The international human rights arena is one of the most active and challenging areas of International Law. Where there is a rights violation, there is an organization, State or Non-State Actor attempting to seek justice and remedy. As the United Nations Human Rights Council and other relevant international forums are beginning to welcome Non-State Actors and other international players, key human rights organizations from all over the world have an increased need for skilled translators and interpreters to help them convey their messages before the UN, the Courts, and the general public. T&I professionals have long enabled the exercise of fundamental human rights. However, under the new international paradigm, their role is becoming much more explicit and valued by a wider range of players. As these organizations take on more demanding human rights challenges, T&I professionals are shifting from per-word or per-hour service providers to strategic partners in international efforts. This partnership means a world of opportunities and duties. In this presentation, I propose taking an in-depth look at that arena: what role T&I professionals play; what qualifications and skills are expected and required of them; how to find and approach clients in this niche; how to negotiate agreements; and what to expect once one crosses the threshold into this exciting field.
Paula Arturo is a lawyer, translator, and Professor of Law. She is an independent lawyer-linguist for the United Nations Universal Periodic Review process of several Latin American States, representing various local and international human rights organizations. She has translated multiple books on International Human Rights Law and several publications in major international journals for high-profile authors, including five Nobel Prize Laureates, and professors from Yale Law School, NYU, the University of Buenos Aires, and the University of Palermo, as well as other renowned jurists.