To increase understanding of the work of UNICEF and the protection of minors, on 7 and 19 April, the brand practice course “International Organizations in China” of the School of Global Governance of Renmin University of China (RUC) combined with the “International Organization Competency Training Program” activities being carried out by the school, and organized the practice visit activities of “Entering Zhicheng Lawyers” and “Entering UNICEF China Office” respectively.

Visit to Zhicheng Lawyers

On April 7th, faculty and students the School of Global Governancevisited the Zhicheng Lawyers, where they were received by lawyer and RUC alumna NiuShuaishuai.

Niu introduced the basic situation of the law firm, highlighting its comprehensive legal services provided to national institutions such as the National People’s Congress, the International Department, Central Committee of CPC, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and the Ministry of Education. The firm has been involved in drafting or deliberating on hundreds of legal policies and has handled a large number of complex and difficult cases involving corporate and civil rights. Its establishment of the Beijing Youth Legal Aid and Research Center and the ZhichengPublic Interest Lawyers are two of the only social organizations in China with special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, deeply involved in UN-related agendas.

Niu discussed Zhicheng Lawyers’ recent international developments and cooperation, from regular participation in the Human Rights Council in Geneva to actively hosting side events during council sessions, negotiating and determining agendas, and inviting other organizations to participate. This reflects China’s increasing status in the UN human rights field.

Subsequently, students discussed hot topics such as gender equality, child online protection, child labor, and left-behind children with Niu, and toured Zhicheng Lawyers under her guidance.

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   Visit to the UNICEF China Office

On April 19th, faculty and students visited the UNICEF China Office, where they were received by Ms. Lin Fei, Senior Partnership Officer, and Ms. Mao Pan, an official of the UNICEF China Office.

They first watched a promotional video about UNICEF’s work, followed by an introduction by Lin. She highlighted the birth of the Convention on the Rights of the Child as a milestone in UNICEF’s development, emphasizing its efforts to ensure children’s survival, development, protection, and participation in accordance with the Convention. In the new five-year cycle, UNICEF will continue to explore how to promote long-term progress in Chinese children’s growth and development, seize the opportunity of transformation, and work with China to promote the development of a community of shared future for humanity, driving global progress and creating a more harmonious, fair, and friendly environment for children.

Han Fei, Director of the Office of School of Global Governance of RUC thanked the UNICEF China Office for receiving the faculty and students. He expressed the hope for further cooperation in faculty development, student internships, joint conferences, and activities, as well as with the High School and Primary School Affiliated to RUC.

The students also had in-depth exchanges with Ms. Lin and Ms. Mao based on their interests and previous research. Finally, the group visited the UNICEF China Office.