1

Human Rights Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... interns; develop and retain a high-performing staff. Case Selection, Placement, and Management * Ensure that clients accepted into Human Rights First's pro bono representation program receive high ...

JUNE 1ST, 2026 The Crisis, Conflict and Arms Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking an ... interns and with recruiting division staff; and * Carry out other duties as required.

New

JUNE 1ST, 2026 The Crisis, Conflict and Arms Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking an ... interns and with recruiting division staff; and * Carry out other duties as required.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Human Rights Internship information

See salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do human rights internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for human rights internship in the United States is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Human Rights Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Human Rights Intern, you need foundational knowledge of international human rights laws, research skills, and often enrollment in or completion of a related degree such as political science or international relations. Familiarity with research databases, Microsoft Office Suite, and sometimes data analysis or case management systems is beneficial. Strong communication, cultural sensitivity, and organizational skills help you collaborate effectively and advocate for vulnerable populations. These capabilities are crucial for contributing to impactful projects, supporting advocacy efforts, and navigating complex global human rights issues.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect during a Human Rights Internship?

As a Human Rights Intern, you can expect to be involved in a variety of projects such as conducting research on human rights issues, drafting reports or policy briefs, assisting with advocacy campaigns, and supporting event planning or outreach efforts. Interns often work closely with experienced staff and may also help monitor developments in human rights law or policy. This role typically involves collaboration with team members from diverse backgrounds, offering opportunities to learn about legal, social, and international perspectives. Interns gain valuable experience in both independent work and group projects, helping to develop critical thinking and communication skills.

What is a Human Rights Internship?

A Human Rights Internship is a temporary position, often aimed at students or recent graduates, that provides hands-on experience in organizations focused on promoting and protecting human rights. Interns may assist with research, advocacy, event planning, or communications related to issues such as social justice, legal rights, or humanitarian efforts. These internships help individuals gain practical skills, build professional networks, and deepen their understanding of human rights work. They can take place at non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, or international bodies. Most positions are unpaid or offer modest stipends, but they are valuable stepping stones for careers in law, public policy, or international relations.

What is the difference between Human Rights Internship vs Human Rights Associate?

AspectHuman Rights InternshipHuman Rights Associate
Required CredentialsTypically students or recent graduates, some internships may require coursework in human rights or related fieldsBachelor's degree often required; some roles prefer or require additional certifications or experience
Work EnvironmentTemporary, entry-level, often in NGOs, international organizations, or advocacy groupsFull-time, professional setting with more responsibilities, often in similar organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by NGOs, UN agencies, and advocacy groups for training and developmentUsed by organizations for ongoing projects, policy work, and advocacy efforts

In summary, a Human Rights Internship is an entry-level, temporary position ideal for students or recent graduates gaining initial experience. A Human Rights Associate is a more permanent, professional role requiring some experience or education, with greater responsibilities in human rights work.

More about Human Rights Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Human Rights Internship jobs? Cities with the most Human Rights Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Human Rights jobs? The most popular types of Human Rights jobs are:
What states have the most Human Rights Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Human Rights Internship jobs include:
Infographic showing various Human Rights Internship job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,995 per year, or $17.3 per hour.
The Levitt Justice Lab F2023: Human Rights and Civil Rights

The Levitt Justice Lab F2023: Human Rights and Civil Rights

Hamilton College

Utica, NY โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Description
The Levitt Justice Lab includes four classes taken simultaneously, including an internship, observation, and reflection course. This coming Fall term the Lab's topic will be Human Rights and Civil Rights.
How have human rights developed? How are they defined and who enforces them? These questions are immediately relevant to migrant and refugee populations, the movement for racial justice, the status of indigenous populations, as well as the protection of civilians in times of war. Most basically, the study of human rights asks how we can guarantee personal dignity and the ability of all people to live free from persecution, discrimination, and bias.
In Fall '23, the Justice Lab will take up these questions historically and legally at the international, national, and local levels.
The experiential course (GOVT/PPOL 274) includes a half-day per week internship/observation with local agencies concerned with human and civil rights arranged by the Levitt Center with a community partner.
The Justice Lab is a set of four courses, taken together during a single term, organized around a specific theme. The four instructors in the Lab work together to coordinate syllabi and assignments and to provide students in the Lab with an integrated, interdisciplinary understanding of the topic.
There are no prerequisites for these courses. The Lab schedule allows for students to be free by 3:50 pm every day and can accommodate students with on-campus jobs.
The courses that comprise the Human and Civil Rights Justice Lab are:
  • Government/Public Policy 274W, Justice Lab Experience and Observation, Prof. Andrea Peรฑa Vasquez, Post-Doctoral Fellow in Public Policy. Instruction in systematic observation through journaling and discussion. The experience takes the form of on-site research, internships, or field-studies. This course includes writing assignments designed to integrate experience and observation with material from the other three courses in the Lab.
  • Government 254 International Law, Prof. Alan Cafruny, Bristol Professor of International Relations. An introduction to international law. Survey of the nature and sources of international law, as well as the actors involved in making and interpreting it. Exploration of human rights, legality of the use of force, just war doctrine, war crimes, national self-determination. Case studies of historical and contemporary national and international conflicts.
  • History 255 Humanitarianism and Human Rights, Prof. Kevin Grant, Graves Professor of History. This course examines the historical development of humanitarianism and human rights between the late-eighteenth and late twentieth-centuries. It offers an introductory survey of the ideas and tactics in international protests over slavery, industrial working conditions, prisoners of war, and refugees. It considers how rights have been understood, contested, and revised in the legal frameworks of state sovereignty and international government. Additional thematic subjects include religion, race, gender, and the pervasive tension between universal principle and cultural difference.
  • GOVT 2xx The American Constitution and Human Rights, Prof. Frank Anechiarico, Maynard-Knox Professor of Government and Law. A review of the status of internationally recognized human rights in American constitutional law. Focus on the rights of minorities, access to health care, and support of indigent and disabled individuals. How does the determination of civil rights in constitutional law recognize the protections in the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights? How do federal courts interpret the power given to congress to "punish... offenses against the law of nations"? Coursework includes development of an oral and written brief and case studies of local human rights issues.

Qualifications
Enrollment in the program is limited. Applications to the Justice Lab are open to all students.
Application Instructions
Please fill out the following application form. Upon clicking "Apply Now", you will be prompted to create a free account with Interfolio. If you already have an Interfolio account, you should sign in. If you don't already have an Interfolio account, click on the "Sign up" button (NOT the "sign in through partner institution link). Applications are due March 28th.