IFOR welcomes you to its "INTRODUCTION TO THE UN" program September 19th -23th 2022

IFOR's 3rd edition of its "Introduction to the UN" program took place on September 19-23 2022.

This year's program was titled "Strengthening civil society engagement within the UN system" and was funded by Otto per Mille of the Waldensian Church of Italy.

Nine participants from Benin, Colombia, Japan, Mongolia, Nepal, Nigeria, Tibet and USA the opportunity to learn more about the UN system and the precise work IFOR does with particular regard to conscientious objection to military service and other issues such as human rights education, environmental rights, disarmament, decolonization and to meet with partner organizations and human rights defenders. 

Participants attended the 51st session of the UN Human Rights Council, informal negotiations, side events and thematic workshops on Western Sahara, Tibet . . . and found out more about UN procedures and civil society space. 

During the week, IFOR’s guests had the chance to visit the Geneva UN headquarters and attend the special event of the Geneva Peace Talks on September 21st where they had the opportunity to listen to human rights defenders and activists from around the globe.

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READ ABOUT OUR PARTICIPANTS' FEEDBACK:

“The programme enriched my knowledge and experience hugely. We were introduced to many different aspects of the UN and civil society representations. The programme exceeded my expectations and we look forward to working with IFOR and the relevant diplomats at the UN.” -Uuganaa 

“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend the seminar and to be part of an organization advocating for the right to refuse to kill, and the right of conscientious objection to war. We must build a global movement that is committed to collective liberation.” -Chrissy

“Though I have been to Gener and participated several timers in UN organized programs, I never had the opportunity to see how, debates, lobying and side events are organized, I feel priveledged thiis year through IFOR and the able leadership of Zaira Zafarana who guided us through ther process, It is a worthwhile experience, and I look forward to more of such. Thank you for this opportunity.” -Domino

“IFOR can give us exposure and capacity enhance and pick the Hunan rights issues to the UN for better chnage of Community” -Sirjana

“It was wonderful programme. Got knowledge how work with UN. IFOR should continue this efforts.” -Ruhi

“It is a great opportunity to strengthen international advocacy and the socialization capacities of different organizations that work to promote human rights in the world. It allows to have a close and direct work towards the United Nations System, from the perspective of Civil Society organizations. Personally, it was an opportunity that I am grateful for, and I can affirm that it changed my life, it allowed me to learn about different ways of fighting for human rights, to learn about new realities, and to always think that despite the great distances and cultural differences, the work for the rights of people can be understood as a universal language.” -Laura

“What set this program apart from others was great its focus on practical lessons in that we were able to learn firsthand about the workings of the Human Rights Council session and explore opportunities for advocacy on issues of common concern.” -Tsering

IFOR welcomes you to its "INTRODUCTION TO THE UN" program September 19th -23rd 2022

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR) is glad to invite you to participate in the 3rd edition of the special program aimed to provide an opportunity to come and see the work of IFOR at the United Nations in Geneva and experience first-hand engagement within the UN system.

This year's program is titled “Strengthening civil society engagement within UN system” and is funded by the Otto per Mille of the Waldensian Church of Italy.

The aim is to provide a learning opportunity to civil society representatives, with particular focus to human rights defenders from the Global South, and from minority and vulnerable groups, to take action as human rights advocates within the UN system.

The program will last one week, from Monday September 19th to Friday 23rd 2022.

It will run during the 51st session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Participants will also learn about IFOR work on the right to conscientious objection to military service and about the draft resolution negotiation expected to take place at the UN Human Rights Council on this topic.

Participants will have the opportunity to address other Human Rights topics and thus explore how civil society can fully engage at the UN and network.

We contemplate a group of about ten people, which can move about together and is also small enough to share reflections communally between formal meetings.

Have a look at the first edition here and at the second edition here.

Due to the current situation concerning covid-19, the running of the program could be subject to changes accordingly to the ongoing pandemic.

APPLICANTS

We look for participants who are linked to a civil society organization and are willing to engage in human rights.

Priority will be given to those from the Global South, and from minority and vulnerable groups.

Participants should be:

-        at least 18 years old

-        fluent in spoken English

-        available for the entire week period

-        directly involved in the current work of a civil society organization

-        inclined to teamwork

-        motivated with regards to the human rights and international affairs agenda

-        ready to follow up within their own organization

PROGRAMME OF THE WEEK

The detailed program will be sent to the participants prior to the start of the program.

Program will start in Geneva on Monday 19th at 3 pm.

During the week the participants will attend working sessions of the Human Rights Council -which include plenary meetings, negotiations of resolutions, side events-, assist in the drafting and delivering of oral statements, participate in informal meetings with partner NGOs, explore advocacy initiatives.

The program will conclude on Friday 23rd at noon.

Every day participants will have the possibility to meet together to exchange on the experience and deepen topics and procedures of interest with IFOR UN representatives; in addition, there will be a tutoring opportunity to better follow the Human Rights Council working sessions, the general debates and interactive dialogues planned in the Program of Work of the UN.

ACCOMMODATION AND TRAVEL

IFOR has pre-arranged a single room accommodation with full board near the Palais des Nations, in Geneva. These costs (accommodation + meals) will be covered by IFOR through the Otto per Mille fund of the Waldensian Church. All participants will receive a free pass for local public transportation for the entire period.

Other costs (round trip travel to Geneva and personal leisure) shall be met by the participants and/or their organizations.

Participants will need to take care of possible Visa requirements as well.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, interested people need to fill in the online form here.  

Deadline for application is August 30th 2022, at 1pm CEST. The confirmation of the application will be notified to the candidates within the following 48 hours.

If necessary, we will give preference to:

a) those who are prepared to commit for the entire week

b) persons with a direct connection with IFOR

c) members of vulnerable or minority groups

For further information you are welcome to contact the coordinator of the program at zaira.zafarana@ifor.org

NOTE: Given the current situation of the pandemic the program will run accordingly to the actual situation and safety measures in place. Applicants are invited to check all requirements given by the Swiss Federal Office for people traveling from other countries.

Looking forward to having you in Geneva!

You can download the call here.

You are welcome to share on social media here.

READ ABOUT OUR PARTICIPANTS' FEEDBACK:

"It was an intensive and interesting time with the great opportunity to get to know other committed young people and human rights defenders." - Sophia

"Introduction to the UN" was one of the eye-opening events I have ever participated in. The agenda was perfectly scheduled, the participants fit well together, all other moments organized so well that we could get most of it despite the COVID restrictions. I wish IFOR would continue to maintain such an enthusiasm to support those who are willing to speak out about their issues, thus contributing to the peace movement." - Aku

"Introduction to the UN" is an intense and brilliant way to get to know and experience how the UN functions. To me was a chance to visit Geneva and its diplomatic atmosphere as well as lifestyle. In a multicultural environment, I had the chance to know more about local cases of human rights defenders such as the ones in South America witnessed by other participants and activists. I really enjoyed it and it was really inspiring!" - Silvia

"I enjoyed the program in general a lot as it helped me to get a deeper understanding of the UN in general and IFORs international work in particular. It was super interesting to slowly realize how complex international diplomacy can be and how strategic the work of NGOs like IFOR has to be to achieve any impact on a specific topic." - Marco

"This was an enlightening experience with a really engaged group, that was put together in the midst of covid restrictions, that nevertheless conveyed the reality of how the UN works and how it is possible for civil society to engage with it." - Peter

"The UN system is incredibly difficult and convoluted, an experience like this UN introductory week can demystify your preconceptions of the world of the United Nation and show you in very practical terms how you can use the different aspects of the UN system to further your own humanitarian and sociopolitical goals either personal or within an organization." - Iskra

IFOR welcomes you to its "INTRODUCTION TO THE UN" program September 20th -24th 2021

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR), after the postponement due to the ongoing pandemic, is glad to invite you to participate to the new edition of the special program aimed to provide an opportunity to come and see the work of IFOR at the United Nations in Geneva and experience first-hand engagement within UN system.

The program will last one week, from Monday September 20th to Friday 24th 2021. It will run during the 48th session of the UN Human Rights Council. 

Participants will learn more about IFOR work on conscientious objection at the UN and find out how civil society can fully engage at the UN  and network.

We contemplate a group of about ten people, which can move about together and is also small enough to share reflections communally between formal meetings.

Have a look at the first edition here. 

Unfortunately, this year, due to the current situation concerning covid-19, the running of the program could be subject to changes accordingly to the ongoing pandemic and some meetings at the UN may not be in person.

PROGRAMME

The detailed program will be sent to the participants prior to the start of the program.

Program will start in Geneva on Monday 20th at 4 pm with a preliminary orientation session.

During the week the participants will attend to working sessions of the Human Rights Council -which include plenary meetings, negotiations of resolutions, side events-, assist in the drafting and delivering of oral statements, participate in informal meetings with partner NGOs, explore advocacy initiatives. 

The program will conclude on Friday 24th at noon. 

Every day participants will have the possibility to meet together to exchange on the experience and deepen topics and procedures of interest with IFOR UN representatives; in addition there will be a tutoring opportunity to better follow the Human Rights Council working sessions, the general debates and interactive dialogues planned in the Program of Work of the UN.

ACCOMMODATION AND TRAVEL

IFOR has pre-arranged a single room accommodation with full board at the John Knox Centre which is located near the Palais des Nations, in Geneva. These costs (accommodation + meals) will be covered by IFOR through the Otto per Mille fund of the Waldensian Church. All participants will receive a free pass for local public transportation for the entire period.

Other costs shall be met by the participants and/or their organizations. 

HOW TO APPLY

To apply you need to fill in the online form here    

Deadline for application is September 1st 2021 at 1pm CEST. The confirmation of the application will be notified to the candidates within the following 48 hours.

If necessary, we will give preference to: 

a) those who are prepared to commit for the entire week

b) persons with a direct connection with IFOR

c) young people.

For further information you are welcome to contact Zaira Zafarana, coordinator of the program, at zaira.zafarana@ifor.org

1. Due to the pandemic some meetings may have restriction and not allow participation in person.
   

NOTE: Given the current situation of the pandemic the program will run accordingly to the actual situation and safety measures in place. Participants are invited to check all requirements given by the Swiss Federal Office for people traveling from other countries.

Looking forward to having you in Geneva!

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READ ABOUT OUR PARTICIPANTS' FEEDBACK:

"It was an intensive and interesting time with the great opportunity to get to know other committed young people and human rights defenders." - Sophia

"Introduction to the UN" was one of the eye-opening events I have ever participated in. The agenda was perfectly scheduled, the participants fit well together, all other moments organized so well that we could get most of it despite the COVID restrictions. I wish IFOR would continue to maintain such an enthusiasm to support those who are willing to speak out about their issues, thus contributing to the peace movement." - Aku

"Introduction to the UN" is an intense and brilliant way to get to know and experience how the UN functions. To me was a chance to visit Geneva and its diplomatic atmosphere as well as lifestyle. In a multicultural environment, I had the chance to know more about local cases of human rights defenders such as the ones in South America witnessed by other participants and activists. I really enjoyed it and it was really inspiring!" - Silvia

"I enjoyed the program in general a lot as it helped me to get a deeper understanding of the UN in general and IFORs international work in particular. It was super interesting to slowly realize how complex international diplomacy can be and how strategic the work of NGOs like IFOR has to be to achieve any impact on a specific topic." - Marco

"This was an enlightening experience with a really engaged group, that was put together in the midst of covid restrictions, that nevertheless conveyed the reality of how the UN works and how it is possible for civil society to engage with it." - Peter

"The UN system is incredibly difficult and convoluted, an experience like this UN introductory week can demystify your preconceptions of the world of the United Nation and show you in very practical terms how you can use the different aspects of the UN system to further your own humanitarian and sociopolitical goals either persona or within an organization." - Iskra

IFOR welcomes you to its "INTRODUCTION TO THE UN" 2020 program -21st to 25th September-

INTRODUCTION TO THE UN program

September 21st-25th 2020

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR) would like to invite you to participate to the second edition of the special program aimed to provide an opportunity to come and see the work of IFOR at the United Nations in Geneva and experience first-hand engagement within UN system.

The program will last one week, from Monday September 21st  to Friday 25th 2020. It will run during the 45th session of the UN Human Rights Council. 

Participants will learn more about IFOR work on conscientious objection at the UN, find out how civil society can fully engage at the UN  and network.

We contemplate a group of about ten people, which can move about together between meetings without causing massive disruption and is also small enough to share reflections communally between formal meetings.

Have a look at the first edition here. Unfortunately, this year, due to the current situation concerning covid-19, the running of the program could be subject to changes accordingly to the possible developments of the ongoing pandemic.

PROGRAMME

The detailed program will be sent to the participants prior to the start of the program.

Arrival to Geneva on Monday 21st, International Peace Day!; program will start at 2pm with the collection of the UN badges and with a preliminary orientation session.

During the week the participants will attend to working sessions of the Human Rights Council -which include plenary meetings, negotiations of resolutions, side events-, assist in the drafting and delivering of oral statements, participate in informal meetings with partner NGOs, engage in advocacy initiatives. 

The program will conclude on Friday 25th at lunch time. 

Every day participants will have the possibility to meet together to exchange on the experience and deepen topics and procedures of interest with IFOR UN representatives.

*The programme will be detailed and updated with collateral proposals as needed. 

ACCOMMODATION AND TRAVEL

IFOR has pre-arranged a double room accommodation with half board at the John Knox Centre which is located near the Palais des Nations, in Geneva. These costs (accommodation + breakfast + dinner) will be covered by IFOR through the Otto per Mille fund of the Waldensian Church. All participants will receive a free pass for local public transportation for the entire period.

Other costs shall be met by the participants and their organizations. We suggest a total of about 150 Swiss francs for basic local needs.

As to the traveling costs, thanks to the Waldensian grant we have a limited solidarity fund available for participants in need. 

HOW TO APPLY

To apply you need to fill in the online form here    

Deadline for application is JULY 24TH 2020.
The confirmation of the application will be notified to the candidates by JULY 31ST.

If necessary, we will give preference to: 

a) those who are prepared to commit for the entire week

b) persons with a direct connection with IFOR

c) young people.

For further information you are welcome to contact Zaira Zafarana, coordinator of the program, at zaira.zafarana@ifor.org

NOTE: Given the current situation of the pandemic the program will run accordingly to the actual situation and safety measures in place. An ultimate confirmation, regarding the running of the program, will be given to the participants by August 19th.

Looking forward to having you in Geneva!