Human Rights First

Organisation profile

Until 2003, Human Rights First was known as the Lawyers’ Committee for Human rights. It was established in 1978 and has been a long term advocate of human rights issues, and especially of the rights of refugees and asylum-seekers. The organization has broadened its areas of focus over the decades and is now a forceful advocate for a wide range of human rights issues. It has operated a robust internship program for many years and provides interns with excellent research, advocacy and case work.

This internship program has been developed through the Monash Castan Centre for Human Rights Law. Interns are placed in a number of the organisation’s sections, and each particular intern is placed according to his or her skills and the needs of the organisation. Work undertaken by interns includes research, project writing, asylum case work and an assortment of advocacy projects.

HRF Mission Statement: Human Rights First works in the United States and abroad to create a secure and humane world by advancing justice, human dignity and respect for the rule of law. We support human rights activists who fight for basic freedoms and peaceful change at the local level; protect refugees in flight from persecution and repression; help build a strong international system of justice and accountability; and make sure human rights laws and principles are enforced in the United States and abroad.

For more information, please refer to the Human Rights First website.

Eligibility criteria

Please click here for eligibility criteria.

Selection Criteria

The following selection criteria will be taken into account by the Castan Centre in choosing the intern and applicants are advised to directly address each criterion in the personal statement.

• A demonstrated interest in human rights as shown through your practical or academic experiences;
• Particular interest in the work currently being undertaken by HRF;
• Strong academic record, in particular marks received in human rights and other relevant subjects;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Application process

• Complete the Human Rights First Application Form  and also prepare the following documents: 
  
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Statement of results (download from WES) which must show at least a 60% average across all law studies
  • A personal statement of no more than one page typed (minimum size ariel font x10 point)showing a proven interest in the work and mission of Human Rights First.
• Submit your application either -
  
  • in hard copy to the International Programs Officer located in the Student Services office on Level 1 of the Law building
  • via email from your Monash student account to kerryn.morey@law.monash.edu.au
• The Monash Castan Centre for Human Rights Law is responsible for short listing applicants.
• Short listing of applicants may include an interview by members of the Castan Centre
• The successful applicant will be contacted directly via phone and/or email by the Castan Centre Project Manager
• All unsuccessful applicants will be notified via phone and/or email by the International Programs Officer  
• International Programs Officer will notify the Faculty Finance Manager of the successful intern
• Once the successful intern has been notified they must contact the International Programs Officer to discuss travel arrangements and release of funds.

Note: All grants should be used in the first instance to cover travel costs, followed by insurance and accommodation costs if funds permit

Equity grants

Student Travel Fund (STF) Equity Grants have been developed to provide financial assistance for faculty internship programs to those students who can demonstrate financial hardship. 

Contact information

If you would like further information about this internship please contact:

Forms

Human Rights First application form [PDF]
Equity Grant application form [PDF]

Other Useful Information

Past Intern Report - Linda Gyorki (2005-06) 
Past Intern Report - Sophia Kagan (2005-06)
Past Intern Report - Laura Tang (2006-07)
Accommodation and cost of living hints - 2005-06
Accommodation and cost of living hints - 2006-07