Ali Jallad Reflects on His Internship at the Palestinian Red Crescent IHL Section

Ali Jallad is a third-year student of human rights and international law at Al-Quds Bard College (AQB). As a student with a passion for ensuring that justice prevails overall, he has participated in many initiatives that advocate for human rights within Palestine. He advocates for the protection and preservation of Palestinian culture and takes part in many cultural events in the West Bank. 

Ali shares with us his spring semester experience as an intern at the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) section of the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in Ramallah, he says:

The internship at the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) section of the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) was a profound and eye-opening experience. It involved a range of tasks, from translation and legal advocacy campaigns to research assistance and handling affidavits documenting crimes. Working within the PRCS provided insights into the crucial role of humanitarian workers in protecting vulnerable populations amidst conflict. Key aspects of the internship included:

Translation: Assisting in translating legal documents ensured accuracy and consistency in terminology, crucial for communication with international partners like the ICRC, UN, and WHO.
Advocacy Campaigns: Participation in creating and sharing legal advocacy campaigns honed skills in media-related legal work, emphasizing the importance of effective communication in garnering support.
Research Assistance: Involvement in creating research documents expanded skills in legal research and document sourcing, emphasizing the significance of accurate citations in producing reliable content.
Affidavits: Handling affidavits, documenting crimes, and providing support to victims underscored the ethical considerations and emotional challenges inherent in such work while highlighting the importance of ensuring victims' rights and dignity.
In addition, I have learned more significant tasks and skills that a Human Rights and International Law graduate needs to advance professionally, such as analyzing primary information related to IHL violations, being involved in internal policy-making, and understanding the distinction between arrest and enforced disappearance.

Overall, the placement of Ali at PRCS significantly contributed to his understanding of humanitarian law, armed conflict dynamics, and the practical application of legal principles in protecting civilians during times of war or low-intensity conflicts. The Internship course at AQB is one of the significant courses that all students must take. The College is eager to assist students find the appropriate work placement to accommodate this college-requirement course.