NOTE: THE APPOINTMENT OF THE MANDATE HOLDER WILL BE MADE PROVIDED THE MANDATE ITSELF IS EXTENDED BY THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 17 OCTOBER 2019 AT 12:00 NOON GREENWICH MEAN TIME

•	The application process consists of two compulsory parts:
(1)	online survey1 (https://ohchr-survey.unog.ch/index.php/283689) and
(2)	application form in Word format2 (to be downloaded from https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/SP/Pages/HRC43.aspx)
•	Once fully completed, the Word application form should be submitted by email to hrcspecialprocedures@ohchr.org
•	mailto:A maximum of up to three optional reference letters may be attached to the email (in Word or pdf format).
•	No additional documents (e.g. CVs, resumes or supplementary reference letters) will be accepted.
•	Applicants will receive an acknowledgment email when both parts of the application process, i.e. the data submitted through the online survey and the Word application form, have been received by the Secretariat. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed at a later stage.
•	Please note that an application will only be considered if both parts and all sections of the Word application form have been completed and received by the Secretariat before the expiration of the deadline. No incomplete or late applications will be accepted.
•	General description of the selection process and answers to frequently asked questions are available at https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/SP/Pages/Nominations.aspx and https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/SP/Pages/BasicInformationSelectionIndependentExperts.aspx
•	In case of technical difficulties or problems with accessing or completing the forms, you may contact the Secretariat by email (hrcspecialprocedures@ohchr.org) or fax (+41 22 917 9008).

I. PERSONAL DATA

1. Family (last) name:  Chang	5. Year of birth: 1975	
2. First (given) name: Kevin	6. Place of birth: Taipei	
3. Other name, if any:	7. Nationality (please indicate the nationality that will appear on the public list of candidates): Australian	
4. Gender: Male	8. Any other nationality:	

1 The short online survey is used to collect information for statistical purposes such as personal data (i.e. name, gender, nationality), contact details, mandate applying for and, if appropriate, nominating entity. The same name, gender and nationality should be used both in the online survey and in the Word application form.
2 The application form in Word format includes a motivation letter of maximum 600 words (section III of the form). The application form should be completed in English only. It will be used as received to prepare the public list of candidates who applied for the vacancy. The candidate’s application form will also be posted as received on the OHCHR public web page for the selection process.

 
II. MANDATE-SPECIFIC COMPETENCE / QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE

NOTE: Please describe why the candidate’s competence / qualifications / knowledge is relevant in relation to the specific mandate:

1.	QUALIFICATIONS (200 words)
Relevant educational qualifications or equivalent professional experience in the field of human rights; good communication skills (i.e. orally and in writing) in one of the six official languages of the United Nations (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish.)

Mr. Chang is an Australian Lawyer with outstanding knowledge and expertise in human rights from his wide-ranging professional experience and academic background.  He has 17 years of international experience across 10 countries serving the United Nations, the Australian Government, and as an independent lawyer and university academic.

Mr. Chang brings to this role deep and extensive understanding of the human rights, political and conflict situation in Myanmar, having been based in Yangon from 2016-2019, during the most intensive period of reported and alleged atrocities committed against the Rohingya population.  He worked in Myanmar as an independent justice expert for international organisations, and served as pro bono legal counsel to 40 Bangladeshi NGOs, co-authoring amicus curiae submissions to the International Criminal Court that contributed to the Court’s landmark assertion of jurisdiction on the crime against humanity of deportation into Bangladesh.

Mr. Chang holds four advanced degrees in law including a Juris Doctor and a Master of Laws with specialisation in international human rights law.  He has been a Visiting Scholar and lecturer at the University of Sydney where he has lectured on human rights since 2013. He frequently presents at international conferences and has proven communication skills and ability to communicate and galvanise support through his human rights analysis and advocacy.

Mr. Chang speaks English and Chinese at native level, with high intermediate level of French, and basic skills in Myanmar.

2.	RELEVANT EXPERTISE (200 words)
Knowledge of international human rights instruments, norms and principles. (Please state how this was acquired.)
Knowledge of institutional mandates related to the United Nations or other international or regional organizations’ work in the area of human rights. (Please state how this was acquired.)
Proven work experience in the field of human rights. (Please state years of experience.)

Mr. Chang has outstanding and comprehensive knowledge of international human rights instruments, norms and principles being an expert of international human rights law, and having worked across a wide range of human rights disciplines throughout his career of over 17 years, in domestic jurisdictions and internationally.  He is currently based in Geneva where he serves as legal advisor on international humanitarian law for the International Committee of the Red Cross.  Prior to ICRC Mr. Chang served as a senior justice and rule of law advisor for the United Nations in Myanmar (2019), Ethiopia (2018), South Sudan (2017) and Timor-Leste (2011-12).  He has also served as a conflict advisor for the UN in Nepal (2009-11) and at Geneva Headquarters (2007-09).

Mr. Chang’s extensive experience within the UN across peacekeeping and humanitarian operations gives him unique experience across a wide range of UN human rights mandates.  He has also served the Australian Government on several occasions, most recently as Acting Director of Human Rights Policy at the Federal Attorney-General’s Department (2014-15), and previously at the Australian Human Rights Commission (2014) and the Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination (2005-06).  He was an Australian junior advisor posted to the Government of Fiji (2003-04).

While at the Attorney-General’s Department, Mr. Chang was a senior manager for the preparation of Australia’s appearance before the 2015 Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council.  He has had long experience working with national human rights institutions through his work with UNDP, and his experience directly within the Australian Human Rights Commission.

3.	ESTABLISHED COMPETENCE (200 words)
Nationally, regionally or internationally recognized competence related to human rights. (Please explain how such competence was acquired.)

Mr. Chang has recognised for his significant knowledge and competence relating to a wide range of human rights issues through both international and domestic experience.  Having worked in many conflict situations, Mr. Chang has special appreciation of human rights in the context of armed conflicts and transitional justice.

With regards to substantive law, Mr. Chang holds expertise not only in international human rights law, but also international humanitarian law and international criminal law – the interplay between these areas are crucial in Myanmar’s context for accountability.  Mr. Chang also has extensive experience analysing and implementing human rights in domestic laws and mechanisms, and has a sound understanding of Myanmar’s legal system and its challenges in the protection of human rights.

Mr. Chang has the privilege of having worked across broad categories of human rights including indigenous rights, the rights of refugees and IDPs, discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity and religion, and hate speech.  His early role in Fiji concerned addressing racial discrimination and inter-ethnic harmony after its 2000 coup d’état.  His work in Nepal centred around implementation of the country’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement, including advice on the discharge of child soldiers from the Maoist Army and the process of constitution-making to address systemic social exclusion.  Mr. Chang’s recent UN roles as a senior justice and rule of law advisor have focused on promoting and embedding respect for human rights through laws, state institutions and mechanisms.  As a Visiting Scholar at the University of Sydney, Mr. Chang has published papers on the UN’s accountability for human rights through his experience witnessing situations in peacekeeping where the UN has fallen short of its own standards.

Mr. Chang therefore brings a record of independence and impartiality necessary as a Special Procedures Mandate Holder.  He is trained and certified in human rights investigation by the Australian Human Rights Commission, and war crimes investigation by the International Institute of Criminal Investigations in The Hague.  His recent work assessing Myanmar’s Union Attorney General’s Department demonstrates Mr. Chang’s capacity to work as an independent expert while having an effective relationship with the government to work on very sensitive issues within Myanmar, including a field mission to Rakhine State.  His deep appreciation of matters concerning the Rohingya population, and Myanmar’s ethnic minority groups, makes Mr. Chang a highly suitable Special Rapporteur.

4.	PUBLICATIONS OR PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Please list significant and relevant published books, articles, journals and reports that you have written or public statements, or pronouncements that you have made or events that you may have participated in relation to the mandate.

4.1	Enter three publications in relation to the mandate for which you are applying in the order of relevance:

1.	Title of publication: Amicus Curiae Brief on Jurisdiction over Bangladesh Concerning Alleged
International Crimes Committed in Myanmar (co-author)
Journal/Publisher: International Criminal Court
Date of publication: June 2018
Web link, if available: https://www.icc-cpi.int/CourtRecords/CR2018_03120.PDF

2.	Title of publication: Implementation of the Myanmar Union Attorney General’s Office
Strategic Plan 2015-2019: A Self-Assessment
Journal/Publisher: United Nations Development Programme and the Union Attorney General’s Office of Myanmar
Date of publication: October 2019
Web link, if available: Internal report 

3.	Title of publication: Options to Transition Myanmar’s Rule of Law Centres into a
National Entity 
Journal/Publisher: International Development Law Organisation
Date of publication: August 2018
Web link, if available: Internal report

If more than three publications, kindly summarize (200 words):

4.2	Enter three public statements or pronouncements made or events that you may have participated in relation to the mandate for which you are applying in the order of relevance:

1.	Platform/occasion/event on which public statement/pronouncement made: 
“The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the Protection of Civilians”, presentation at the United Nations Association of Australia National Conference 2017
Event organizer:  United Nations Association of Australia
Date on which public statement/pronouncement made: 15 September 2017
Web link, if available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQ_DFcL3ZNg

2.	Platform/occasion/event on which public statement/pronouncement made: 
“Effective Remedies for Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Peacekeeping”, presentation at the Legal Aspects of Relief Operations Experts Workshop
Event organizer:  Minerva Center for the Rule of Law Under Extreme Conditions
Date on which public statement/pronouncement made: 27 May 2019
Web link, if available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvrM3BblgFY 

3.	Platform/occasion/event on which public statement/pronouncement made: 
“Remarks at the Conclusion of the Asian-Australian Leadership Summit”
Event organizer: Australian National University
Date on which public statement/pronouncement made: 14 September 2019
Web link, if available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jt_WreqJEak

If more than three, kindly summarize (200 words):

5.  FLEXIBILITY/READINESS AND AVAILABILITY OF TIME (200 words)
to perform effectively the functions of the mandate and to respond to its requirements, including participating in Human Rights Council (HRC) sessions in Geneva and General Assembly sessions in New York, travelling on special procedures visits, drafting reports and engaging with a variety of stakeholders. Kindly indicate whether the candidate can dedicate an estimated total of approximately three months per year to the work of a mandate.

Please note that the work of mandate holders is unpaid. Those appointed as mandate holders serve in their personal capacities. They are not United Nations staff members, they are not based in United Nations offices in Geneva or at another United Nations location, and they do not receive salary or other financial compensation, except for travel expenses and daily subsistence allowance of “experts on mission”.

Mr. Chang has a sound understanding of the role of a Special Rapporteur having observed closely the work of Special Procedures Mandate Holders.  He is able to dedicate the required time for this role and is flexible to travel to and within Myanmar, Bangladesh and other countries as required to carry out this mandate.

His academic institutional affiliation with the University of Sydney provides him with a base to carry out this mandate.  While based in Geneva he may also seek an additional association with European-based academic institutions to assist him with his work, should he be successful in this candidacy.

III. MOTIVATION LETTER
(600 word limit, must be included below and not in a separate email or as an attachment)

To whom it may concern:

I am pleased to submit my application as a candidate for the Human Rights Council’s Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar.

I am an Australian Lawyer with a lifelong dedication to the promotion and protection of human rights and accountability, including an international career over the past 17 years serving with the United Nations and the Australian Government across 10 countries, and work as an independent lawyer and a university academic.

I recently relocated to Geneva, Switzerland, and currently work as a Legal Advisor on international humanitarian law with the International Committee of the Red Cross.  This comes after the most challenging period in my professional and personal life, living and working in Myanmar based in Yangon from 2016-2019.  In addition to my lifelong advocacy for human rights and accountability, and the substantial expertise I bring to this role, my motivation for this candidacy is connected to my experience in Myanmar that coincided with the most intensive period of alleged mass violence and atrocities committed against the Rohingya population, as well as violations against minority groups.

I bring to this role a deep and extensive understanding of the human rights, political and conflict situation in Myanmar, and in particular, vulnerable groups subject to human rights violations.  I served as an independent justice expert for international organisations (UNDP and IDLO), and worked as pro bono legal counsel to Bangladeshi NGOs in co-authoring amicus curiae submissions to the International Criminal Court that contributed to the Court’s landmark assertion of jurisdiction on the crime against humanity of deportation into Bangladesh.  Meanwhile, my recent work assessing the performance of Myanmar’s Union Attorney General’s Department, including a field mission to Rakhine State, demonstrates my capacity to work as an independent expert on challenging and sensitive issues while maintaining a respectful and effective relationship with the authorities of Myanmar.

I look forward to bringing my record of independence and impartiality necessary as a Special Procedures Mandate Holder.  My broad experience working with the United Nations and the Australian Government as a senior justice and human rights advisor across complex settings and a wide array of human rights issues demonstrates the expertise required for this role.  I hold four advanced degrees in law including a Juris Doctor and a Master of Laws with specialisation in international human rights law, and have been a Visiting Scholar and lecturer at the University of Sydney where I lecture on human rights.  I am certified in human rights investigation by the Australian Human Rights Commission, and war crimes investigation by the International Institute of Criminal Investigations in The Hague.  I look forward to bringing my recognised ability to communicate human rights issues and galvanise public support for justice and accountability.

I believe that my Asian background, with four decades of experience living and working in the region, adds credibility and authenticity to the mandate, and gives me extra motivation to highlight the voices from vulnerable groups subject to human rights violations and abuses in Myanmar.  I speak English and Chinese at native level, with high intermediate level of French, and basic skills in Myanmar.

I have observed closely the work of Professor Yanghee Lee during her tenure as Special Rapporteur.  Her significant contribution during these difficult times in Myanmar paves the way for the next Special Rapporteur, who must continue to shine a light on human rights violations and address the important issues of accountability going forward.

It would be my honour to have the opportunity to serve under this Human Rights Council mandate and I look forward to next steps in the process.

Yours sincerely,

Kevin Chang

 
IV. LANGUAGES (READ / WRITTEN / SPOKEN)

Please indicate all language skills below.

1.	Mother tongue: English and Chinese

2.	Knowledge of the official languages of the United Nations: Arabic: Yes or no:	If yes,
Read: Easily or Not easily: Write: Easily or Not easily: Speak: Easily or Not easily:

Chinese: Yes or no:	If yes,

Read: Easily or not easily: Write: Easily or not easily: Speak: Easily or not easily:

English: Yes or no:	If yes,

Read: Easily or not easily: Write: Easily or not easily: Speak: Easily or not easily:

French: Yes or no:	If yes,

Read: Easily or not easily: Write: Easily or not easily: Speak: Easily or not easily:

Russian: Yes or no:	If yes,

Read: Easily or not easily: Write: Easily or not easily: Speak: Easily or not easily:

Spanish: Yes or no:	If yes,

Read: Easily or not easily: Write: Easily or not easily: Speak: Easily or not easily:

 
V. EDUCATIONAL RECORD

NOTE: Please list the candidate’s academic qualifications (university level and higher, indicating type of degree, subject, and whether full or part-time, ex. Masters in law, University of xxx, part-time).

Name of degree and name of academic institution, full or part-time:	Years of attendance (provide a range from-to, for example 1999-2003):	Place and country:	
Master of Laws
Australian National University	2014-2016	Canberra, Australia	
Juris Doctor
University of Sydney	2012-2014	Sydney, Australia	
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
Australian National University	2013-2014	Canberra, Australia	
Graduate Diploma in International Law
University of Sydney	2005-2006	Sydney, Australia	
Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies
University of Sydney	2002-2004	Sydney, Australia	
Bachelor of Science
Monash University
	1994-1997	Melbourne, Australia	

 
VI. EMPLOYMENT RECORD

NOTE: Please briefly list ALL RELEVANT professional positions held in the area of human rights, beginning with your current occupation. Also indicate whether positions held were not full-time.

Name of employer, functional title,
main functions of position, full or part-time:	Years of work (provide a range, e.g. 1999-2005):	Place and country:	
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Legal Advisor (FT)
Advise on promotion and compliance of international humanitarian law relating to new weapons of warfare	2019 - present	Geneva, Switzerland	
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Senior Rule of Law & Justice Advisor (FT)
Deployments as expert advisor for UNDP’s justice and rule of law support: Assessment of Myanmar’s Union Attorney General’s Office; analysis of justice needs in Ethiopia after 2018 political transition.	2018-2019	Yangon, Myanmar
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia	
Private Legal Practice & Independent Consultancy (PT/FT)
Independent legal advisor on international human rights law, international humanitarian law, international criminal law and justice sector reform.	2016-2019	Yangon, Myanmar	
International Development Law Organisation (IDLO)
Legal and Organisational Advisor (PT)
Assessment of Myanmar’s Rule of Law Centres	2018	Yangon, Myanmar	
University of Sydney
Visiting Scholar & Lecturer (PT)
Lecturing postgraduate courses, academic research and publication on the United Nations, conflict analysis and human rights.	2013 - present	Yangon, Myanmar
Sydney, Australia	
United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
Senior Political Affairs Officer (FT)
Provide expert analysis and advice on legal and constitutional matters to peacekeeping mission senior leadership.	2017	Juba, South Sudan	
Australian Federal Attorney-General’s Department
Principal Legal Officer a.i. & Senior Legal Officer (FT)
Acting Director of Human Rights Policy Branch providing legal advice on human rights matters to the Attorney-General, coordinate Australia’s reporting to UN human rights mechanisms.	2014-2015	Canberra, Australia	
Australian Human Rights Commission
Investigator & Conciliator (FT)
Impartial investigator and conciliator facilitating fair and efficient resolution of human rights complaints. 	2014	Sydney, Australia	
United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT)
Chief Technical Advisor, Security Sector Reform (FT)
Chief of UN integrated SSR programme. Oversaw initiatives to strengthen parliamentary oversight and capacity building, including integration of human rights in security forces.	2011-2012	Dili, Timor-Leste	
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Peacebuilding & Conflict Mediation Specialist (FT)
Coordination of UNDP’s conflict prevention and peacebuilding portfolio and advice on implementation of Comprehensive Peace Agreement.	2009-2011	Kathmandu, Nepal	
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Knowledge Management Analyst (FT)
Facilitator of a global community of practice and knowledge network of over 2000 UN practitioners working on crisis prevention and recovery.	2007-2009	Geneva, Switzerland	
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Public Information Officer (FT)
Emergency assignment in Muzaffarabad, AJ Kashmir after the earthquake of October 2005. Responsible for mass information campaigns to promote IDP rights.	2006	Muzaffarabad, Pakistan	
Australian Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination
Reconciliation Policy Officer (FT)
Policy advice on national reconciliation, indigenous rights and reparation for harms inflicted by past government policies.	2005-2006	Canberra, Australia	
Ministry of Reconciliation & National Unity, Fiji
Advisor on Reconciliation & Transitional Justice (FT)
Australian adviser posted within the Fijian Government to advice and strengthen capacity on conflict prevention, mediation, reconciliation and transitional justice after the 2000 coup d’état.	2003-2004	Suva, Fiji	
Monash University & University of Sydney
Teaching Assistant
Teaching in undergraduate geology and geophysics courses.	1998-2002	Melbourne & Sydney, Australia	

 
VII. COMPLIANCE WITH ETHICS AND INTEGRITY PROVISIONS (of Human Rights Council resolution 5/1)
To be completed by the candidate or by the nominating entity on the candidate’s
behalf.

1.	To your knowledge, does the candidate have any official, professional, personal, or financial relationships that might cause the candidate to limit the extent of inquiries, to limit disclosure, or to weaken or slant findings in any way? If yes, please explain.

No.  Mr. Chang’s current contract with ICRC ends in December 2019. Should he be successful in becoming Special Rapporteur for Myanmar, he will not renew his contract with ICRC and will be based at the University of Sydney or another academic institution while carrying out this mandate.

2.	Are there any factors that could either directly or indirectly influence, pressure, threaten, or otherwise affect the candidate’s ability to act independently in discharging the mandate? If yes, please explain:

No.  Mr. Chang is a person of high integrity, currently serving as an ICRC official and previously as a UN and Australian Government official.  Mr. Chang is not under any current employment relationship other than with the ICRC.  His past record of employment, as well as his publications and teaching experience, demonstrates his personal integrity and impartiality as an independent advocate for human rights who will carry out the mandate without fear or favour.

Mr. Chang’s past work in Myanmar (with UNDP and IDLO) was that of an independent expert consultant, not a staff member of these organisations.  Mr. Chang’s recent engagements in Myanmar, alongside his work assisting the International Criminal Court, demonstrates his capacity to work with Myanmar authorities inside the territory of Myanmar on complex issues in an independent manner respected by Myanmar’s authorities.

3.	Is there any reason, currently or in the past, that could call into question the candidate’s moral authority and credibility or does the candidate hold any views or opinions that could prejudice the manner in which the candidate discharges the mandate? If yes, please explain:

No.  Mr. Chang is a person of high integrity and a long term human rights advocate who has a long record of advocacy and policy experience, with the ability to establish and maintain respectful relationships with authorities under scrutiny.  His record in this area is recognised by the UN, having served as Chairperson of a Board of Inquiry that looked into a serious incident in a UN peacekeeping mission.

4.	Does the candidate comply with the provisions in paragraph 44 and 46 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1? (Please answer YES if the candidate complies, NO if the candidate does not comply, together with an explanation.)
Para. 44: The principle of non-accumulation of human rights functions at a time shall be respected.
Para. 46: Individuals holding decision-making positions in Government or in any other organization or entity which may give rise to a conflict of interest with the responsibilities inherent to the mandate shall be excluded. Mandate holders will act in their personal capacity.

Mr. Chang is in compliance of these provisions.  He is currently not serving any roles in a government.

5.	Should the candidate be appointed as a mandate holder, the candidate will have to take measures to comply with paragraphs 44 and 46 of the annex to Council resolution 5/1. In the event that the current occupation or activity, even if unpaid, of the candidate may give rise to a conflict of interest (e.g. if a candidate holds a decision-making position in Government) and/or there is an accumulation of human rights functions (e.g. as a member of another human rights mechanism at the international, regional or national level), necessary measures could include relinquishing positions, occupations or activities. If applicable, please indicate the measures the candidate will take.

Mr. Chang’s current engagement with ICRC will end on 31 December 2019. Should he be elected to this mandate he will not continue employment with ICRC.  He currently holds no other employment relationships and doesn’t foresee any conflict of interest.

VIII. CERTIFY AND SUBMIT APPLICATION
To be completed by the candidate or by the nominating entity on the candidate’s
behalf.

I hereby certify that all of the statements made in this application are true, complete and are made in good faith. I understand that falsifying or intentionally withholding information will be grounds for not being selected or appointed or the withdrawal of any proposed appointment or, if an appointment has been made and accepted, for its immediate cancellation or termination.

Kindly note that whilst no changes can be made after this application form has been submitted and the deadline for applications has expired, any relevant change of current occupation, employment, or position, or any other relevant fact or circumstance should be brought to the attention of the secretariat by
email (hrcspecialprocedures@ohchr.org).

Please review your application before you insert your name and date to indicate your agreement.

Name: Kevin C. Chang
Date: 17 October 2019

****