FUNDING FORMER JPO STORY: GABRIELLA HABTOM, SECRETARY OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE Gabriela Habtom, Secretary of the Human Rights Committee and former JPO (2001-2004) funded by Italy. © Gabriela Habtom How would you describe the role of your JPO appointment in your career in human rights? What difference did it make? “In 1998, I applied for the JPO Programme that was funded by the Italian Government for the programme year 1999/2000. Out of the 50 available positions, the Italian Government reserved five posts for non-Italians and, as an Eritrean, I was thrilled to have been selected for one of those posts! After being shortlisted, I was interviewed by UN Human Rights and hired for an Associate Expert position to work with the then Support Services Branch, which was dealing with the human rights treaty bodies and the Human Rights Commission. My two-year post was exceptionally extended to a third year, thanks to the generosity of the Italian Government. Then, in 2001, my incredible journey began with the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. With an academic background in international relations and development, I felt that I had landed in exactly the right place at the right time. Without question, I gained a deeper understanding of the mandate of UN Human Rights and about the United Nations system in general. The experience also strengthened my professional skills in the field 110 UN HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT 2019 of human rights, particularly in relation to economic, social and cultural rights and the practical implementation and reporting on human rights treaties at the national level. I also had the privilege of being associated with the drafting of new international standards and working towards the establishment of several new treaty bodies. In this regard, I worked on the first elections of membership and sessions of the Committee on Migrant Workers, the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and the Committee on Enforced Disappearances. After these many wonderful experiences, I am now the Secretary of the Human Rights Committee. As a national of a developing country, I feel particularly fortunate to have had this opportunity and wish to reiterate my gratitude to the Italian Government for its participation in the framework of multilateral initiatives. I encourage other donor governments to consider and continue supporting young professionals, especially those from Least Developed Countries who have much to gain and offer from such initiatives.” What would you advise to those who are thinking of becoming a JPO/are currently JPOs in UN Human Rights? “I strongly encourage current interns, consultants and young professionals to consider the path of the JPO Programme. It provides a rare window of opportunity to work for human rights in headquarters and in field operations. In my 20 years with UN Human Rights, I have met several JPOs, including those whom I personally advised to apply for the Programme. The majority are still working within UN Human Rights or the UN at large. Among my former JPO colleagues that returned home, many are holding ministerial positions in the field of human rights, international development and cooperation or foreign policy.”