the rise of nativism and anti-immigration policies in the United States, as well as concrete legal and human rights violations stemming from these policies.   

 Fazila Nawaz joined GICJ as a volunter in August 2025. She holds an LLB. and is currently pursuing an LL.M. in Transnational Crime and Justice, jointly offered by UNICRI and the University for Peace. She is currently working with the Legal Adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, where she contributed to legal research and analysis on matters of public international law. Fazila has gained diverse professional experience through legal research and advocacy roles with several law firms and organisations. In addition, she has undertaken specialisaed training in peace negotiations, mediation, international commercial arbitration and international humanitarian law, and has been actively involved in youth leadership and community engagement initiatives with organisations such as WaterAid Pakistan and the United States Alumni Network. Her academic and professional interests focus on public international law, human rights protection, climate justice and conflict prevention. Fazila joined GICJ to deepen her practical understanding of international law and human rights advocacy, and aspires to bild a career in international legal practice and policy-oriented human rights work. 

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Melody is a law graduate currently in her gap year ahead of law school. She obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from Imo State University, Owerri, where she developed a strong academic interest in public international law. human rights law, diplomacy and international relations. She joined GICJ remotely in November 2025 through an independent application, motivated by her interest in international human rights advocacy and global justice. Melody is particularly drawn to the role of international institutions and non-governmental organisations in addressing human rights challenges and promoting accountability across borders. She aspires to work with international and regional organisations, such as the United Nations and the African Union, as well as human rights-focused NGOs, while pursuing a master's degree in international law and diplomacy or international relations. Through her experience at GICJ, Melody aims to gain practical exposure to international human rights law while strengthening her legal research and writing skills within an international advocacy environment. She is fluent in English and has a basic knowledge of French, which she is currently learning.  

Francis Ebongue Itoe joined GICJ in August 2025 as an online Volunteer, bringing expertise in communication, migration studies, and digital media. He is pursuing a BSc in Communication and holds certifications in international refugee and migration law, International Cooperation on Migration, digital journalism, social media marketing, fundraising, data storytelling, Google Analytics, and generative AI. His prior traingin and work in communication, humanitarian issues, and digital advocacy strengthened his interest in how storytelling, data and policy shape public understanding of migration and human  rights. At GICJ, he aims to refine his comunication strategies and analytical skills while advancing global advocacy and support for vulnerable populations. By contributing to GICJ, Francis looks forwards to further refininf his communication and analytical skills while expanding his knowledge of humanitarian and international legal frameworks. He views this opportunity as a key step toward his long-term goal of working in global advocacy, promoting effective communication, supporting vulnerable populations, and advancing the implementation of human rights and international humanitarian laq on a broader scale.  

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Marianne joined GICJ as an online Volunteer in November 2025. She is a Master's student in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action at Sciences Po, specialising in diplomacy and international law. Her academic and professional interests lie at the intersection of international human rights law, IHL and international refugee law, with a particular focus on forced displacement, statelessness, and access to protection in conflict and post-conflict contexts. She is currently conducting her Master's thesis on the normative and operational gaps between international legal frameworks and their implementation in the protection afforded to stateless persons in situations of forced displacement. She aspires to pursue a career in human rights litigation, advocacy, and multilateral diplomacy and contribute to the strengthening of international protection mechanisms for populations affected by armed conflict and systematic rights violations. Marianne has gained experience in diplomatic, governmental, and research settings across Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. Through her work with GICJ, she hopes to learn more and to further develop her expertise in international human rights monitoring, legal research, and advocacy before United Nations mechanisms. 

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Rayana joined GICJ as an online volunteer in November 2025. She is currently a Media Associate at Amnesty International Australia, where she has worked for the past four years. She has expertise in human rights advocacy, media relations and engagement, primary assessment, and complex casework. Her work has contributed to successful humanitarian resettlement outcomes and informed key reports and research for multiple committees in Australia and at the UN, such as Amnesty International Australia's national campaigns at the UN Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture. Alongside her work at Amnesty International Australia, Rayana is a Global Voices UNGA (Sixth Committee) Policy Fellow, where she is leading a project reviewing and proposing reforms to Australia's arms export control framework. She has also represented UN Youth Australia as part of a Middle East delegation in 2020 and has contributed research to major policy initiatives, Rayana is in her final year of a Juris Doctor at the University of New South Whales and holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, International Relations, and Sociology from the University of Sydney.

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Dr Mihertab is a Legal Professional currently serving as a part-time Volunteer at the Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ). In this capacity, he monitors UN Human Rights Council (HRC) sessions and produces analytical reports on multilateral negotiations, resolutions, and thematic debates. He holds a PhD in Law from the University of South Africa and an LLM in Human Rights Law from Addis Ababa University. His professional background includes extensive experience in Ethiopia as an Attorney and a University Lecturer. During his academic tenure,, he served as Legal Affairs Director and Academic Committe Chair, where he managed curriculum development and and institutional legal affairs. Dr Mihretab's work is centred on the protection of human rights and the advancement of International Humanitarian Law. He specialises in the application of global legal frameworks and the Africa Human Rights System, focusing his advocacy on the promotion of international legal standards and the protection of fundamental freedoms.

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Minna Adlan joined GICJ in May 2025 for a summer internship to pursue more knowledge and experience about human rights for her law degree. She is a passionate youth activist from Sudan, pursuing a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) with International Relations. With a strong commitment to international law and human rights, Minna has gained diverse experience through her involvement in various global organisations and initiatives. She is a firm believer in youth empowerment and the importance of fostering inclusive spaces for dialogue and action. Through her involvement with multiple youth-led organisations and initiatives, she continues to amplify the voices of young people on the global stage. She brings a unique perspective to her work, focusing on creating a more equitable and just society. Her commitment to advocacy and change-making drives her ambition to pursue a career in international law, with the aim of making a taking impact in the world. Minna hopes to learn more about international law and human rights mechanisms and how they impact global issues. 

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Adam Seymour has been involved with the GICJ since 2023, contributing to its work within the international and NGO sector. His engagement reflects a longstanding interest in global education, development, and international cooperation. Adam first entered the NGO sphere in 2008 through work with a non-governmental organisation in Zambia, an experience that shaped his commitment to education and international engagement. He is currently a History teacher at the International School of Geneva (Ecolint), La Châtaigneraie campus, where he works closely with the school community to support Ecolint's mission of promoting international-mindedness, peace, and cooperation through education. Founded in 1924 in the spirit of the League of Nations, Ecolint is a foundation school with close links to the United Nations. Alongside his work in education, Adam maintains a strong interest in universal access to education and views education as an essential foundation for opportunity and global awareness. Through both his teaching role and his involvement with GICJ, he continues to engage with initiatives that support inclusive and high-quality educational practices.  

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 Theresa joined GICJ remotely in November 2025 as a Volunteer. She holds an LL.M.from the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights and a Master's degree in African Studies from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Theresa earned her LL.B. from the University of Calabar, Nigeria, and complemeted her professional legal training at the Nigerian Law School. Theresa has conducted extensive research on human rights violations in Nigeria and on Cameroonian female refugees. Before joining GICJ, Theresa gained legal and advocacy experience through roles at law firms, the Ministry of Justice in Nigeria, and several human rights organisations. She has been actively involved in human rights education, strategic advocacy, and community-based initiatives that aim to empower youth and marginalised communities. Through her time at GICJ, Theresa seeks to strenghten her expertise in human rights advocacy, contribute to the Centre's work on UN human rights mechanisms, and support efforts to promote accountability for human rights violations. She aspires to build a career dedicated to defending victims of international crimes through legal research, advocacy, and policy engagement. 

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Kevin joined GICJ in October 2025 as a volunteer. He is German and graduated in summer 2025 with an LLM in Transnational Crime and Justice at the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute in Italy. His studies covered International Criminal Law, International Humanitarian Law, and an ICC war crimes moot court simulation. At Maastricht University he studied International Relations, Human Rights, and History. Previously, he founded and led a UNICEF Youth Advocacy Team in Germany, running campaigns and promoting children's rights. Kevin decided to join GICJ because its work matches his commitment to humanitarian and criminal justice in international settings, and because he seeks practical experience protecting human rights and civilians in armed conflict, especially children, on the ground. In the future, he aims to work on legal analysis of international crimes and in the humanitarian affairs focused on anticipatory action, humanitarian response, and peacemaking. 

 Alice joined GICJ in September 2025 as a volunteer. She is French/German and graduated in the summer of 2025 with a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Leiden University in the Netherlands. During her studies, she gained practical experience by working for a year as a Project Coordinator on the Awareness Team of the UNICEF Student team in The Hague, where she helped organise time-sensitive events and raised awareness about children's rights and UNICEF'S initiatives. She is currently pursuing a Master's in International Affairs with a specialisation in International Security at the Hertie School in Berlin. Her academic interests focus on international security, conflict dynamics, and the various forms of violence that lead to human rights violations. She is particularly interested in how global goverance, international institutions, and security policies shape responses to crises. Alice decided to join GICJ to deepen her understanding of international law, diplomacy, and human rights protection in practice. In the future, she hopes to work in international security analysis or within an organisation dedicated to conflict prevention and human rights advocacy. 

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Melissa joined GICJ in November 2025 as a part-time volunteer. She graduated with a Bachelor's in sociology with a concentration in criminology, social policy, and law with minors in psychology and geography from Bishop's University in Canada. After she finishes her gap year, she is planning to pursue a Master's degree in international relations and political science. Her academic interests lie in international security, post-colonial studies, criminology, terrorism, and international criminal law. She decided to join GICJ to deepen her knoweldge of international law and diplomacy. She is enthusiatstic about the experience and training GICJ will give her. So far, she has really enjoyed attending UN sessions and events. In the future, she hopes to work as an intelligence analyst.

 Léa is a Master’s student in European Human Rights Law who joined GICJ during her gap year as a full-time intern in September 2025 through a tripartite agreement with Lyon 3 Jean Moulin University. She recently graduated with a dual degree in Law and Languages (English and Spanish), with a specialisation in international administration and politics from Grenoble Alpes University. Léa is fluent in French, Spanish, and English. She has a strong interest in geopolitics, diplomacy, and international relations. She is particularly interested in topics related to climate justice, gender equality, and transitional justice. Through her involvement as a Young UNICEF Ambassador, she has raised awareness on the protection of children’s rights. Once she completes her master’s degree, Léa aspires to become a lawyer specialising in immigration law, human rights law, and international and european law. Through her internship at GICJ, she aims to deepen her understanding of and gain practical insights into international and human rights law, while further improving her skills in legal writing and public speaking. She hopes to contribute to strengthening global awareness and promoting effective responses to human rights violations and crises.

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Haliema joined GICJ in September 2025 as a full-time remote intern. She is studying Political Science with a minor in English at the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, where she is currently in her second year. Her academic and personal interests focus on the MENA region, right-wing extremism, and migration. Throughout her studies, she has engaged with questions of political structures, identity, and social movements, developing a critical perspective on contemporary global challenges. By interning at GICJ, Haliema seeks to deepen her understanding of international human rights law and strengthen her skills in research, advocacy, and international cooperation. She views this opportunity as a key step in her training and toward building a career in international politics and human rights, with a particular emphasis on advancing justice and equality in both regional and global contexts.

 Sonia joined GICJ as a full-time intern in August 2025 through a tripartite agreement. Sonia is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Laws at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University. She believes that international conflicts can be resolved through peaceful and diplomatic means. Her interests span multiple legal fields, with territorial rights and maritime law being particular areas of focus. She is deeply invested in understanding Middle Eastern conflicts; as such, she dedicates her time to studying their roots, impacts, and possible steps towards resolution. A committed advocate for children’s rights, she believes education is a fundamental pillar of human development and strives to explore how access to schooling can be secured and protected globally. She is fluent in French, German, and English. After she completes her undergraduate studies, she plans to pursue a Master’s degree related to international law. Through her experience at GICJ, she aims to gain firsthand insight into the inner workings of international institutions and the vital role NGOs play in promoting human rights and upholding international law. She is also eager to further develop her skills in advocacy and public speaking.

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 Astrid joined GICJ in July 2025 as a full-time intern under a tripartite agreement. She is a Master’s student in Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs at the Paris School of International Affairs and holds a dual Bachelor’s degree in Social and Political Science and History from Sciences Po Paris and Sorbonne University. Astrid focuses her studies on international human rights and humanitarian law, mass violence and genocide studies, and migration. She is particularly passionate about international criminal law and hopes to dedicate her career to upholding accountability for international crimes and combating impunity. A native French speaker, fluent in English and confident in German, Astrid has long volunteered with student-led organisation Sciences Po Refugee Help, where she coordinated their Material Needs team. Additionally, she collaborated with the French organisation Abajad to advocate for refugees’ access to French courses and raise awareness about this issue. Through her internship at GICJ, Astrid seeks to gain valuable training and hands-on experience in human rights advocacy and expand her practical understanding of the UN human rights and humanitarian law mechanisms. She is particularly eager to contribute to the organisation’s mission to promote accountability, but also to strengthen the skills necessary for a future career dedicated to defending victims of international crimes and advancing global justice.

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 Arwa joined GICJ as a full-time intern in July 2025 through a tripartite agreement with the organisation, her university, and herself. She is pursuing a degree in politics and international relations. Throughout her academic career, she has been a part of various humanitarian and political endeavours with a keen focus on Middle Eastern affairs. GICJ particularly captured Arwa’s attention as she wholeheartedly aligns with the organisation’s message, having consistently championed the principles of international human rights law throughout her ventures. Arwa hopes that the internship at GICJ will provide her with adequate training to launch her career in the field of international law and politics. She is eager to diversify her skillset and broaden her scope of knowledge on global affairs through this opportunity at GICJ.

 Elena joined GICJ in July 2025 as a full-time intern, under a tripartite agreement between the University of Geneva, Elena, and GICJ. She has completed a five-month exchange program at the University of Geneva, while she is currently undertaking a double bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Political Science at the University of California Irvine, where she has developed a strong interest in diplomacy, international relations, and humanitarian law. Before joining GICJ, Elena interned at the US Capitol, where she worked closely on legislative matters and engaged with constituents, gaining valuable insight into policymaking and public service. Passionate about international diplomacy and the promotion of human rights, she hopes to work for the United States Department of State as a diplomat. Through her internship at GICJ, Elena aims to deepen her understanding of international humanitarian law, while gaining first-hand training in an international environment advocating for human rights.

 Carla joined GICJ in May 2025 as an Intern. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Rights from the London School of Economics and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Exeter. She has previously worked with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva and UN Women in New York, contributing to legal research, gender equality indicators, and the integration of AI into reporting frameworks. Her volunteer experience with the Spanish Red Cross focused on humanitarian assistance for migrant women. Carla is particularly passionate about the intersection of counterterrorism and human rights, gender justice, and migration. Through her internship at GICJ, she aims to deepen her expertise and receive training in international advocacy and contribute meaningfully to the protection and promotion of human rights.

Jennifer joined GICJ in June 2025 as a volunteer. She studied at the University of Turin, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Sciences for Development and Cooperation. Jennifer studied in Spain during her Erasmus and now lives in Paris, having gained proficiency in Spanish, French, and English. She has just completed the first year of her Master’s in International Governance and Diplomacy at Sciences Po. There, she is specialising in global risks and diplomacy, with a strong interest in international law, human rights protection, and promoting a revival of multilateralism. Through this internship at GICJ, Jennifer aims to receive a deep training in international human rights law and to actively contribute to fostering a legal culture that leads to effective change at the international level. 

 Sheema joined the GICJ in May 2025 as a part-time volunteer. Originally from Kuwait and Ireland, she currently lives in Paris where she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in international and comparative politics with a minor in middle eastern studies at the American University in Paris. Sheema is passionate about international relations, conflict resolution, and advocating for human rights. Prior to joining GICJ, she gained experience through volunteer roles focused on sustainability initiatives and human rights advocacy through Amnesty International. At GICJ, Sheema aims to deepen her understanding of international humanitarian law and human rights mechanisms while actively supporting and contributing to the organisation's mission. She hopes to further these interests in her future career within human rights law and advocacy.

Rose Joined GICJ in May 2025 for a six-month part-time volunteer. She was born in Kenya, raised between Kenya and Switzerland. She is interested in pursuing a career in international law. Rose acquired a law LLB from the University of Kent in which she focused on human rights law, international humanitarian law and Gender Justice and she is on route to acquiring her Legal Practice Course (LPC) and LLM at the Nottingham Law School. Rose has previously worked as a Regional Publicity Lead at SolidariTee in which she worked to raise funds to aid in legal fees for refugees. She has also been a mentee at Eversheds Sutherlands in which she developed her legal practice skills. Rose hopes that through her internship at GICJ she can expand her understanding of human rights law and develop her advocacy skills to make a positive and meaningful impact. 

 Originally from California, USA, Satine joined GICJ as an intern in June 2025 after completing a dual undergraduate degree in International Relations and Social Anthropology at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. After focusing on sustainability within her academics, she contributed to policy recommendations for renewable energy development in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides as a research intern for the ‘Decentralising Power’ project. She also leveraged her musical background and local networks to organize music events supporting local charities and sustainable causes. Her academic pursuits have cultivated a desire to support communities through the application of systems thinking and intersectional approaches in policy. She anticipates that her involvement with GICJ will enhance her understanding of Human Rights and International Law as well as build on her previous knowledge of the UN, to ultimately support her aspirations to pursue an LLM.

Andrea joined GICJ in 2025 as a volunteer. She is a Masters student at the University of Amsterdam studying Public International Law (LLM) and previously studied Liberal Arts and Sciences at University College Utrecht, focusing on International Human Rights Law. During her studies, she contributed to various human rights initiatives, including working with Amnesty International in the Business and Human Rights Amsterdam Law Clinic. She also collaborates with YeraHub as a legal researcher, where she explores pressing issues in international law. She is fluent in Romanian, English, knowledgeable in French, and is currently learning Dutch. At GICJ, Andrea aims to deepen her knowledge and contribute to advancing women’s rights and humanitarian law, areas she is especially passionate about. 

Stefania joined GICJ in May 2025 for a three-month full time internship with a tripartite agreement between GICJ, herself and the Geneva Graduate Institute, where she is currently a Master’s student in International and Development Studies, Human Rights and Humanitarianism. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology and Law from Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich. Before joining GICJ, Stefania gained experience as an intern at the German Federal Foreign Office, working on issues regarding feminist foreign policy and the implementation of the UN SDGs, as well as a human rights intern at the International League of Human Rights (ILHR) in Berlin where she conducted research for the German UPR NGO mid-term report on the right to housing. At GICJ, Stefania aims to deepen her knowledge in human rights advocacy, and gain experience in how to bridge the demands of civil society actors directly affected by human rights violations with international UN mechanisms like the Human Rights Council or the UPR cycle. She hopes to therefore make a contribution to global awareness and meaningful action in the face of human rights abuses and crisis.

 Muriel joined GICJ in February 2025 as a part-time volunteer. She holds a Master's degree in International Criminal Justice and a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences from the Philipps University Marburg. Prior to joining GICJ, Muriel interned at Amnesty International Germany which deepened her passion for human rights advocacy. By volunteering at GICJ, she is looking forward to deepening her understanding of how to address human rights issues within the framework of international relations. Through her work on creating reports and social media content for GICJ, Muriel hopes to refine her writing skills, and expand her knowledge of international human rights mechanisms. By contributing to GICJ's advocacy efforts, Muriel views this experience as an essential step towards her goal of working in human rights advocacy, where she hopes to support and promote the effective implementation of human rights and international humanitarian law on a global scale. 

Ahmed Wahbi joined GICJ in April 2025 for a 6-month internship. He holds an LLB in International and European Law and will soon pursue an LLM at Utrecht University. Ahmed is passionate about International Humanitarian and Criminal Law. His bachelor’s thesis examined the legal and humanitarian dimensions of the Fallujah battle. His experience lies in rigorous research, he has contributed to UN reports and conducted in-depth legal analyses on IHL and human rights. He also believes strongly in professional development, which is why he continuously seeks out new learning opportunities. Through his internship at GICJ, he aims to contribute meaningfully to GICJ’s mission and further sharpen his legal writing and oral advocacy skills, with a view to participating in future Human Rights Council sessions.

Jui joined GICJ in January 2025 as a part-time volunteer. Born and raised in India, she is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Law from National Law University, Punjab. She has previously worked with a local NGO and is also part of a global organisation committed to combating the adverse effects of climate change. She often contributes to academic literature by exploring the intersection of technology and policy with a legal lens. She is passionate about human rights, international relations and gender justice. Through her volunteer experience at GICJ, she seeks to enhance her understanding of the current challenges facing international human rights law and the workings of international organisations. 

Matilde joined GICJ in January 2025 as a part-time human rights volunteer. Originally from Italy, she holds a Master’s degree in Conflict Studies and Human Rights from Utrecht University and a Bachelor’s degree in European Studies from Maastricht University. Her academic path has focused on conflict resolution, transitional justice, and international law, with a particular interest in state accountability and the protection of human rights during and after armed conflicts. Prior to joining GICJ, Matilde conducted extensive work on the issue of impunity for state officials involved in human rights violations during the Philippine War on Drugs, and contributed to a research lab examining international efforts to address war crimes and ensure accountability in the context of the war in Ukraine. At GICJ, Matilde hopes to expand her knowledge of international human rights mechanisms by contributing to the GICJ's advocacy efforts. She views this experience as a crucial step in her long-term goal of working in international justice, where she hopes to support accountability mechanisms and promote the effective implementation of human rights and humanitarian law on a global scale.

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Prishika joined GICJ in January 2025 as part-time volunteer. She was born and raised in Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean off the south-eastern coast of Africa. Before moving to Geneva to pursue a Master of Science in Psychology, she graduated with a BSc in Psychology with counselling skills. She demonstrates proficiency in several languages, including: English, French, Mauritian Creole, Hindi, and conversational German. Prishika has previously interned at the Ombudsperson for Children in Mauritius which deepened her passion for the protection and promotion of children rights.  In this world increasingly vulnerable to instability and conflict, she is particularly interested in understanding the impacts of human rights abuses to develop strategies to protect human dignity and improve their psychosocial wellbeing. By volunteering at Geneva International Centre for Justice, she is looking forward to gain first-hand experience in the field of human rights and deepen her understanding of human rights challenges faced by marginalised communities.