International Internships

Amnesty International: Internship Program

Amnesty International's Legal and International Organizations Program has an internship programme available. Interns are based at the International Secretariat (IS) offices in London, Geneva or New York and occasionally in other IS offices. Interns are generally recruited for a four to six month period, to carry out administrative- and project-related work within the Media and Audio Visual, International Law Organization, Policy and Evaluation, Americas and International Fundraising programmes. These internships are full time and voluntary, however interns' return travel costs (agreed in advance by the program) are paid as well as a stipend to cover daily travel expenses and lunch.

The aim of the Program is to provide work opportunities in an international campaigning human rights organization for individuals who want to gain experience in the field of international human rights work. A background in law (particularly human rights law) or international relations to a graduate level is essential. Some knowledge of international human rights law or practice and intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) would be an advantage. Please note that administrative tasks are an integral element of the work and much of our work is computerized and interns must be willing to be trained to work with the available technology.  A very good level of written and spoken English is required for interns in all locations.  A fluent level of written and spoken French is also required for Geneva. 

For further information visit: http://www.amnesty.org/en/jobs/internships.
Applications can be emailed to: Ilopcoordinator@amnesty.org.  

Australian Volunteers International

AVI manages a range of development programs. All of these are based on placing people into organisations or projects to exchange skills and thereby develop the capacity of local staff, institutions and communities.As an AVI volunteer, you will be placed overseas in response to a request for your skills. You will be working for a local organisation that delivers services to a community in your country of assignment. Assignments are in line with Australian aid program strategies.You help to develop local capacity: Your assignment will include staff training and networking, and will assist your host organisation to extend and improve its services.You will have ongoing support: You receive return airfares, a living allowance and health and travel insurance. AVI will help you organise and pay for accommodation, and provides on-the-ground support during your assignment.You can volunteer from three months to two years: Most of our assignments are long term (18-24 months) because this time period enables you to settle into a host community and see your work in action. We also have a few shorter assignments (3-12 months) that focus on specific projects.

For further information visit: http://australianvolunteers.com/index.asp?menuid=210.070&art_id=1178

Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development

The Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development program (AYAD) places skilled young Australian volunteers, aged 18-30, on short-term assignments of between 3-12 months, in developing countries throughout the Asia Pacific region.The program offers young people a wonderful opportunity to contribute to development while at the same time learning about other cultures.Youth Ambassadors work with Australian organisations and their overseas counterparts in a broad range of areas that include health, environment, rural development, gender, governance, justice, education and infrastructure development.
Youth Ambassadors use their skills and expertise to actively contribute to international development. They gain an increased understanding of the development needs of our neighbouring countries and broaden their experience by living and working in a cross-cultural environment.

For further information visit: http://www.ausaid.gov.au/youtham/

Bridges Across Borders: Southeast Asia internships

Bridges Across Borders is seeking law students wishing to gain an insight into social justice in Southeast Asia. Successful applicants will undertake an internship program from May 19 to August 3, 2008, with the choice of working in Chiang Mai, Thailand or splitting their time between Chiang May and Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Activities will focus on community legal education and curriculum development, direct community service, education and culture, and self reflection. Interns will need to pay a program administration fee of $1600, in addition to other living costs. The deadline for priority applications is January 20, 2008 and the final application deadline is February 20, 2008.

For further information visit: http://www.babsea.org/volunteer/internship.htm

Centre for Constitutional Rights (New York, USA)

The Center for Constitutional Rights is dedicated to advancing and protecting the rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Founded in 1966 by attorneys who represented civil rights movements in the South, CCR is a non-profit legal and educational organization committed to the creative use of law as a positive force for social change.The centre runs the Ella Baker Summer Fellowship Program. Law students assist CCR attorneys with their case load while taking part in educational seminars and talks. CCR also has numerous other internships both legal and otherwise, and is willing and able to offer credit when appropriate. CCR also welcomes a limited number of high school, undergraduate and recent college graduates for internships throughout the year. Check the web page regularly as internships will be posted there first.

For further information visit: http://ccrjustice.org/intro_job-internship

Center for Justice and International Law

The Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL) was founded in 1991 by a group of prominent Latin American human rights activists who believed that few local human rights groups had access to the necessary resources and knowledge to monitor and protest abuses within the inter-American system. In a response to this problem, CEJIL was created to focus exclusively on litigation within the inter-American system: defending victims and assisting activists with the presentation of cases, training others in the effective use of the system, and producing publications to keep the inter-American human rights community up to date with the latest precedents and actions of the system.Legal and general undergraduate internships are available at the Washington, DC office.  Similar CEJIL internships are also available at CEJIL regional offices in Costa Rica, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Chile.  Please contact those offices directly for details and openings via the addresses or fax numbers listed on the website www.derechos.org/cejil.

For further information visit: http://www.law.wits.ac.za/humanrts/160.94.193.60/field/internships/cejilintern.shtm

Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions

The Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit human rights organisation. COHRE is registered in the Netherlands, and coordinates its global activities from its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.COHRE is the leading international human rights organisation campaigning for the protection of housing rights and the prevention of forced evictions.COHRE's main office and International Secretariat is located in Geneva (Switzerland). COHRE also has offices in Porto Alegre (Brazil), Duluth (US), Accra (Ghana), Melbourne (Australia), Colombo (Sri Lanka) and Phnom Penh, Cambodia.COHRE regularly offers 1-3 month internships at each of its offices for undergraduate, graduate and law students from any country. Due to the high volume of requests entry to the programme is competitive. If you would like to learn more about COHRE's internship programme or find out what's involved in applying, please contact interns@cohre.org

For further information visit: http://www.cohre.org/view_page.php?page_id=33#article162

Global Youth Connect: Human Rights Delegations

As part of their 2007 Summer international human rights training programs, Global Youth Connect are looking for participants (aged 18-30) for their upcoming Human Rights Delegations to Bosnia, Guatemala, Rwanda and Venezuela. The Delegations include a human rights training workshop with youths, together with field work projects, and are an opportunity to experience first-hand the realities of human rights. Deadline for applications is January 25, 2008.

For further information visit: http://www.globalyouthconnect.org/participate

Human Rights Campaign (USA)

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national advocacy organization working for the civil rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans.The HRC lobbies Congress, provides campaign support to candidates and works to educate the public on a wide array of topics affecting GLBT Americans, including workplace, family, discrimination and health issues. The HRC Foundation, an HRC-affiliated organization, engages in extensive research and provides education and programming.The internship program pairs interns with specific departments or programs so that they will receive a valuable, in-depth experience. There are internships offered in nearly all departments and programs, including the media centre, finance, political and public education departments.

For further information visit: http://www.hrc.org/about_us/internship_descriptions.asp

Human Rights First (USA)

Human Rights First is a non-profit, non-partisan international human rights organization based in New York and Washington D.C. It advocates for change at the highest levels of national and international policymaking, seeks justice through the courts and seeks to raise awareness and understanding through the media.HRF has several summer internship programs in New York and Washington DC.The New York summer internship program may be applied for through the Castan Centre or independently.Human Rights First welcomes a limited number of interns throughout the year. Positions are often available in our five program areas as well as other departments.During the summer most interns work full-time. Internships are open to undergraduate, graduate and law school students and recent graduates. Interns engage in a variety of substantive ongoing projects.  

For further information visit: http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/about_us/jobs/jobs.asp?id=20

Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch investigates and seeks to promote human rights worldwide. Founded in 1978, Human Rights Watch has come to be known for its impartial and reliable human rights reporting, its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and its success in affecting the human rights-related policies of the U.S. and other influential governments.Human Rights Watch offers academic internships for both undergraduate and graduate students in our New York, London, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Brussels, and Berlin offices in most of its Regional and Thematic divisions, its Special Initiative programs, and its Organizational Support departments.Undergraduate internships are primarily administrative and clerical in nature, but other projects can be assigned as they arise and match the student's interests and abilities, including research, drafting documents, translating, and helping researchers prepare for missions.The website contains a long list of funded and un-funded internships for both undergraduates and graduates.

For further information visit: http://www.hrw.org/internships/undergraduates/undergraduates.html

International Committee of the Red Cross

The ICRC is an independent, neutral organization ensuring humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of war and armed violence. The ICRC has a permanent mandate under international law to take impartial action for prisoners, the wounded and sick, and civilians affected by conflict. With its HQ in Geneva, Switzerland, the ICRC is based in around 80 countries and has a total of more than 12,000 staff.
In situations of conflict the ICRC coordinates the response by national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies and their International Federation. The ICRC is at the origin of both the International Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement and of international humanitarian law, notably the Geneva Conventions.
A year of action to help people affected by armed conflictIn 2006, ICRC delegates visited some 478,000 people deprived of their freedom in 71 countries; ICRC water, sanitation and construction projects catered for the needs of around 16 million people; the ICRC supported hospitals and health-care facilities serving some 2.3 million people; it also distributed relief items to about 4 million people, food aid to 2.6 million people and helped a further 3.4 million people through sustainable food-production and micro-economic programmes. Some 30 per cent of ICRC's operational activities are carried out in cooperation with national Red Cross & Red Crescent societies. Read more in the ICRC Annual Report 2006. The ICRC occasionally hires interns for specific posts that have been advertised

For further information visit: http://www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/html/5R7GGZ

International Institute of Humanitarian Law

The Institute offers the opportunity to prospective interns of spending a period of time dedicated to study, research and possible involvement in the preparation of its activities. Considering the resources available in the Institute's library in San Remo and the strategic position of its liaison office in Geneva, internship proves to be fruitful and constructive for graduates and post-graduates interested in the fields of international humanitarian law, human rights and refugee law.

For further information visit: http://iihl.org/site/5457/default.aspx

International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR)

The aim of this internship programme is to provide regional, national or grassroots human rights activists, and/or students who have strong concerns over human rights issues, in particular those pertaining to racism and racial discrimination, with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with UN human rights mechanisms through their participation in relevant UN meetings, or through research work.

For further information visit: http://www.imadr.org

International Service for Human Rights Voluntary Internship Program

The International Service for Human Rights' (ISHR) Internship Programme in Geneva currently provides two programmes: the UN monitoring team and the training programme. Interns are generally recent graduates who join the ISHR staff on an unpaid basis to contribute and learn over a three to six-month period. ISHR intern will be involved with a multicultural team responsible for monitoring UN human rights meetings such as treaty bodies, working groups, and the annual session of the Commission on Human Rights. Interns will prepare draft narrative reports on the meetings, help out with office work and preparation of special events during the Commission sessions. Interns can attend the Geneva Training Course in International Human Rights Law and Diplomacy given by the ISHR in March and April.

For further information, visit http://www.ishr.ch/

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Program on Human Rights and Justice Fellowships

Aimed at outstanding professionals, academics and activists working at the intersection of human rights and other topics, who wish to conduct in-depth research into specific topics of social and natural sciences and engineering as they relate to human rights and justice issues. Proposals for human rights research relating to the global economy and science and technology are especially welcome. Applicants from developing countries, women applicants and those working with disadvantaged and minority communities and social movements are particularly encouraged to apply. Successful applicants will be provided with facilities at MIT.

For further information visit: http://web.mit.edu/phrj
Contact details: phrj@mit.edu; (+11 1) 617 258 7614.

MOIWANA Human Rights Organisation: Suriname

MOIWANA offers the possibility of internships based in Suriname for students studying Human Rights. The organisation was founded in May 1988 as a result of the massacre in Moiwana village during the interior war (civil strife) between the army of Suriname and the former Jungle Commando. Moiwana is a human rights organisation aimed at the promotion of the observance of international standards of all human rights, in particular civil and political rights.

For further information visit: moiwana_sur@yahoo.com

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country. Internships at UNHCR are on an on-going basis and are offered throughout the year, depending on the availability of meaningful assignments and the needs and capacity of units/offices to receive and supervise interns. The duration of an internship will usually be between 2 and 6 months.Internships can be offered at Headquarters (Geneva) and family duty stations in the Field.

Applications to be made via the online system: http://www.unhcr.org/admin/ADMIN/3bdfd88e4.html

Reprieve Australia (USA)

Reprieve Australia works against the death penalty.  It aims to provide effective legal representation and humanitarian assistance to those facing the death penalty, to advocate against the death penalty and to raise awareness about human rights.Established in Melbourne, Australia in May 2001, Reprieve Australia conducts volunteer programs at home and abroad, including sending Australians to defend clients facing the death penalty.  It also produces a newsletter and news updates, conducts awareness raising events and works with other organisations which fight against the death penalty.Through the overseas program, Reprieve Australia places members in the United States as volunteer interns to help in the provision of adequate legal representation and humanitarian assistance to indigent defendants facing the death penalty.

General internship information: http://www.law.monash.edu.au/castancentre/internships/reprieve.html.
You can also read the experience of a 2001 Reprieve Intern with the Louisiana Crisis Assistance Centre.
Reprieve Australia:http://www.reprieve.org.au

Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center for Human Rights (Washington D.C. USA)

The Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center for Human Rights (RFK Center) was established in 1986 to provide legal and technical assistance, marshal resources, increase public awareness, and generate domestic and international political support for the growing ranks of Award recipients. Today, the RFK Center has established itself as a key voice within the global human rights community and beyond with a capacity to wage and win important battles on Capitol Hill, in international institutions, and in its Laureates’ home countries. Interns will be asked to perform a variety of tasks in order to help with the Advocacy Team. (This is not an exhaustive list):

• Conduct factual research and draft memoranda on the human rights situation in countries of interest to the Center and on thematic issues (for example, the human right to health, the right to development, etc.);
• Conduct research on the application of international human rights norms to country conditions, developments in the domestic legal systems of specific countries and their implications for human rights, and other questions;
• Prepare documents for submission to government or U.N. officials;
• Attend and report on briefings, Congressional hearings, symposia and other meetings;

Applicants must have completed at least one year of law school and have a demonstrated interest in human rights. Ability in one of the following languages is helpful, but not required: Arabic, French, Haitian Creole, or Spanish. Please note that internships are unpaid.

For further information visit: http://www.rfkmemorial.org/legacyinaction/legalintern/

The Carter Centre (USA)

The Carter Center, in partnership with Emory University,  is committed to advancing human rights and alleviating unnecessary human suffering. Founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, the Atlanta-based Center has helped to improve the quality of life for people in more than 70 countries.Interns have the opportunity to work for Carter Center programs that contribute to their mission. Carter Center interns make vital contributions to the Center's work. In turn, The Carter Center provides a substantive learning experience that serves as a basis for interns to explore their career options and to develop professional skills. Internships are offered during three sessions per year to undergraduate juniors and seniors, graduate students, and recent graduates (graduated in the past 24 months).Prospective interns are those who have demonstrated superior academic ability and who have coursework, professional or personal experience, and career interests related to Carter Center programs. Interns are required to commit a minimum of 20 hours per week, although many choose to work up to 40 hours a week.

For further information visit: http://www.cartercenter.org/involved/internship/index.html

The Edmund Rice Centre

The Edmund Rice Centre is involved in a range of projects and activities across the four areas of its operation in research, community education, advocacy and networking. The Centre's objectives are to:

• Conduct and encourage research into the causes of poverty and inequity in society, especially with regard to youth and Indigenous Australians.
• Promote teaching that supports awareness, understanding and action in the areas of justice and community issues.
• Promote experiential learning activities through organised and reflective immersion programs in Australia and internationally.
• Encourage the development of skills in advocacy and social action.
• Facilitate liaison and networking opportunities amongst agencies involved in social justice and community education activities.

The Centre offers an Asia Pacific Human Rights Internship Program in association with Australian Lawyers for Human Rights. Internships will normally occur annually between late September and the end of February. It is sometimes possible to arrange internships at other times of year depending on the needs of both participants and partner agencies. Placements are normally for three months.

For further information visit: http://www.erc.org.au/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=29&MMN_position=33:33

The International Justice Project (Washington D.C. USA)

The International Justice Project works towards the development, coordination and increased employment of international law and human rights standards as they pertain to capital punishment.The International Justice Project (IJP) Externship Programme offers a hands-on experience for students from around the world to immerse themselves in the interdisciplinary realities of capital punishment research.Externships are flexibly arranged depending upon externs preferences and Project requirements; 12 weeks is the recommended minimum. Any less and the extern will not be in a position to serve as a fully-productive team-member or see self-initiated projects through to fruition. The IJP accepts applications on a rolling basis.

For further information visit: http://www.internationaljusticeproject.org/extern.cfm

United Nations Inter-Agency Project on Human Trafficking in the Greater Mekong Sub-region

The UNIAP was established to facilitate a stronger and more coordinated response to human trafficking in the Greater Mekong Sub-region. With a regional project management office in Bangkok, country project offices operate in Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam.The UNIAP coordinates the policy and operational response to human trafficking within the GMS in collaboration with the GMS governments at central and local levels; local non-government organizations; UN and international implementing agencies such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); and international non-governmental organizations such as Save the Children, Oxfam, ECPAT, and World Vision and the Asia Regional Trafficking in Persons (ARTIP) project.

Undergraduate Internships are offered from time to time and are advertised on the website:http://www.no-trafficking.org/content/Contact_Us/internship-opp.htm

Vital Voices Global Partnership

Vital Voices Global Partnership is a non-governmental organisation that identifies, trains, and empowers emerging women leaders and social entrepreneurs around the globe, enabling them to create a better world for us all. The Partnership’s programs have a strong focus on combating human trafficking, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and all forms of violence against women and girls.Vital Voices Global Partnership offers internships in the fall, spring and summer for undergraduate, advanced students and recent graduates interested in gaining practical experience in public policy at an international non-governmental organization dedicated to the promotion of women’s rights and democracies worldwide. Interns may participate in a variety of activities, including research, writing, and organizing meetings and events that support the goals of the program they are working with.

For further information visit: http://www.vitalvoices.org/desktopdefault.aspx?page_id=26

World Organization for Human Rights USA

For over ten years, Human Rights USA has taken the lead in promoting human rights compliance and preventing torture in the United States. Our approach to human rights litigation is creative, flexible, and non-bureaucratic. We act as first responders, quickly and effectively addressing emerging human rights concerns. Our long and successful track record of seeking application of universal human rights principles in U.S. legal proceedings has earned us the position as the lead litigator for international human rights in the U.S., and as the primary provider of back-up legal assistance in these issues.Human Rights USA welcomes applications for Fall, Spring, and Summer internships from law students seeking dynamic, fast-paced, and deeply fulfilling work in a small human rights litigation firm. Interns play a key role in our organization and are given responsibility accordingly, working on very substantial projects and making major contributions to the court complaints and legal briefs we file. All of our current staff members began their careers at Human Rights USA as law student interns.

For further information visit: http://www.humanrightsusa.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=36