United Nations comes under fire on Twitter for posting an unpaid internship ad

That awkward moment when the UN talks about labour exploitation and then posts an ad for a full-time unpaid internship.

18 Jan, 2020

For a young adult at the beginning of her/his career, working with a prestigious body like the United Nations (UN) would be a dream come true.

And every year, the UN plays host to thousands of interns around the world. But how is a person supposed to survive for two, three, even six months without any pay? Unpaid internships are exclusionary and classist and it is especially shocking when this kind of lack of diversity exists in an institution that is supposed to champion representation and social equality.

Funnily enough, Article 23 of the organisation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights is literally "Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity".

So when the organisation posted about yet another unpaid internship (a full-time gig that could go on for three months and requires one to be enrolled in a Master's program no less) on their Twitter account, people were quick to point out the hypocrisy:

That awkward moment when the UN harps on about labour exploitation and then refuses to pay its interns...

The UN, which has its headquarters in New York, doesn't seem to care about how someone will survive without remuneration in one of the most expensive cities in the world

And this has been a pattern for a while

Also, not only is it wrong but it is also against the law

Pay your interns or don't have interns sounds about fair to us

Comments

Pakistan Lover Jan 18, 2020 03:15pm

Courtesy to Sumaira Sawlani: "Another unpaid internship from the UN. Unpaid internships are mainly an option for those from privileged backgrounds- ensuring that this sector remains out of reach for those that don’t have the luxury of working for free. Ironic considering what the UN claims to stand for." Mind blowing assessment and very true

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Hassan Jan 18, 2020 03:32pm

To be honest, I would love to work for United Nations, even without pay......

Pakistan Lover Jan 18, 2020 04:27pm

@Hassan Saying is easy than done. lol

M. Saeed Jan 18, 2020 06:43pm

This clearly is a case that prefers privileged over ordinary. UNO should have known that.

Mushtaq Jan 18, 2020 08:10pm

Internships at the UN have always been unpaid. Not long ago internships at Conde Nast were also unpaid. Then someone took Conde Nast to court and they stopped hiring interns anymore. Most people use these internships to network and cultivate professional contacts. That's where the attraction lies for students. Sometimes, these internships are exchanged for course credit and they also look pretty impressive on one's CV. That's why you will see an aggressive competition even for these unpaid internship.

Mushtaq Jan 18, 2020 08:12pm

@Hassan How will you afford living in NYC?

Nisheeth Jan 18, 2020 08:25pm

So typical of the UN. Only serving officials kids and rich kids get To take up these CV building opportunities. And get extra credit for the professional staff interviews.

ABD San Francisco Jan 19, 2020 06:15am

@Hassan Because you are wealthy who can sponsor their 3 months living expenses through your family.

Joe Jan 19, 2020 07:22am

@hassan, many would love to work for UN. BUT only privileged few can afford it, especially in New York. This is just plain discrimination to facilitate the rich Do you have any idea of the salaries of of an average UN employee. They can afford that, but don't wan to pay their interns who would most probably have "student loan" to pay off