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Human Rights Internships Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

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Human Rights Internships information

What is the difference between Human Rights Internships vs Human Rights Fellowships?

AspectHuman Rights InternshipsHuman Rights Fellowships
CredentialsTypically undergraduate or graduate studentsUsually advanced students or early-career professionals
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, often in NGOs or international organizationsFellowship programs with more responsibilities, often in research or policy roles
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, NGOs, international agenciesResearch institutes, advocacy groups, international bodies
Search & Comparison IntentEntry-level, internship opportunities in human rightsAdvanced, specialized roles for early-career professionals

Human Rights Internships are typically designed for students seeking entry-level experience, while Human Rights Fellowships target early-career professionals with more specialized responsibilities. Both roles are vital in the human rights sector but differ in scope, experience level, and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in human rights internships, and why are they important?

To thrive in Human Rights Internships, you typically need a background in international relations, political science, or law, along with strong research and analytical skills. Familiarity with legal databases, human rights documentation tools, and proficiency in multiple languages are often advantageous. Excellent communication, cultural sensitivity, and teamwork abilities help interns effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and sensitive issues. These skills are crucial for promoting human rights advocacy, conducting impactful research, and contributing to organizational objectives in complex environments.

What is a human rights internship?

Human rights internships are temporary work placements, often at non-governmental organizations, international agencies, or governmental bodies, where students or recent graduates gain hands-on experience in the field of human rights. These internships typically involve research, advocacy, event planning, and support for projects related to promoting and protecting human rights. Interns can learn about international human rights law, policy development, and the workings of organizations dedicated to social justice. These positions are valuable for building careers in law, international relations, public policy, and non-profit sectors.

What kind of projects or tasks can I expect to work on during a human rights internship?

As a human rights intern, you can anticipate working on a variety of projects such as conducting research on current human rights issues, assisting with the preparation of reports and advocacy materials, and supporting outreach or educational initiatives. Interns often help monitor relevant news, attend meetings or events, and contribute to casework or policy analysis. Collaboration with team members—including lawyers, researchers, and other interns—is common, offering valuable exposure to real-world advocacy and project coordination in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

What cities in New York are hiring for Human Rights Internships jobs?

Cities in New York with the most Human Rights Internships job openings:

Infographic showing various Human Rights Internships job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Legal Intern - Fall 2026

Human Rights First

Manhattan, NY • On-site, Remote

Internship

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Legal Intern - Fall 2026

The N.Y. office of Human Rights First seeks motivated legal interns for Fall 2026 to assist in providing pro bono legal representation to asylum seekers before the N.Y. Asylum Office and Immigration Courts. Interns will have the opportunity to work directly with clients on interviewing and document drafting and collaborate with attorneys on case strategy. Opportunities to work on direct representation cases include legal strategy, forms completion, advocacy, legal research, and brief writing, among other tasks.
Human Rights First is dedicated to inclusivity and will assist interns with externship credit, work-study, or securing funding from external sources. This position is unpaid and will support the N.Y. team of HRF and may be performed remotely. A computer and internet connection are required for this position. People of color, women, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBT community are encouraged to apply.
How will you make a difference in the Human Rights space through this internship?
Legal interns meaningfully contribute to the Refugee Representation program, which provides legal assistance to asylum seekers who cannot afford an attorney and need help with a claim for asylum or other humanitarian-based forms of immigration relief. Interns actively engage in furthering Human Rights First mission of working in the United States to promote respect for human rights and the rule of law. Through direct engagement with refugees, legal interns assist in the furtherance of clients’ cases, applying their legal skills to the furtherance of human rights.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Interns have the opportunity to engage in client interviewing, to conduct intake interviews with potential clients, and to draft case summaries.
  • Interns will work with Human Rights First staff on asylum cases, providing support with draft declarations, briefs, legal memorandum, and other legal advocacy efforts.
  • Interns will assist with preparing and filing forms for affirmative immigration relief with Human Rights First clients, including asylum applications, family reunification petitions, employment authorization applications, temporary protected status, and applications for permanent residency.
  • Interns will conduct legal research in developing areas of immigration law and country conditions for analysis and reporting.
  • Interns will have opportunities to attend legal trainings, advocacy groups, and discussion panels in the greater N.Y. area and virtually.
Desired Skills and Experiences
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines at once
  • Legal research and writing skills, particularly in immigration law, administrative law, federal law, and federal regulations
  • Dedicated interest and passion for immigration advocacy, direct client representation, and protecting the rights of migrants
  • Experience working with vulnerable populations and survivors of trauma
  • Ability to work collaboratively with staff, clients, and community organizations
  • Motivated to work independently to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
  • Fluency in a second language, particularly Spanish, is a plus
Education: Enrollment in an accredited JD or LLM program.
Compensation: Unpaid
Submission Deadline: July 31, 2026
Start Date: September 8, 2026
End Date: December 11, 2026
Time Commitment: 30 hours/week
Application Instructions: Cover Letter, Resume, Writing Sample (no more than 5 pages).


Human Rights First is committed to recruiting, retaining, and developing staff from a diversity of backgrounds, including members of racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, people of all nationalities, and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. We believe that a diverse staff and an inclusive work environment that welcomes a range of perspectives make us stronger and more effective.