The US Program of Human Rights Watch’s (HRW) is seeking a qualified current graduate-level student (J.D. candidate preferred) to intern for the fall semester in the Washington, DC office. Ideally, the candidate will be available beginning in mid-September until December 2019. The student will intern closely with the US Program staff including the Executive Director, who oversees the work of the US Program, and the Advocacy Director, who analyzes and advocates against human rights abuses related to US criminal justice and immigration laws, policies and practices.
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 US and international organizations and foreign and domestic government officials. Students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements.
Students will also have opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, professional development workshops, 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.
- The intern will learn about human rights issues within the US, especially those related to criminal justice and immigration policy.
- The internship will primary focus on bail and sentencing reform, criminalization of drug possession, and juveniles caught in the justice system.
- The intern will learn HRW’s research methodology and conduct desk research on issues such as US government abuses on the US-Mexico border and conditions of the immigration detention system.
- The intern will also contribute to monitoring the press, compiling case histories, researching relevant state and federal policies, analyzing data, and drafting documents regarding human rights issues in the United States. Additional projects will be assigned as the opportunity arises.
- Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable with a strong interest in US domestic human and civil rights, particularly related to criminal justice and immigration policy.
- Relevant coursework and prior experience conducting social science and/or legal research is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of Spanish is a plus. Computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, internet applications) are essential.