The UNDSS finally backed down and scrapped those discriminatory screening rules for interns. We forced the UN to stop treating us like security risks instead of professionals. Stay vigilant because management still owes us full respect regardless of our status.
July 23, 2018
Final supporters
We are writing to raise our concerns regarding the new changes in access arrangements to the United
Nations (UN) Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) premises for interns.
Following a global UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) directive, starting 28 May 2018, interns have been reissued with Affiliate "A" category badges, and are now subjected to physical security screening upon entry to the ESCAP premises and have personal items x-rayed. Furthermore, interns' access to the premises is forthwith restricted to the Main Pedestrian entrance. Staff and consultants are exempt from these security measures.
The rationale given by UNDSS for the immediate implementation of this policy is that UN Interns do not undergo sufficient security vetting. However, vetting processes for consultants based on the UN compound are often a mere reference check, if any. We recognize the need for tight security and do not object to the inconvenience of screening but rather we take issue with the unequal and unfair targeting of interns as a security threat.
This sudden and inconsistent policy is yet another manifestation of the unfavorable conditions in which
the UN management treats interns; as free and disposable labor rather than young professionals entitled to
and deserving of inclusion, dignity, equality and respect.
It adds to an already long list of measures that exploit, disempower and marginalize interns, including the following:
- Internships are not recognized as 'professional experience’ under the UN recruitment process.
- Non-remuneration of internships:
- Accommodation, travel, visa, insurance and living expenses are all borne by the intern.
- This disadvantages and discriminates against those who cannot afford to undertake unpaid work for a period of at least two months, often in a different city or country.
- For the immediate six months following an internship, former interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, a Professional category position.
These measures contradict the UN values of youth empowerment, labor rights, equality and dignity. They
conflict with article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: 'Everyone has the right to work, to
free choice of employment, to just and favorable conditions of work and to protection against
unemployment'. It is also inconsistent with the International Labor Organisation (ILO) Declaration on
Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work to eliminate discrimination in respect of employment and
occupation.
Call to action: We kindly call on the Heads of Agencies to:
1. Back our call for the new security screening policy to be reconsidered and revised for coherency, ideally by extending reference checks to interns;
2. Attend a meeting with interns, at your convenience, to discuss opportunities for greater protection of intern rights within your respective agencies and beyond;
3. Use your leadership to be an ally and advocate for interns.
We are kindly requesting you to mention your name, position and agency in the comment section after signing the online petition.
Thank you for your kind attention and support.
Updates
June 1, 2018
The UN brass is finally feeling the heat because this petition has hit a major momentum wave that they cannot ignore. They treat interns like second-class citizens and this response proves they are terrified of being held accountable for their blatant discrimination.
Reached 100 supporters
June 1, 2018
100 Comments
This request from the UN interns seems quite fair. It would be quite reasonable to assume that the UN could perform the same due dilligence process to allow interns to access the premises as for consultants.
I fully support the efforts and hope fur an enhancing protection of the interns rights! Joana
I applaud the UN interns efforts to secure their rights and fully support this letter in its totality. As a UN Women Staff I fully support giving each and every intern working with all UN agencies and entities the rights and entitlements and benefits they fully deserve! Please count on me for any support needed. Caroline
The UN advocates human rights and equality, it should cease taking advantage of youth by causing further distress to the UNPAID labour force they exploit.
Consultant, UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Former Intern UN Women
I am a former intern with UN Women
Programme Assistant UNDP
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The UNDSS finally backed down and scrapped those discriminatory screening rules for interns. We forced the UN to stop treating us like security risks instead of professionals. Stay vigilant because management still owes us full respect regardless of our status.
July 23, 2018
Final supporters
We are writing to raise our concerns regarding the new changes in access arrangements to the United
Nations (UN) Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) premises for interns.
Following a global UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) directive, starting 28 May 2018, interns have been reissued with Affiliate "A" category badges, and are now subjected to physical security screening upon entry to the ESCAP premises and have personal items x-rayed. Furthermore, interns' access to the premises is forthwith restricted to the Main Pedestrian entrance. Staff and consultants are exempt from these security measures.
The rationale given by UNDSS for the immediate implementation of this policy is that UN Interns do not undergo sufficient security vetting. However, vetting processes for consultants based on the UN compound are often a mere reference check, if any. We recognize the need for tight security and do not object to the inconvenience of screening but rather we take issue with the unequal and unfair targeting of interns as a security threat.
This sudden and inconsistent policy is yet another manifestation of the unfavorable conditions in which
the UN management treats interns; as free and disposable labor rather than young professionals entitled to
and deserving of inclusion, dignity, equality and respect.
It adds to an already long list of measures that exploit, disempower and marginalize interns, including the following:
- Internships are not recognized as 'professional experience’ under the UN recruitment process.
- Non-remuneration of internships:
- Accommodation, travel, visa, insurance and living expenses are all borne by the intern.
- This disadvantages and discriminates against those who cannot afford to undertake unpaid work for a period of at least two months, often in a different city or country.
- For the immediate six months following an internship, former interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, a Professional category position.
These measures contradict the UN values of youth empowerment, labor rights, equality and dignity. They
conflict with article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: 'Everyone has the right to work, to
free choice of employment, to just and favorable conditions of work and to protection against
unemployment'. It is also inconsistent with the International Labor Organisation (ILO) Declaration on
Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work to eliminate discrimination in respect of employment and
occupation.
Call to action: We kindly call on the Heads of Agencies to:
1. Back our call for the new security screening policy to be reconsidered and revised for coherency, ideally by extending reference checks to interns;
2. Attend a meeting with interns, at your convenience, to discuss opportunities for greater protection of intern rights within your respective agencies and beyond;
3. Use your leadership to be an ally and advocate for interns.
We are kindly requesting you to mention your name, position and agency in the comment section after signing the online petition.
Thank you for your kind attention and support.
Updates
June 1, 2018
The UN brass is finally feeling the heat because this petition has hit a major momentum wave that they cannot ignore. They treat interns like second-class citizens and this response proves they are terrified of being held accountable for their blatant discrimination.
Reached 100 supporters
June 1, 2018
100 Comments
I believe that this discriminatory security screening does nothing to secure the premises of UNESCAP, it is merely cosmetics and attempt to show action. For example, food delivery persons tend to be let inside the premises at the entrance, cars are screened in a very shallow and sporadic way, etc. I hope this petition succeeds and allows us to at least try to honour the work of interns, their voluntary service to the organization, respect them and show they are valued.
This request from the UN interns seems quite fair. It would be quite reasonable to assume that the UN could perform the same due dilligence process to allow interns to access the premises as for consultants.
I fully support the efforts and hope fur an enhancing protection of the interns rights! Joana
I applaud the UN interns efforts to secure their rights and fully support this letter in its totality. As a UN Women Staff I fully support giving each and every intern working with all UN agencies and entities the rights and entitlements and benefits they fully deserve! Please count on me for any support needed. Caroline
The UN advocates human rights and equality, it should cease taking advantage of youth by causing further distress to the UNPAID labour force they exploit.
Consultant, UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Former Intern UN Women
I am a former intern with UN Women
Programme Assistant UNDP
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I believe that this discriminatory security screening does nothing to secure the premises of UNESCAP, it is merely cosmetics and attempt to show action. For example, food delivery persons tend to be let inside the premises at the entrance, cars are screened in a very shallow and sporadic way, etc. I hope this petition succeeds and allows us to at least try to honour the work of interns, their voluntary service to the organization, respect them and show they are valued.