Elise Kloeppner serves as Intern for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights at The United Nations Office at Geneva, Switzerland. Elise is supported by a grant from the UNA-USA Fellowship Initiative.

My name is Elise Kloeppner, and I am entering my second year of Master’s studies at the University of Minnesota, where I focus on human rights with a self-designed concentration in social psychology. My ultimate goal is to explore identity politics within the framework of political psychology, examining how social identities shape individuals’ experiences and influence their rights. My pathway to the United Nations was unconventional, facilitated by my university, for which I am deeply grateful. 

In late 2023, the Rights of Older Persons team was established, underscoring the urgent need for a specific mandate to protect older individuals globally from violence, discrimination, and inadequate institutional support. The team’s primary mission is to advocate for the adoption of a binding legal instrument that safeguards the social, economic, and political rights of older persons, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights upheld. 

For three months, I had the privilege of working with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the Rights of Older Persons team in Geneva, Switzerland. This experience allowed me to contribute to foundational efforts that will shape future initiatives aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by older individuals. My responsibilities included cultivating partnerships with NGOs, drafting and publishing a comprehensive summary report from the team’s first big meeting focused on violence, abuse, and neglect of older persons, and preparing an extensive research paper on the legal status of older individuals worldwide. Engaging with key stakeholders and institutions within my team and the broader UN framework was particularly enriching, as it broadened my understanding of collaborative advocacy. 

Beyond my regular tasks, I attended various meetings and events organized by different UN entities, including the 56th and 57th sessions of the Human Rights Council. These experiences provided me with critical insights into the mechanisms of accountability for Member States, particularly through Universal Periodic Reviews (UPR) and Interactive Dialogues (ID) that focused on human rights violations in specific countries. Witnessing these processes in action deepened my appreciation for the intricate dynamics of international human rights advocacy. 

My time in Geneva was not only a professional milestone but also a profound personal journey. The experience has enriched my understanding of global human rights issues, particularly concerning older persons—an area in which I had previously lacked experience. This opportunity has equipped me with a new skill set and a broader perspective that will undoubtedly influence my future academic and professional pursuits. 

I will carry the lessons learned and the relationships forged during my internship at the United Nations as I continue my studies and work as a human rights advocate. The insights I gained into the international landscape of human rights have ignited a passion within me to effect change, ensuring that every individual, regardless of age, can live with dignity and respect. I look forward to applying this knowledge as I further explore the intersections of identity politics and political psychology in my research.