The Disability Rights Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a law student, graduate level LL.M. student, or graduate student in a relevant field with a demonstrated strong interest in international human rights to intern in our Brussels office. Ideally, the candidate will be available for four to six months beginning in April/May 2019 with flexible hours. The student will intern closely with HRW staff and will build skills in conducting desk research, advocacy, and media monitoring in relation to human rights. The intern will gain experience within a small office of a large, well-organized, international non-profit organization and gain knowledge of key disability rights issues and priority human rights issues in the organization.
Internships are unpaid. However, students may be able to arrange academic credit, as Human Rights Watch internships often offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by HRW staff, and interaction with other international organizations. Students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements.
Students will also have opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, professional development workshops, and/or special events relating to human rights, as well as network with other HRW interns, volunteers, and employees. As an HRW intern, students will take skills acquired in school and apply them in a professional setting.
- Conducting background desk research on a range of disability rights issues, including violence against people with disabilities, access to education, involuntary detention, and people with disabilities in humanitarian emergencies;
- Drafting advocacy documents such as press releases, letters, op-eds, and submissions to the United Nations;
- Participating in EU meetings and meetings with disability experts, as the opportunity arises; and
- Other projects may be assigned as they arise and match the intern’s interests and abilities.
- Only students who have secured external funding through grants or scholarships, such as the Erasmus+ program or other similar programs will be considered for this internship position;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required;
- Fluency in another language is desirable (particularly French);
- Well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable candidates are desirable;
- Previous desk research experience with an understanding of, and a strong interest in international human rights is preferred;
- Interest and/or experience in the disability rights field is desirable;
- Relevant coursework in disability rights, human rights, law, and/or policy is a plus; and
- Internet research and computer skills (i.e. Microsoft Office, internet applications) are required.