Internship Description: The Legal and Policy Office at Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking a legal intern currently in or recently graduated in law to participate in research in our London office. The intern will research international human rights law and policy relevant to HRW. Current projects include research on command responsibility as it relates to UK human rights abuses in Iraq, and a database project to serve as an internal repository of information about economic, social, and cultural (“ESC”) rights.  The intern will bolster this repository by adding information about each ESC right, specifically international and regional legal resources, previous Human Rights Watch work, relevant case studies, and other resources.

Internships are unpaid.  Interns may be reimbursed for their lunch and local travel costs as pre-approved by HRW and in accordance with HRW policy.  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 other U.K.-based 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.

Qualifications: Previous experience researching international human rights law is required.  Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated and reliable, with a strong interest in international human rights.  Relevant coursework is highly desirable. Fluency in Arabic preferred. Knowledge of other foreign languages helpful.  Computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Office, Internet applications) are required.

How to Apply: Please apply immediately by sending a letter of interest, resume (highlighting experience in international human rights law), two names or letters of reference, a brief, unedited writing sample, and a current transcript (an online printout is sufficient) (no calls or email inquiries, please) to legaljobs@hrw.org.  Please use “Legal Summer Internship” as the subject of your email.  Only complete applications will be reviewed.  

Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices and, in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.

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Human Rights Watch is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for its in-depth investigations, its incisive and timely reporting, its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and its success in changing the human rights-related policies and practices of influential governments and international institutions.

The Legal & Policy Office at Human Rights Watch provides legal guidance and review for the programmatic work of the organization, especially as it relates to international human rights and humanitarian law and policy.