The Arms Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking an intern for the spring 2019 academic semester in the Washington, D.C. office. Ideally, the candidate will be available beginning in mid-January, through May 2019 (dates and hours are flexible.)
Created in 1992, Human Rights Watch’s Arms Division works on weapons of humanitarian concern and promotes compliance by all with international humanitarian law. Currently, the Arms Division works to ensure implementation of humanitarian disarmament instruments like the Mine Ban Treaty and Convention on Cluster Munitions. It coordinates the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots, a global coalition working to preemptively ban lethal autonomous weapons systems. On behalf of Human Rights Watch, the division is centrally involved in the International Network on Explosive Weapons, which seeks to address the harm caused by the use of explosive weapons in towns and cities of Syria, Yemen, and other countries.
Internships are 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 the HRW staff, interaction with other US and international organizations, and opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, and special events relating to human rights. Students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements.
The intern will focus on a variety of projects relating to the Arms Division initiatives. The intern will learn and be exposed to:
- Tracking and identifying cluster munition and incendiary weapons attacks in Syria;
- Compiling and reviewing information pertaining to Mine Ban Treaty compliance;
- Conducting desk research on international negotiations on fully autonomous weapons;
- Media monitoring;
- Contributing to advocacy activities; and
- Other desk research and writing projects may be assigned depending on the intern’s skills and interests.
- Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable with a strong interest in international human rights.
- Relevant coursework and previous desk research experience is desirable.
- Knowledge of a second language, particularly Arabic, is a plus. Computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Office and internet applications) are required.