Human rights internships provide students, graduates, and early-career professionals with an opportunity to gain practical experience in areas such as social justice, refugee protection, gender equality, civil liberties, humanitarian work, and international development.
These internships can help candidates build professional networks, develop research and advocacy skills, and gain experience working with organizations that protect human rights worldwide.
1. Amnesty International Internship Program
Focus Area: Human Rights
Location: United Kingdom
Duration: 12 months
Compensation: Approximately £18,000 per year
Amnesty International’s International Secretariat offers paid internship opportunities at its London office. Interns gain experience working with one of the world’s leading human rights organizations and contribute to campaigns, research, and advocacy activities.
The program is highly competitive and is designed for candidates passionate about protecting human rights globally.
2. UNICEF Internship Programme
Focus Area: Child Rights
Location: Worldwide
Duration: 6–26 weeks
Compensation: Varies by office
UNICEF offers internships across global offices in areas including programme support, policy, operations, communications, and research.
Applicants usually need to have completed at least two years of undergraduate study and must be enrolled in a degree programme or have recently graduated. Some UNICEF internships provide stipends depending on the office and location.
3. World Justice Project Internship Program
Focus Area: Human Rights and Rule of Law
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
Duration: 3 months
Compensation: Paid (amount varies)
The World Justice Project works to strengthen the rule of law, government accountability, and access to justice worldwide.
Interns support projects involving research, publications, outreach, administration, and data analysis. Candidates studying international affairs, journalism, policy, or social sciences are encouraged to apply.
4. CARE USA Internship Program
Focus Area: Social Justice and Global Development
Location: United States and international offices
Duration: 6 months
Compensation: Varies
CARE works to fight poverty, support gender equality, and improve communities worldwide.
Interns gain hands-on project experience and access to professional development resources. CARE also offers opportunities through offices in different countries.
5. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Internships
Focus Area: Civil Liberties and Human Rights
Location: United States
Duration: 10 weeks
Compensation: Stipend varies
The ACLU protects individual rights and civil liberties through legal action, advocacy, and public education.
Internships are available in areas including:
- Legal research
- Communications
- Advocacy
- Technology and analytics
- Special projects
Interns typically work around 35 hours per week.
6. UNHCR Internship Programme
Focus Area: Refugee Rights
Location: Worldwide
Duration: 6 months
Compensation: Food and transportation support may be available
The United Nations Refugee Agency offers internship opportunities at headquarters and field locations worldwide.
Interns support work related to refugee protection, humanitarian programmes, research, communications, and operations. Applicants generally need to be enrolled in or recently graduated from an accredited university and have completed at least two years of undergraduate study.
7. International Organization for Migration (IOM) Internships
Focus Area: Migration and Human Mobility
Location: Worldwide
Duration: 2–9 months
Compensation: Monthly living stipend varies
IOM provides internship opportunities for students and recent graduates interested in migration, humanitarian action, and international development.
Opportunities are available for senior undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent master’s graduates. Applicants usually need knowledge of English, French, and/or Spanish.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Selected
Human rights organizations look for candidates who demonstrate:
- Strong research and writing skills
- Commitment to social justice issues
- Volunteer or community experience
- Knowledge of international development topics
- Communication and teamwork abilities
- Relevant academic backgrounds
Before applying, tailor your CV and cover letter to each organization. Highlight experiences connected to human rights, humanitarian work, policy, advocacy, research, or community development.
Summary Table
| Organization | Focus Area | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amnesty International | Human Rights | UK | 12 months |
| UNICEF | Child Rights | Worldwide | 6–26 weeks |
| World Justice Project | Rule of Law | USA | 3 months |
| CARE USA | Social Justice | Global | 6 months |
| ACLU | Civil Liberties | USA | 10 weeks |
| UNHCR | Refugee Rights | Worldwide | 6 months |
| IOM | Migration | Worldwide | 2–9 months |
Human rights internships can become a pathway into careers with NGOs, international organizations, governments, and humanitarian agencies.
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