Second Part: Word APPLICATION FORM FOR SPECIAL PROCEDURES
MANDATE HOLDERS
Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (Latin American and Caribbean
Group)
How to start the application process:
- The application process has been split into 2 parts, the first part is a Webbased survey and the second part is an application form in word which can be
downloaded, completed and returned by email. Both parts and all sections of
the application form should be filled in for the application to be processed.
The first part, i.e. the Web-based survey is used to collect information for
statistical purposes such as personal data (i.e. name, gender, nationality),
contact details, mandate/s applying for and nominating entity. The webbased survey should only be completed once, i.e. multiple selection
allowed to indicate if the candidate is applying for more than one mandates.
This is the second part, i.e. of the application form in Word which can be
downloaded, completed and saved in word format and then submitted as an
attachment by email. Information provided in this form, includes a motivation
letter of maximum 600 words, will be used as received to prepare the public
list of candidates who applied for each vacancy and will be made available to
concerned parties, including through the OHCHR Internet.
Once completed the application form in Word should be submitted by email to
hrcspecialprocedures@ohchr.org
If the candidate is applying for more than one mandates, an application form
needs to be completed and sent for each mandate.



A maximum of 3 reference letters can be attached, in pdf format, to the
application sent by email. No additional document is required.
Application Deadline: 31 OCTOBER 2013 (midnight, GMT).
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed at a later stage.
If encountering technical difficulties, you may contact us by email:
hrcspecialprocedures@ohchr.org or fax: + 41 22 917 9011
An acknowledgment will be sent when we receive both parts of the
application process, i.e. the information through the web-based
survey and the application form through email.
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Second Part: Word APPLICATION FORM FOR SPECIAL PROCEDURES
MANDATE HOLDERS
Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (Latin American and Caribbean
Group)
I. PERSONAL DATA
Family Name:
BOLIVAR OSUNA
First Name:
Ligia
Maiden name (if any): -Middle name: --
Sex:
Male
Female
Date of birth ( d-MMM-yy): 10-ago-57
Place of birth: Valencia, Venezuela
Nationality(please indicate the
nationality that will appear on the public
list of candidates): Venezuela
Any other nationality: No
II. MANDATE - SPECIFIC COMPETENCE/QUALIFICATION/KNOWLEDGE
NOTE: Please describe why the candidate’s
competence/qualifications/knowledge is relevant in relation to the
specific mandate:
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
official languages of the United
Nations (i.e. Arabic, Chinese,
English, French, Russian,
Spanish.)
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Postgraduate studies in human rights. University
professor in human rights since 2002 both at
undergraduate and graduate level in Venezuela. Guest
lecturer in postgraduate courses in Ecuador, Spain and
Mexico. Participant in fact findinga and high level
missions on human rights in several countries of Latin
America, United States and Philippines. I have been
spokeswoman in press conferences and media
interviews on human rights issues in Venezuela and
abroad both for English and Spanish sepaking media.
Communication with the press was also part of my
responsibility as Coordinator of the legal defense area
at a national human rights NGO and now as director of
the Human Rights Center of a university. Extensive
experience as a lecturer in conferences in the
Americas, Europe and Asia. Author of a number of
studies and research papers on human rights situation
in several countries in Latin America, as well as on
human rights education, organizational aspects of
human rights work, economic, social and cultural
rights, judicial guarantees, independence of the
judiciary, judicial reform, access to justice. Teaching,
conferences and papers/articles written in Spanish and
English, published in academic journals in countries in
Latin America, USA and Europe.
Second Part: Word APPLICATION FORM FOR SPECIAL PROCEDURES
MANDATE HOLDERS
Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (Latin American and Caribbean
Group)
In
addition to academic training, experience as an
RELEVANT EXPERTISE (200
intern for a year at the Internatonal League for Human
words)
Rights (NY) that included communications under UN
Knowledge of international
procedure 1503, attendance at UN Genral Assembly,
human rights instruments,
Third Committee meetings, meetings with missions
norms and principles. (Please
and OAS General Assembly and the Inter-American
state how this was acquired).
Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). Assistance
Knowledge of institutional
and representation of victims before IACHR and Intermandates related to the United
American Court. Preparing communications to various
Nations or other international or
UN special procedures, organization of academic visits
regional organizations’ work in
by UN special rapporteurs to Venezuela. As part of
the area of human rights.
preparations for the 1993 Vienna Conference had the
(Please state how this was
opportunity to attend preliminary events at Strasbourg
acquired).
and Geneva. As a member of the International Institute
Proven work experience in the
for Applied Policy Research on Human Rights took
field of human rights. (Please
the opportunity to attend sessions of committees and
state years of experience.
procedures in Geneva. I was a member of the Board of
Trustees of the OHCHR UN Voluntary Fund for
Technical Cooperation in the Field of Human Rights.
Attendance at numerous hearings before the IACHR
and participation in the process of strengthening the
Inter-American system. Participation in preparation
and development of the Venezuela UPR as
stakeholders. As a university professor I teach human
rights mechanisms, both of UN and Inter-American
system. Working experience since 1982. Academic
experience since 1987.
ESTABLISHED COMPETENCE
(200 words)
Nationally, regionally or
internationally recognized
competence related to human
rights. (Please explain how such
competence was acquired).
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As founding and/or board member of several national,
regional and international organizations, have the
opportunity to participate at human rights seminars
and conferences as well as research projects in Europe
(West and Eastern), North America, Latin America,
Caribbean, Asia and Middle East. Member of the
Venezuelan Commission for the UN International
Year for Peace 1986. Guest Speaker at I, II and III
Latin American Seminars on Human Rights
Education, Caracas 1985, Buenos Aires 1986 and
Santiago 1988. Guest Speaker at Interdisciplinary
Seminar on Human Rights, Inter American Institute
for Human Rights, San José, in nine occasions since
1991 to 2010 and Guatemala 1996. Trainer for
Amnesty International membership development
projects in Ecuador, Guyana, Dominican Republic,
Second Part: Word APPLICATION FORM FOR SPECIAL PROCEDURES
MANDATE HOLDERS
Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (Latin American and Caribbean
Group)
Colombia, Costa Rica, USA and the Philippines.
Consultant for a number of projects with the
International Human Rights Internship Program, Ford
Foundation Human Rights Program, Inter American
Institute for Human Rights, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung,
Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung, Human Rights Office of
the Archbishop of Guatemala, Amnesty International,
United Nations Development Program/Caracas,
McArthur Foundation, Center for Regional
Cooperation on Adult Education (Mexico).
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 sessions in
Geneva and General Assembly
sessions in New York, travelling
on special procedures visits,
drafting reports and engaging
with a variety of stakeholders.
(Indicate whether candidate can
dedicate an estimated total of
approx. three months per year
to the work of a mandate)
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As Regional Liaison Officer for Latin America, Spain
and Portugal for Amnesty International, International
Secretariat, I traveled extensively throughout the
countries under my responsibility. Missions combined
training members, project development, advocacy
campaign strategies, meetings with authorities and,
sometimes, evaluation of security risk. As a member of
international organizations directories I had the
opportunity to travel with flexibility, being in contact
with different political systems, and varied cultural
realities in both urban and rural areas as well as
indigenous communities.
As a member of the International Executive
Committee of Amnesty International I travelled and
prepared documents for presentation to different
audiences, sometimes on short notice and/or long
distances. For several years I was a member of boards
of several international and regional organizations
simultaneously, so I am used to travel frequently.
Many of these trips involved preparing documents,
reports and presentations before the trip or follow up.
My current job as Director of a human rights center at
the university allows me flexibility to commit the time
required.
Second Part: Word APPLICATION FORM FOR SPECIAL PROCEDURES
MANDATE HOLDERS
Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (Latin American and Caribbean
Group)
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Second Part: Word APPLICATION FORM FOR SPECIAL PROCEDURES
MANDATE HOLDERS
Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (Latin American and Caribbean
Group)
III. LANGUAGES (READ / WRITTEN / SPOKEN)
Please indicate all language skills
Languages
Arabic
Chinese
English
French
Russian
Spanish
Mother
tongue:
Spanish
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Read
Not
Easily
Easily
Write
Easily
Not
Easily
Speak
Not
Easily
Easily
Second Part: Word APPLICATION FORM FOR SPECIAL PROCEDURES
MANDATE HOLDERS
Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (Latin American and Caribbean
Group)
IV. Motivation Letter (600 word limit)
I have been engaged in human rights work at national, regional and international level, as a
professional and as a volunteer for over 30 years. Family reasons made me away for a while from
international arena, concentrating on academic work nationwide. Now I feel ready to commit again
to work beyond my country, from an expert independent position as a way to contribute more
actively to the realization of human rights.
During my performance as a human rights defender for more than three decades, I have been
exposed to situations of victims whose rights have been violated by governments of different
political trends, responding to victim's needs in accordance with international standards, without
considerations or prejudices that may affect my impartiality.
For nearly 20 years I was an active member of Amnesty International both from Venezuela and
international positions, at a time when the issue of so-called prisoners of conscience was central in
the work of the organization, so I feel historically linked to issues related to arbitrary detention,
although I understand that the complexity and varieties of arbitrary detention have many other
dimensions which have been under development by WGAD over the years.
The WGAD is a mechanism with a long history and has developed a rich doctrine, which I have
used both in my work as a professor, as well as to document and present myself some cases.
Additionally, for 15 years I was in charge of the preparation of the chapter on "right to justice" for
the annual report of an NGO, based on standards developed by the WGAD and Human Rights
Committee, especially in relation to Articles 14, 15 and 26 of the International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights. Beyond Venezuela, I had the opportunity to familiarize myself with this
practice in different contexts.
Unfortunately, arbitrary detention is still a widespread practice and I think the group provides
prompt, flexible, rigorous and effective opportunity to fight against this practice in specific cases as
well as in the development of general guidelines.
It is a matter in which I feel comfortable working with and confident to contribute to, within the
parameters established for the work of the Group and the interests of victims.
Moreover, having served on several boards of both in Venezuela and abroad, I have ability to work
in team and be aware of different perspectives, so that part of GTAD not be alien to my working
practice.
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Second Part: Word APPLICATION FORM FOR SPECIAL PROCEDURES
MANDATE HOLDERS
Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (Latin American and Caribbean
Group)
V. EDUCATIONAL RECORD
NOTE: Please list the candidate’s academic qualifications: (university
level and higher)
Name of degree and name of academic
institution
Years of
Attendance
Place and
Country
Sociologist, Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences,
Andrés Bello Catholic University
1975-1980
Caracas, Venezuela
Human Rights, Faculty of Law, Post Graduate Studies,
Universidad Central de Venezuela
1995 - 1999
Caracas, Venezuela
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Second Part: Word APPLICATION FORM FOR SPECIAL PROCEDURES
MANDATE HOLDERS
Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (Latin American and Caribbean
Group)
VI. EMPLOYMENT RECORD
NOTE: Please briefly list ALL RELEVANT professional positions held,
beginning with the most recent one:
Name of Employer
Functional Title
Main functions of position
Years of
Attendance/
Work
Place
and
Country
Universidad Católica Andrés Bello, Human Rights Center.
Director. Teaching and academic research in human rights.
Protection of victims of human rights violations associated with
areas of our mandate (freedom of expression, political participation,
refugees, migrant rights and international systems of human rights
protection), including legal support to arbitrarily detained in the
context of the exercise of those rights.
1999 - todate
Caracas,
Venezuela
Venezuelan Program for Education - Action on Human Rights
(PROVEA). Founding member. Coordinator of the legal defense
program. Development of legal defense strategies. Monitoring the
status of the "right to justice", according to international standards
on articles 14, 15 and 26 of the ICCPR and 8, 9, 24 and 25 of the
Inter-American Convention.
1988 - 1999
Caracas,
Venezuela
Amnesty International, International Secretariat. Regional Liaison
Officer for Latin America. Support for the development of
membership in Latin America, Caribbean, Spain and Portugal
1987 -1988
London,
UK
Centro al servicio de la acción popular (CESAP), an adult education 1985 - 1987
project. Responsible for the human rights education program.
Caracas,
Venezuela
Amnesty International, Venezuelan Section. Excecutive Secretary
1983 - 1985
Caracas,
Venezuela
International League for Human Rights. Internship. Researcher on
human rights issues in Latin America and the Caribbean.
1982 - 1983
NY, USA
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Second Part: Word APPLICATION FORM FOR SPECIAL PROCEDURES
MANDATE HOLDERS
Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (Latin American and Caribbean
Group)
VII. COMPLIANCE WITH ETHICS AND INTEGRITY PROVISIONS (of
Council Resolution 5/1)
1. To your knowledge, does the candidate have any official, professional,
personal, or financial relationships that might cause him/her to limit the extent
of their inquiries, to limit disclosure, or to weaken or slant findings in any way?
If yes, please explain.
No
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 his/her mandate? If yes, please explain:
No
3. Is there any reason, currently or in that 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 she/he discharges
his mandate? If yes, please explain:
No
4. Does the candidate comply with the provisions in paragraph 44 and 46 of
the Annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1?
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
No conflict
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Second Part: Word APPLICATION FORM FOR SPECIAL PROCEDURES
MANDATE HOLDERS
Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (Latin American and Caribbean
Group)
5. Should the candidate be appointed as a mandate holder, he/she 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.
No conflict
You will receive an acknowledgment when we receive both parts of the
application process, i.e. the information through the Web-based application
and the Word application form by email.
Thank you for your interest.
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