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.
Human Rights Watch and the ACLU created the fellowship in 2002 with generous funding from the Open Society Institute to honor the legacy of Aryeh Neier. As executive director of the ACLU and then of Human Rights Watch, Aryeh Neier helped develop both organizations into powerful forces for justice and human rights.
A special committee from both organizations will select the fellow, who will begin the two-year fellowship in September 2019. He or she will most likely be placed in the New York City offices of Human Rights Watch and the ACLU, spending a year at each; however, the fellow should be open to placement in the organizations’ offices in other locations in the US.
- Monitor human rights developments;
- Conduct field research in the United States;
- Draft reports on human rights conditions;
- Engage in advocacy aimed at publicizing and curtailing human rights violations;
- Assist with the development of litigation strategies; and
- Carry out other tasks as may be required.
- Academic or work experience related to some aspect of the protection of human rights and civil liberties in the United States.
Related Skills and Knowledge:
- Take and/or pass the bar exam prior to commencing the fellowship in September 2019
- Eligibility to practice law in the US during the second year of the fellowship
- Exceptional analytical skills, and an ability to write and speak clearly and persuasively
- Self-motivation with the ability to take initiative and follow through on projects to completion
- Ability to work independently as well as within a team
- Proficiency in one language in addition to English is preferred
- A demonstrated commitment to human rights and justice
Salary: The fellow will receive $60,000 in the first year, with a salary increase in the second year.