Freedom of Expression
Rachel Jensen
“My internship with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression was a great experience. I learned about the structure of the OAS and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, as well as understanding the roles of these organizations throughout the world. By working on specific cases, I learned a great deal about the legal systems of the Americas, international legal norms, and the process by which an alleged human rights violation comes before the Inter-American Court. I had the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Rapporteur staff while preparing legal documents, as well as to work independently on a research project, the results of which will be included in an upcoming annual report. Because interns are asked to join various meetings in the Commission, I was able to see the inner-workings of the entire office and better understand the roles of each area of the Commission. My Spanish skills greatly improved, as I researched Spanish websites, trial proceedings, and official documents, and spoke daily with other staff members and interns in Spanish. My personal interactions with the lawyers in the office of the Rapporteur were extremely valuable and inspiring. Not only did I learn important skills in my internship, but formed good relationships that have helped to guide me in my future plans."
Rachel Jensen
Georgetown Law School Student
Internship during summer 2003