Human Rights Internship – Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED)
Are you passionate about human rights and international law? Do you seek hands-on experience at the heart of the United Nations? The Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) offers an exciting Human Rights Internship opportunity. This role actively focuses on the complex intersection of counter-terrorism efforts and human rights. Consequently, you will contribute to vital work, thereby learning directly from experts. This internship, furthermore, offers a unique chance to understand global challenges and how international bodies address them effectively. Ultimately, you will gain invaluable experience.
Your Responsibilities
As a Human Rights Intern, you will actively contribute to various aspects of CTED’s work. These responsibilities primarily include the following key tasks:
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Legal Analysis Support: You will assist in analyzing and interpreting counter-terrorism instruments and laws. Importantly, you will always perform this work from a crucial human rights perspective.
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Research and Information Gathering: You will conduct research and collect information pertaining to human rights and counter-terrorism matters. Moreover, you will synthesize findings for various reports.
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Drafting Assistance: You will assist in drafting important reports, summary notes, and correspondence. This work directly relates to human rights matters, as appropriate.
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Awareness and Monitoring: You will maintain a strong awareness of relevant human rights issues. This specifically includes staying informed at the country level.
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Event Preparation: You will assist in preparing documents needed for the successful organization of workshops, seminars, and briefings. Furthermore, you will help coordinate logistics.
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External Liaison: You will liaise with external partners, as appropriate, to foster collaboration.
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Other Duties: Finally, you will perform other related duties as required, thus contributing directly to the team’s overall objectives. This Human Rights Internship truly offers diverse responsibilities.

Remote US Human Rights Intern
Qualifications for This Human Rights Role
To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme, applicants must meet specific criteria at the time of their submission:
Education Requirements
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You must enroll in a graduate school programme (e.g., Master’s degree or equivalent, or higher).
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Alternatively, you can be in the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (e.g., Bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
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Preferably, your studies should encompass law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field. This Human Rights Internship seeks diverse academic backgrounds.
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If you have already graduated with a university degree (as defined above), you must commence the internship within a one-year period from your graduation date if selected. Thus, we encourage recent graduates to apply promptly.
Language Proficiency
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English and French serve as the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
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For this specific Human Rights Internship, fluency in English is required. Therefore, strong written and verbal English skills are essential.
Important Information for Interns
It is important to understand the following conditions regarding this internship:
Financial & Travel Responsibilities
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Interns receive no financial remuneration from the United Nations; therefore, all financial aspects remain their responsibility.
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Interns or their sponsoring institutions solely cover costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses. Consequently, you must plan your finances accordingly for this Human Rights Internship.
Visa & Work Authorization
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Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where they undertake the internship (e.g., the United States for this New York-based role) may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should, therefore, discuss their specific visa requirements before formally accepting the internship offer. This step ensures proper legal standing.
Apply now: https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1752737341507
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about this Human Rights Internship
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Q1: Is this internship paid? A1: No, this is an unpaid internship. The United Nations does not financially remunerate interns.
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Q2: What are the education requirements for this internship? A2: Applicants must enroll in a graduate degree program (Master’s or higher) or in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree program in a relevant field like law, political science, or international relations. Recent graduates (within one year) also qualify.
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Q3: What is the expected duration of the internship? A3: The Human Rights Internship is expected to last 3 to 6 months, with a start date in September 2025.
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Q4: What language proficiency is required? A4: Fluency in English is required for this internship. Knowledge of other UN languages, like French, is an asset.
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Q5: Is relocation assistance provided? A5: No, interns or their sponsoring institutions solely cover costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses.