International Human Rights Internships
Amnesty International
Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of more than three million people who actively campaign to end grave abuses of human rights. The International Secretariat of Amnesty International in Europe runs an internship program in several countries around the world. According to the website, interns can expect to undertake research, monitor international press and design web pages among various other administrative/project related tasks. Opportunities often exist within the International Law Organization, Policy and Evaluation, Media and Audio or International Fundraising programs. Internships are purely voluntary so it is up to those involved to arrange visa applications, accommodation and travel costs.
Locations: New York, London, Geneva and other International Secretariat offices. Amnesty International have action centres in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane plus over 160 action groups based in communities all over Australia.
Asian Human Rights Commission
The Asian Human Rights Commission (“AHRC”) is a non-governmental body, which seeks to promote greater awareness and of human rights in the Asian region, and obtain relief and redress for the victims of human rights violations. The organisation invites people with a legal background, country experience and a strong interest in the field to apply. Interns are required to help out with case documentation, research and communication assistance. Applications are judged on individual merits and according to the needs of the AHRC at the time.
Location: Hong Kong
Australian Delegation to the UNHRC
Each year, Australian citizens are able to undertake voluntary internships at the Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations during the sessions of the UN Human Rights Council. The Mission is particularly interested in candidates with qualifications in disciplines relating to humanitarian, legal issues and human rights. Interns are involved in supporting Australia’s interests at the international level in a wide range of areas. Training may include preparing and reporting on meetings/conferences, learning how the Foreign Service functions, gaining an understanding of diplomatic protocol and a range of other tasks.
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Visit www.geneva.mission.gov.au
Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch prides itself on being one of the world’s leading organisations dedicated to defending and protecting human rights. HRW offers unpaid internships to both undergraduates and graduates in their offices around the globe. Tasksv ary but may include drafting documents, helping researchers prepare for missions and engaging in advocacy efforts aimed at curtailing human rights violations. Opportunities will be made available to take part in training and special events relating to the specific divisions and departments within the institution.
Location: Multiple locations around the world.
International Court of Arbitration (“ICC”)
The International Court of Arbitration Dispute Resolution Services offers successful candidates the opportunity to acquire practical experience in an international organisation. Duties entrusted to the interns include researching specific national and topical laws, preparing for conferences and drafting documents related to current arbitration cases. The placement is unpaid and it is up to interns to arrange their own finances, visa arrangements and accommodation.
Location: Hong Kong or Paris
Duration: Hong Kong: 3 months, starting May, Paris: 2 months, starting January.
Application Dates: Hong Kong: At least two months prior to the start of the internship period. Paris: At least six months prior to the start of the internship period
Send an email including an application letter and one page CV (focusing on the experience relevant to the internship).
International Court of Justice
The International Court of Justice’s function is to review and settle international legal disputes submitted to it by States, and to give advisory opinions on judicial questions referred to it by authorised United Nations bodies. Students and recent graduates are given the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice, while performing certain tasks for the organisation.
Location: The Hague, Netherlands.
Duration: 1-3 months
Application Dates: Open all year round.
International Criminal Court
The International Criminal Court is the first treaty based criminal court to help end impunity for the perpetrators of serious war crimes in the international community. Under supervision, interns will gain a deeper understanding of the Court’s objectives and of the challenges faced by the institution, and a theoretical knowledge of the work of one area of the Court in particular.
Location: The Hague, Netherlands.
Duration: 3-6 months
International Fund for Agricultural Development (“IFAD”)
IFAD is a specialised branch of the United Nation, which aims to increase rural, poor peoples’ access to financial services, markets, technology, land and other natural resources. Tasks and responsibilities will be assigned to the participant depending on his/ her educational background, skills and experience. Interns can be paid the equivalent of a lump sum of USD600 per month, less any payment received from a sponsor (if any).
Location: Rome.
Duration: Maximum period of six months.
Applicants must fill the IFAD Personal History specifying the expected time of graduation and submit it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
International Labour Organisation (“ILO")
ILO’s interns are exposed to conferences, meetings, and contribute to analytical work as well as support the organisation’s fundamental principles programmes and ground-breaking strategies. A stipend, paid by ILO, may be available to cover basic costs.
Location: Switzerland
Duration: 3-6 months, starting on the 1st or 15th of each month.
International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
Participants will carry out assignments for the Registry and Tribunal under strict supervision. They are expected to use their knowledge to contribute to the work of the agency in fields such as political science, translation, publications and international law. Internships are offered in the following four areas: Legal Office, Library, Linguistic Services and Press Office. For details on meeting the eligibility criteria in each department go to http://www.itlos. org/
Location: Hamburg, Germany.
Duration: 3 months.
Application Dates: January to March application should be submitted by 30 September of previous year. April to June submitted by 31 December of previous year. July to September: submitted by 31 March and October to December: application submitted by 30 June.
UN High Commission for Refugees (“UNHCR”)
The UN High Commission for Refugees is mandated to direct and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee issues around the world. UNHCR interns will work on a project which will benefit both them and the organisation, in fields such as refugee protection (legal), public affairs, administration among other specialised fields.
Location: Budapest and Geneva.
Duration: 2-6 months.
Application Dates: There is no deadline for applications.The placements are on an on-going basis and are offered throughout the year.
World Intellectual Property Organisation (“WIPO”)
The WIPO is dedicated to developing a fair global intellectual property (“IP”) system, which stimulates innovation and contributes to economic development, while protecting the public interest. Interns learn about the organisation and are given the opportunity to utilise their educational experience through practical work.Visit http://www.wipo.int/erecruitment/en/internship.html for further details.
Location: Geneva.
Duration: Undergraduate student internships are a maximum of 3 months duration. Postgraduate students and young professionals can undertake internships for a maximum of 6 months.
Application Dates: Applications can be made throughout the year.
How to Apply: Send applications, CV and cover letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
World Trade Organisation (“WTO”)
The WTO Secretariat offers internships for those wishing to gain practical experience and deeper knowledge of the global, multilateral trading system and its policies.Interns must hold a bachelor degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. economics, law, international relations), and have completed at least one year of their postgraduate course.
Location: Geneva.
Duration: Internships can last up to 24 weeks.
Application Dates: Internships take place throughout the year.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
DFAT is charged with working to strengthen Australia’s security, enhance Australia’s prosperity, and helping Australian travellers and Australian overseas. The department provides foreign and trade policy advice to the government, working in collaboration with other governmental agencies. Work at DFAT includes developing and implementing foreign and trade policy, negotiating international agreements, and delivering high quality consular assistance. The department employs over 2 000 people on a permanent basis, of whom about 520 are serving overseas at any one time.
Who do they look for?
DFAT looks for graduate from varied backgrounds, with high-level analytical and communication skills. Graduates must be able to work under pressure, often in difficult environments, be able to meet tight deadlines, and be pro-active in making contacts. Graduates are required to have a strong academic record, and usually have honours, combined or higher degree. However, extra-curricular activities, paid work, and involvement in community groups are also looked upon favourably. Graduates must have a genuine interest in international issues.
Department of Immigration and Border Protection
DIBP is charged with managing migration, protecting refugees and contributing to humanitarian policy internationally, contributing to Australia’s security through border management and traveller facilitation and ensuring compliance with Australia’s immigration laws and integrity in decision-making. They also have a role in supporting migrants and refugees to settle in the community and participate in Australian society, as well as promoting Australian citizenship and a multicultural Australia.
International Post-Graduate Study
Oxford University
- Bachelor of Civil Law (“BCL”)
- Master in Law and Finance (“MLF”)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law and Practice
- Masters in International Human Rights Law (“MIHRL”)
Cambridge University
- Master of Laws (“LLM”)
- Masters in Corporate Law (“MCL”)
Yale University
- Master of Laws (“LLM”)
- The Doctor of the Science of Law (“JSD”)
Harvard University
- Master of Laws (“LLM”)
- Doctor of Juridical Science (“SJD”)