When Shaun proudly told his parents he had just received a job with the United Nations (UN), he did not get the reaction he expected. Instead of being wildly impressed at Shaun’s success, Shaun’s parents couldn’t understand what the big deal was. They said ‘nobody has heard of the UN in our home town of Denman.’

Shaun interviewing village leaders in the Irrwaddy Delta about land rights.

Welcoming Somali refugees home from Kenya

Shaun’s passion for helping refugees developed whilst completing a Masters in International Studies (International Relations) at the University of Queensland in 2006. He decided to pursue this passion and move overseas. He bought a one way ticket to London, but only made it as far as Thailand. He started volunteering with the Human Rights Foundation of Monland. As part of this role Shaun documented and analysed the human rights abuses in Mon State, Myanmar. Some of these abuses included land confiscation, illegal taxation, forced recruitment and military abuses. 

Before Shaun moved overseas to pursue international opportunities, his dad noted (perhaps justifiably) a more useful job would be welding. In fact, his parents thought he was completely crazy when instead of finding a sensible job in Australia, Shaun decided to move to the Thai jungle for three years. Perhaps they were right, as for several years, Shaun was broke, starving and had to start teaching English in Korea to make money to survive!

Even though Shaun had 4 years of field experience, as well as two degrees, he was struggling to get paid work in refugee advocacy. So in 2011 Shaun decided to start a law degree. Shaun chose to study at UNE as the flexibility in the law program allowed him to continue working fulltime overseas.

Interestingly, as soon as Shaun noted on his CV that he had enrolled in a law degree, people started to take notice of him. After only completing two law subjects, Shaun was successful in finding a legal internship. He started working with St Andrews Refugee Services in Cairo and then also completed an internship with the High Commission for Refugees. Now, Shaun is a well-regarded international consultant in Myanmar. As part of this role, he leads a research team. He also provides advocacy recommendations for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.

Shaun is keen to help other UNE School of Law students who are interested in pursuing a similar career path to his. When he graduates, he plans on joining the UNE School of Law’s mentoring program. In terms of general advice, Shaun notes ‘if you are interested in following a similar career path to me you need to get out of Australia. It is imperative that you see how things work in other countries and get hands on experience and make contacts.’ He also notes that ‘Australia is underrepresented in the UN and it would be great if more Australians became involved.’

Shaun meeting community leaders in Southern Myanmar

Whilst studying, Shaun chose electives and subjects that allowed him to research areas which are relevant to his work. For example, for his major research project he wrote a paper entitled ‘Land Rights and Myanmar’s Rural Poor; Prospects for Improving Legal Safeguards in the Transition to Democracy.’ The paper focused on land restitution for refugees who were returning from Myanmar.

Even in compulsory units such as Property Law, Shaun was able to investigate property issues relating to refugees. He researched the following question – when refugees return to their homeland what are their legal entitlements in relation to property and possessions?

Shaun’s favourite subjects in his law degree were Jurisprudence with Dr Eric Ghosh and Advanced Research, Writing and Advocacy with Paul Akon. Shaun describes his moot court experience as ‘awesome as he enjoys public speaking.’ Before undertaking the moot, he was concerned that he had not undertaken enough preparation as he had been very busy at work. He soon realised that this was far from the case. He knew all the relevant cases and other legal authority. He was able to bring in different elements and link the ideas and concepts. Shaun agrees with Paul Akon’s philosophy that it is all about preparation, preparation, preparation…

Like many UNE School of Law students, Shaun notes he does not intend to practice law when he finishes his degree. He does however, like having the option of pursuing this path in the future if he so chooses.

Thank you Shaun for sharing your story. We are so pleased you chose to study with us!