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Internship Program


Human Rights First believes that building respect for human rights and the rule of law will help ensure the dignity to which every individual is entitled and will stem tyranny, extremism, intolerance, and violence.

Human Rights First protects people at risk: refugees who flee persecution, victims of crimes against humanity or other mass human rights violations, victims of discrimination, those whose rights are eroded in the name of national security, and human rights advocates who are targeted for defending the rights of others. Human Rights First works to prevent violations against these groups and to seek justice and accountability for violations against them.

About the Internship Program

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 academic year, interns typically commit to 10 – 12 hours a week. During the summer most interns work full-time. Often, when computers and workstations are fully committed, interns will work from their own laptops or off-site at libraries etc.

Internships are open to undergraduate, graduate and law school students and recent graduates.  Interns engage in a variety of substantive ongoing projects.   The precise nature of the work varies by program; examples of work include:
  • Research, analysis and drafting of memoranda on substantive and procedural issues, legal issues and legislative matters;
  • Documenting and reporting on human rights conditions;
  • Supporting program staff on broader advocacy initiatives, including research, preparation of advocacy materials and assisting with outreach to designated constituencies;
  • Bluebooking, proof-reading and cite-checking legal filings, memoranda, briefing materials and publications.
Human Rights First is unable to offer general funding for internships. Many interns are able to find funding through their schools. Summer internship applicants are welcome to apply for two competitive sources of funding:  the Frankel Fellowship or the Everett Public Service Internship Program.  Applicants should note in their cover letters any interest in consideration for either of these opportunities.


Application Procedure:

To apply for an internship in our Washington, DC office, click here.

To apply for an internship in New York, send resume and cover letter stating your available start- and end- dates, interests and personal goals. Please be sure to list any human rights coursework or experience, languages, or other skills. Please specify area of interest (e.g. Crimes Against Humanity, Fighting Discrimination, Human Rights Defenders, Law and Security, Refugee Protection, Campaigns (End Torture Now or HOPE for Darfur) or Communications) in your subject line. Please also note in your cover letter if you are applying for the Frankel Fellowship or Everett internships (see above for more information).

Individual programs and departments may post specific internship descriptions detailing opportunities in their area.  Please monitor this page for such listings.

General applications should be received by:
    March 2 for summer internships**
    July 16 for Fall internships
    November 16 for Spring internships

Selection may be made on a rolling basis; individual programs may establish deadlines other than those listed.

** Please note: Summer internship applications are not due until March 2nd, however we encourage you to apply early.

NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.

To apply, send application via e-mail to:

Interns_NY@HumanRightsFirst.org
with Human Rights First Internship (and area of interest) in subject line.

All applicants will be notified of receipt of application; only selected applicants will be contacted for interviews.

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