Equal Justice Works Fellowship Opportunity

Refugee Protection Program

2010-2011

New York Office

Human Rights First was founded in 1978 to promote laws and policies that advance universal rights and freedoms. We exist to protect and defend the dignity of each individual through respect for human rights and the rule of law. 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 is practical and effective. We advocate for change at the highest levels of national and international policymaking. We seek justice through the courts. We raise awareness and understanding through the media. We build coalitions among those with divergent views. And we mobilize people to act.

The Refugee Protection program at Human Rights First is seeking a candidate to apply for an 2010-2011 Equal Justice Works Fellowship.  The selected candidate will work with Human Rights First to design the specific project, which will then be submitted to Equal Justice Works for its consideration. The project will be aimed at promoting legal access and fair process for detained and other refugees seeking asylum in the United States. 

The Equal Justice Works Fellow will:

• Conduct research, gather information and document:
  • the need for improvements in the immigration court system – at both the immigration court and Board of Immigration Appeals level ;
  • the effects of stay denials by federal courts on refugees seeking asylum – and the need to improve these procedures so that asylum seekers are not deprived of federal court review and/or;
  • issues resulting from the use of video hearings, and help advocate for live hearings for asylum seekers.
• Help advocate for corresponding reforms – including based on the research conducted; and 
• Ensure access to the immigration courts for individual asylum seekers and other immigration detainees, through legal presentations and individual consultations.

For more information on the Equal Justice Works Fellowships and the application process, please visit http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/programs/fellowships/general.  Please note that the Equal Justice Works Fellowships are two year positions.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE:  SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

SUBMISSIONS (Via E-mail):
- Cover letter 
- Resume
- Names and contact details for three (3) references
- Writing Sample

TO: HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST

SUBJECT: Equal Justice Works Fellowships/RPP

E-MAIL: AdamsL@HumanRightsFirst.org

HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.  WE CONSIDER APPLICANTS FOR ALL POSITIONS WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, CREED, GENDER, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, MARITAL OR VETERAN STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, OR ANY OTHER LEGALLY PROTECTED STATUS.
www.HumanRightsFirst.org