Call for volunteers – Children’s/Youth Access to Justice
Deadline: 18 May 2026
Oxford Pro Bono Publico (OPBP) invites applications from 8 research volunteers to participate in a legal research project for the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers entitled “International Standards and Key Issues in Children’s/Youth Access to Justice”. The aim of this research is to support the Special Rapporteur’s ability to marshal evidence concerning the impact of, and advance the legal framework surrounding, juvenile justice and children’s/youth access to justice.
Researchers will be assigned, and therefore should indicate in their application, the legal framework they wish to research:
- Human Rights Committee
- Children’s Rights Committee
- Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
- Committee against Torture
- UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
- European Court of Human Rights
- Inter-American Human Rights Commission & Court
- African Human and People’s Rights Commission, Court, & Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
Eligibility criteria:
- Knowledge of international human rights law (essential)
- Familiarity with children’s and youth rights (desirable)
- Familiarity with UN human rights bodies (where relevant)
- Familiarity with regional human rights bodies (where relevant)
The research entails an estimated commitment of approximately 18-25 hours per volunteer. We warmly encourage applications from students with a strong interest in children’s and youth rights as well as access to justice.
To apply, please email opbp@law.ox.ac.uk and cc BOTH antonia.vonstrachwitz@stcatz.ox.ac.uk and deniz.yildiz@new.ox.ac.uk. Your email should:
1. Attach your CV (max. 2 pages); and
2. In the body of the email, highlight any specific knowledge, experience, or preferences you have in the above topic (max. 350 words).
Applications will close on Monday 18 May 2026 by 11:59 pm (UK time).
Do get in touch with us if you have any further queries regarding the project.