Asylum Advocacy Intern at Physicians for Human Rights

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) was founded in 1986 on the idea that health professionals, with their specialized skills, ethical duties, and credible voices, are uniquely positioned to investigate the health consequences of human rights violations and work to stop them. PHR shared the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize for its work on banning landmines worldwide. PHR is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization funded through private foundations and by individual donors. Membership is open to all: physicians, nurses, public health workers and citizens of conscience.

PHR’s research takes us to conflict zones, to AIDS-ravaged Africa, to US prisons and immigration detention centers, and its advocacy brings us to the offices of national and international policymakers. The courts, decision-makers and the media have come to rely on PHR’s credibility and expertise. Motivated by moral urgency, based on science, and grounded in international human rights standards, PHR’s advocacy advances global health and protects human rights.

Responsibilities:
PHR seeks an intern for summer 2011 to assist with research, writing, and advocacy work in our DC office concerning immigration enforcement as well as unjustified barriers to gaining humanitarian protection in the US. This is an unpaid position that will provide the intern experience performing substantive program work as well as opportunities to meet and collaborate with the community of NGO advocates, health professionals, and attorneys active on immigration and detention policy. Hours and schedule are negotiable, though it is hoped that an intern could provide at least 25 hours of work per week. The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Washington Director and the Asylum Advocacy Associate.

Specific tasks may include:
- Research and summarizing of government, academic, and NGO reports and other legal and medical sources for use in written advocacy materials, in formulating advocacy strategy, and in developing proposed legislation;
- Attending and reporting on working group meetings, seminars, hearings, and other public presentations;
- Outlining and drafting documents such as fact sheets on topics like the human rights of incarcerated persons and the medical and human rights case for exempting vulnerable immigrant populations from administrative detention.

Qualifications:
The ideal candidate would be a medical or law student or graduate student specializing in public health, migration or public policy. The candidate should have some background and interest in human rights and global health issues. Solid writing, research and computer skills are also essential.

To Apply:
Please send a cover letter and resume to ehustings@phrusa.org, or fax to (202) 728 3053. For more information about PHR, please visit our website www.physiciansforhumanrights.org.