Travel and Learning Award for Rilke Comer
Supporting Rilke Comer to undertake an unpaid internship at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva for two months in late 2026.
Borrin Foundation Travel and Learning Award
Rilke’s plan
In pursuit of her ambition to become a humanitarian lawyer, the Travel and Learning fund will enable Rilke to undertake an unpaid internship at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva.
About Rilke
Rilke (LLB and BSC in Geography) is the co-chair of Climate Clinic Aotearoa with ambitions to become an international humanitarian lawyer. Whilst pursing her studies at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University, Rilke founded the strategic climate litigation organisation that took on a judicial review of the Taranaki onshore oil permits. The case resulted in a landmark Supreme Court decision recognising climate change as a mandatory relevant consideration in government decision-making. In parallel, she coordinated the submission of an Article 15 Communication to the International Criminal Court and contributed to consultations on the Court’s internal policies on crimes concerning children and environmental harm. She has contributed to multiple domestic and international environmental and climate campaigns and legal projects, including working for the Environmental Law Initiative. Rilke is set to commence her master’s studies in international and comparative law at Trinity College Dublin in September of 2026.
Grant Amount
$10,000 in 2026 to support travel
“This award is more than money. This award will enable me to connect my passion and experience with the opportunity to make humanitarian change on an international scale. My life’s work is just beginning”