What Is a Human Rights and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

Human rights jobs focus on advocacy, outreach and legal efforts to enforce existing laws pertaining to human rights. In this field, you educate others about human rights, oversee volunteers offering their time and service, and petition your government to address local or international violations of human rights guidelines. Many human rights organizations focus on lobbying and research, especially as it pertains to tracking human rights abuses and identifying potential legislative solutions. In recent years, technology companies have also started to focus on human rights and how people can abuse social media. These jobs usually involve creating algorithms, investigating reports of abusive content, and coordinating with law enforcement as needed.

The primary qualifications for a human rights job depend on the position you are applying for. Most senior positions require a doctorate or ten years of experience with human rights, while attorneys can usually begin practicing immediately after graduating from law school. Experience is vital in this field, and many people volunteer to support human rights before transitioning to a full-time position. Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a human rights job requires an understanding of the lobbying and legislative processes, excellent communication skills, and a dedication to making a difference in the world. International groups value bilingualism, especially for languages that are common in areas with frequent human rights abuses, so knowing a foreign language can help you stand out from other applicants.