About United Nations IRMCT
The United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) was established by the UN Security Council in 2010 to carry out the essential functions of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) after their respective mandates were completed. The IRMCT ensures the continued enforcement of international criminal justice, including the prosecution of serious violations of international humanitarian law, and the enforcement of sentences.
The Office of the Prosecutor at IRMCT comprises three main teams: the Core Team, the Appeals/Legal Advisory Team, and the Category II Team. Interns may receive assignments across all these teams, gaining hands-on exposure to international criminal law, post-conviction matters, and the operations of a UN tribunal.
Eligibility
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Candidates must be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a law university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent).
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Alternatively, law students enrolled in, or having completed, a graduate-level programme (second university degree – Master’s degree or higher) are also eligible.
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Previous legal experience is desirable but not mandatory.
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Applicants must be proficient in computer applications and standard software programs.
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Strong drafting, legal research, and oral communication skills are essential.
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Ability to handle sensitive or confidential information is required.
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Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of other languages, particularly French or Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, is considered an advantage.
Roles and Responsibilities
Interns at IRMCT will support legal officers in the Office of the Prosecutor and will be involved in:
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Conducting legal research and performing factual analysis.
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Assisting with drafting legal documents and providing litigation-related support, including cite-checking.
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Compiling and collating materials for ongoing cases and proceedings.
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Supporting legal officers working on issues such as cooperation with national authorities prosecuting war-crimes cases, policy development, and capacity-building initiatives.
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Assisting with matters related to the enforcement of sentences, early-release requests, witness-protection issues, and post-conviction litigation work.
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Carrying out additional duties as assigned, gaining exposure to diverse aspects of international criminal law.
Internship Details
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Location: The Hague, the Netherlands
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Duration: 3 to 6 months, starting on 1 February 2026
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Type: Full-time, unpaid internship
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Interns will gain first-hand exposure to the work of an international criminal tribunal, with opportunities to learn from experienced prosecutors and legal professionals in a global setting.
How to Apply
All interested candidates must submit their applications online through the official IRMCT portal: https://lnkd.in/eWmY98ym
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Application Deadline: 4 December 2025
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Ensure your application includes all required details and relevant academic or professional documents. Only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be considered.
This is a unique opportunity for law students and graduates to gain invaluable international legal experience in a globally recognized UN organization and contribute to the field of international criminal justice.
Link to official notification- LINK
