Human Rights Watch Internships

Human Rights Watch is advertising the following fall internships in Washington:

The US Program of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking undergraduate interns for the fall 2017 semester in the Washington, D.C. office. Ideally, the candidates will be available to intern 10 to 15 hours a week (dates and hours are flexible). 

The interns will learn about human rights issues within the US, especially those related to criminal justice and immigration policy. Specific assignments will enable students to learn about bail and sentencing reform, criminalization of drug possession, and juveniles caught in the justice system. Interns will be oriented to HRW’s research methods and gain skills in their ability to conduct research and analyze data. They will also learn how to effectively monitor the press and draft documents regarding human rights issues in the United States. They will have exposure to HRW’s methods for compiling case histories and researching relevant state and federal policies. Additional projects will be assigned as the opportunity arises.

The intern must be an enrolled student for the duration of the internship term. Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable with a strong interest in US domestic human and civil rights issues, particularly related to criminal justice and immigration policy. Relevant coursework is highly desirable and knowledge of Spanish is a plus. Computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, internet applications) and experience completing social science research are required. Apply here.


The Middle East and North Africa (“MENA”) division of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is currently seeking interns for the Fall 2017 semester in the Washington, D.C. office. The selected candidate will intern closely with the Middle East and North Africa associates and researchers. Ideally, the candidate will be available for at least 20-hours per week for three months, beginning as soon as possible.

The internship is unpaid. Students are often able to arrange academic credit, as HRW internships often offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by the HRW staff, interaction with international organizations and foreign and domestic government officials, and opportunities to attend lectures, trainings and special events relating to human rights. Students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements.

The internship will focus on the following: 

• Research: The intern will perform various short-term and long-term research assignments using sources in English and Arabic. Research will focus on a range of human rights and humanitarian law abuses across the Middle East and North Africa. The intern may help HRW staff conduct phone interviews with victims of and witnesses to human rights violations. The intern will also assist with the production and release of reports and press releases. 
• Monitoring and Advocacy: The intern will assist with monitoring and summarizing MENA political and policy developments. The intern will also have the opportunity to attend internal and/or external advocacy strategy meetings. 

Other duties and projects will be assigned as they arise.

This position is open to students in law, social studies, international relations, political science, or related subjects with strong writing and research skills. Applicants must be enrolled as students for the entirety of the internship. Excellent oral and written command of English and Arabic are essential. Applicants should demonstrate precise attention to detail, the ability to follow instructions, conscientiousness about checking one’s own work, a positive attitude, a proactive approach, and good judgment. Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable with a strong interest in human rights and some familiarity with the current situation in MENA. Computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Office, internet applications) are required. Apply here.

The Africa Division of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking undergraduate student interns for the fall 2017 semester in the Washington, D.C. office. The intern will focus on Human Rights Watch projects surrounding West Africa issues. Ideally, the intern will be available for a minimum of 10 hours per week for 3-4 months starting in September 2017, with the option to extend into spring 2018.

This internship is unpaid. Students may be able to arrange academic credit, as HRW internships often offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by the HRW staff, interaction with other US and international organizations and foreign and domestic government officials, and opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, and special events relating to human rights. Students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements.

The internship will consist primarily of press monitoring and compiling reports on news from Mali, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, and Senegal. Other responsibilities will include small research assignments, data management and analysis, drafting documents regarding issues in Africa, and attending external meetings. Other projects may be assigned as they arise and match the student's interests and abilities.

The intern must be an undergraduate student for the duration of the internship term. Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated and reliable, with strong attention to detail. A strong interest in human rights, specifically concerning Africa is essential. Relevant coursework is highly desirable. Computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Office, internet applications) and internet based research skills are essential. Proficient reading and writing ability in French is required, at the intermediate level or above.  Apply here.


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