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. Ideally, the candidate will be available for the fall 2018 semester from September to December 2018 with flexible hours in our New York office. The student will intern closely with the Disability Rights Division staff and will build skills in media monitoring, reviewing laws and policies, and conducting desk research on disability rights in multiple countries. The intern will gain experience within a large, well-organized, international non-profit organization and gain knowledge of key disability rights issues and priority human rights issues in the organization.
This internship is unpaid. 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 HRW staff, interaction with other US 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.
- Conducting background desk research on a range of disability rights issues, including violence against people with disabilities, involuntary detention, and people with disabilities in institutions;
- Media monitoring and reviewing laws and policies related to disability rights issues;
- Drafting documents including, but not limited to advocacy letters and background material for reports and other publications; and
- Other projects may be assigned as they arise and match the intern’s interests and abilities.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required;
- Advanced oral and reading comprehension skills in Portuguese are required;
- Advanced oral and reading comprehension skills in Spanish are desirable;
- Well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable candidates are desirable;
- Previous desk research experience is preferred;
- Interest and/or experience in the disability rights field with an understanding of, and a strong interest in international human rights is preferred;
- 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.