Human Rights Watch Internship: Opportunities and Requirements
Human Rights Watch (HRW) offers various internship opportunities for students and recent graduates passionate about human rights. These internships provide direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization and allow interns to apply their skills in a professional setting. HRW internships offer close supervision by HRW staff and interaction with other US and international organizations, foreign and domestic government officials, and opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, and special events relating to human rights.
General Internship Information
Internships at HRW are available in various regional and thematic programs, including:
- Africa
- Americas (excluding the US and Canada)
- Asia
- Europe & Central Asia
- Middle East & North Africa
- United States
- Arms
- Children’s Rights
- Women’s Rights
- HIV/AIDS & Human Rights
- Business & Human Rights
- Refugees
- Emergency Response
- Terrorism/Counterterrorism
- International Justice
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Rights.
The content of internships can vary greatly in terms of sectoral or thematic focus and will depend on the needs of the various program areas and the interests of the intern with the needs of the organization.
General Requirements
Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable, with a strong interest in international human rights. Relevant coursework is highly desirable, and knowledge of foreign languages is a plus. Excellent computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, internet applications) are essential.
Compensation
Internships are generally unpaid. However, students may be able to arrange academic credit. For certain exceptions, the posting will provide more details.
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Application Process
Applicants should check the posting for the internship they are interested in and follow the application instructions. It is best not to send an unsolicited resume but to apply directly to an open search. Only complete applications will be reviewed. Due to the large number of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted further.
Specific Internship Programs and Opportunities
International Justice Program Internship
The International Justice Program of Human Rights Watch (HRW) offers internships based in HRW offices in New York, Brussels, or Washington D.C.
Responsibilities:
The intern will be exposed to conducting legal research and analyzing international law, reviewing and documenting media reports on relevant issues, and monitoring developments at the International Criminal Court. They will also conduct policy analysis of ongoing international justice developments, identify and understand key issues in international justice, and compile case research and draft advocacy-style documents that will be used internally and as background for advocacy projects. Interns will gain familiarity with the Rome Statute and develop a greater attention to detail through footnoting and fact-checking, and presenting information in a compelling manner in internal drafts.
Qualifications:
Eligible applicants in Belgium include students enrolled in an accredited, degree-granting masters or law program for the duration of the internship term or recent graduates of an academic program who are undergoing an internship for further training. Eligible applicants in the United States must be enrolled in a graduate or law program for the duration of the internship term. A background in law (either an LLB, LLM, JD, or other relevant law degree) is highly desirable. A strong interest in international criminal justice and a demonstrated commitment to human rights and/or international issues is highly desirable. Fluency in English is required, fluency and or knowledge of French is a plus. Applicants who are offered an internship must possess valid work authorization in the United States or Belgium for the full duration of the internship.
Compensation:
Internship compensation varies by jurisdiction based on local laws and HRW policy. If based in the US, interns will be paid an hourly wage of USD 17.00 per hour and offers interns twenty (20) days of vacation prorated per year pursuant to the intern schedule and length of internship. If based in Belgium, Interns who are currently enrolled masters or law students, completing this internship as a required part of their university program, must provide proof of external funding and will be reimbursed for their lunch and local travel costs as pre-approved by HRW and in accordance with HRW policy. Interns in Belgium who are recent graduates will receive a gross stipend of EUR 1055.94 per month.
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US Program Internship
The US Program of Human Rights Watch (HRW) offers internships to graduate or law students. A qualified candidate will have a strong interest and ideally some educational or work experience connected to advancing racial justice in the right to vote, the right to protest the criminal legal system, and/or immigration/migration/border rights-priority issues for the US Program.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include conducting desk research into the historical and current context of racial justice issues using research tools such as legal libraries, databases, and information sharing platforms. Interns will conduct desk research into US federal agencies, US administrative code, and federal mechanisms for investigating and enforcing antidiscrimination laws in the United States. They will compile the weekly race and democracy newsletter roundup, including identifying, reviewing, and summarizing relevant news, reports, and developments. Conducting research related to the right to protest and media freedom, including analyzing laws, policies, court decisions, and documented incidents. Assisting in making freedom of information requests and tracking responses, and monitoring legislation and US government policies. Interns will conduct data analysis or creating databases to support research projects, assisting in drafting or editing text to support the production of written research products including reports, press releases, dispatches, or op-eds. Supporting advocacy activities and social media engagement, including assembling and promoting social media posts and compiling press and social media lists, and attending meetings and taking notes.
Qualifications:
Applicants must be currently enrolled in a graduate or law school program for the duration of the internship term. Applicants should have strong organization skills, be self-motivated, and reliable with a demonstrated commitment to racial justice and human rights. Exhibit strong research skills, including the ability to conduct thorough desk research, synthesize information from multiple sources, and present findings clearly and accurately. Excellent computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, internet applications) and experience with research databases and tools is strongly preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. Applicants who are offered an internship must possess valid work authorization in the United States for the duration of the internship.
Compensation:
Internship compensation varies by jurisdiction based on local laws and HRW policy. Interns in the US will be paid an hourly wage of USD 17.00 per hour and offers interns twenty (20) days of vacation prorated per year pursuant to the intern schedule and length of internship.
UN Advocacy Division Internship (Geneva)
The UN Advocacy Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) offers internships in its Geneva office.
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Responsibilities:
The internship will focus on the activities of the UN advocacy team before, during, and after the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), as well as relevant developments at the UN General Assembly, UN Security Council, various Treaty Body reviews and other meetings. The interns will be active members of HRW’s UN Advocacy Division and will work closely with other staff members.
Qualifications:
Applicants enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate-level academic program for the duration of the internship are highly preferred. In some circumstances, applicants can be recent graduates of their first degree (such as a Bachelor’s) who will be pursuing an advanced degree (such as Master’s or law degree). Strong proven oral and written command of English is essential and knowledge of French is desirable. Computer skills (Microsoft Office, Outlook, and internet) are required. Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable with a demonstrated commitment to human rights and/or international issues. The ideal candidate should be a disciplined self-starter and a strong team player.
Compensation:
Interns will receive a gross monthly stipend of CHF 1,550 per month, which will be pro-rated based on the number of hours worked, to help offset living expenses in accordance with HRW policy and the intern.
Women's Rights Division Internship
The Women's Rights Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) offers internships in the Washington, D.C. office.
Responsibilities:
The internship will focus on assisting with research and advocacy projects surrounding public health issues related to women's rights in the U.S, including child marriage. The intern will learn and build skills in conducting desk research, collecting and analysing data, and drafting documents.
Qualifications:
Applicants must be enrolled undergraduate (senior standing preferred) or graduate students for the duration of the internship term. Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable with a strong interest in human rights. Relevant coursework and previous experience in public health, women's rights, and human rights is desirable.
Metcalf Internship Program (University of Chicago)
The Jeff Metcalf Fellows Program at the University of Chicago places one summer intern in each of the New York and London offices of HRW. Applicants must be current undergraduate students at the University of Chicago. Metcalf internships last 10 weeks with a stipend of $10/hour to offset expenses.
Everett Public Service Summer Internship Program
The Everett Public Service Internship Program places five summer interns in the New York and Washington, DC offices of HRW. In addition to the regularly-held Human Rights Watch staff meetings and special events, the Everett Program offers bi-weekly guest lectures and events. Internships last 10 weeks with a modest stipend to offset expenses.
Fellowships at Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch also offers fellowships for recent graduates and those in the early stages of their careers. These fellowships are highly competitive and provide opportunities to work on a variety of human rights issues.
The Leonard H. Sandler Fellowship
The Leonard H. Sandler Fellowship is a one-year fellowship open only to recent J.D. graduates.
Eligibility: Prospective fellows must be recent law graduates with a strong background in international human rights and a commitment to building a career in human rights.
The NYU School of Law Fellowship at HRW
The NYU School of Law Fellowship at HRW is a one-year fellowship open only to recent J.D. graduates of New York University School of Law.
Eligibility: Prospective fellows must be recent law graduates of NYU School of Law with a strong background in international human rights and a commitment to building a career in human rights.
The Finberg Fellowship
Applicants must be graduates of law, journalism, international relations or other relevant studies at the Master's level. LL.M.s are also eligible. Graduates with LL.B.
Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate a strong background in international human rights and be committed to building a career in human rights. Research experience, including experience conducting interviews, ideally in the context of human rights research, is required. Applicants must have exceptional analytic skills and excellent oral and written communications skills in English. Applicants should be highly motivated and well-organized; able to work quickly and well under pressure, both independently and as a member of a team; able to juggle multiple tasks; and able to meet tight deadlines.
Tips for Applying
- Tailor your application: Carefully review the job postings and tailor your letter of interest to the specific position.
- Highlight relevant experience: Emphasize any experience you have in international human rights investigation, reporting, and activism.
- Provide a strong writing sample: Submit an unedited writing sample that is representative of your own written style and ability to express your thoughts clearly, concisely, and compellingly.
- Follow application instructions carefully: Ensure that you submit all required materials and follow the application instructions exactly.
- Be patient: The application process can be highly competitive, so be prepared to wait for a response.
Human Rights Watch's Commitment to Diversity
Human Rights Watch is strong because it is diverse. HRW actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Human Rights Watch does not discriminate on the basis of disability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. HRW welcomes all kinds of diversity, and its employees include people who are parents and nonparents, the self-taught and university educated, and from a wide span of socio-economic backgrounds and perspectives on the world. Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.
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