International Justice Program Intern

International Justice Program Intern, New York, Brussels or Washington D.C.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) is a leading international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization. We’re known for our in-depth investigations, incisive and timely reporting, and innovative, high-profile advocacy campaigns. Furthermore, we succeed in changing the human rights-related policies and practices of influential governments and international institutions. HRW’s strength comes from its diversity. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We don’t discriminate on the basis of disability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. Our employees include parents and nonparents, the self-taught and university educated. They also come from a wide span of socio-economic backgrounds and world perspectives. Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.

The Role: International Justice Program Intern

The International Justice Program at Human Rights Watch seeks graduate and law students for an International Justice Program Intern position. You can base this internship at an HRW Office in New York, Brussels, or Washington D.C. We ideally seek an intern available for 16 to 18 hours per week, starting in mid to late September 2025. The internship continues until early to mid-December 2025. Dates and times remain flexible, with a possibility of extension.

This International Justice Program Intern role primarily focuses on monitoring international law developments in targeted country situations. Additionally, you will research and draft papers on international justice issues. You’ll gain knowledge of international courts and justice mechanisms. Moreover, you’ll build skills in legal research, writing, and advocacy. We’ll hold close supervision and evaluation sessions to provide you with feedback and support throughout your internship.

Remote International Justice Program Intern

Key Responsibilities: Learning and Contributing to International Justice

As an International Justice Program Intern, you’ll learn from and contribute to:

Legal Research and Analysis: Conduct legal research and analyze international law.
Media Monitoring: Review and document media reports on relevant issues.
Court Monitoring: Monitor developments at the International Criminal Court. This directly supports our international justice efforts.
Policy Analysis: Conduct policy analysis of ongoing international justice developments.
Issue Identification: Identify and understand key issues in international justice.
Rome Statute Familiarity: Gain familiarity with the Rome Statute. Furthermore, develop greater attention to detail through footnoting and fact-checking.
Compelling Presentation: Present information in a compelling manner in internal drafts.

Students will also have opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, professional development workshops, and special events relating to human rights. Beyond that, you’ll network with other HRW interns, volunteers, and employees. As an HRW intern, you’ll apply skills acquired in school in a professional setting, directly contributing to international justice initiatives.

Qualifications: What We Look For in an International Justice Program Intern

To qualify for this International Justice Program Intern role, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Eligibility (Belgium): Students must enroll in an accredited, degree-granting master’s or law program for the duration of the internship term. Alternatively, they can be recent graduates of an academic program undergoing an internship for further training.
Eligibility (United States): Students must enroll in a graduate or law program for the duration of the internship term.
Legal Background: A background in law (either an LLB, LLM, JD, or other relevant law degree) is highly desirable for an international justice role.
Passion for Justice: A strong interest in international criminal justice and a demonstrated commitment to human rights and/or international issues is highly desirable.
Relevant Coursework: Relevant coursework is highly preferred.
Language Skills: Fluency in English is required; moreover, fluency and/or knowledge of French is a plus.
Computer Skills: Computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, internet applications) are essential.
Work Authorization: Applicants who receive an internship offer must possess valid work authorization in the United States or Belgium for the full duration of the internship.

Compensation and Internship Conditions

Internship compensation varies by jurisdiction. This depends on local laws and HRW policy.

US-based Interns: We will pay interns based in the US an hourly wage of USD 17.00 per hour. Human Rights Watch offers US interns twenty (20) days of vacation. This is prorated per year pursuant to the intern schedule and length of internship.
Belgium-based Interns: Interns who are currently enrolled master’s or law students, completing this internship as a required part of their university program, must provide proof of external funding. We will reimburse them for their lunch and local travel costs as pre-approved by HRW and in accordance with HRW policy. However, interns in Belgium who are recent graduates will receive a gross stipend of EUR 1055.94 per month.

Students may also arrange academic credit. Human Rights Watch internships often offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization. They provide close supervision by HRW staff and interaction with other US and international organizations and foreign and domestic government officials. Students should check requirements with their individual academic institutions.

How to Apply

Please apply immediately by visiting our online job portal at: https://careers.hrw.org and attaching a CV/resume, letter of interest, and a writing sample. Please don’t send calls or email inquiries. We will only review complete applications. Due to the large number of applications, we will only contact shortlisted candidates for further steps.

If you experience technical difficulties with your application submission, please email [email protected]. Due to the large response, we will not accept application submissions via email. Furthermore, inquiries regarding the status of applications will go unanswered.

Apply here: https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1752949088183

Disclaimer and Important Information

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders):

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP isn’t in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and, therefore, advises applicants to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters:

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience, and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination:

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that doesn’t discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin, or other status.

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