Environment and Human Rights Intern

Internship Description: The Health and Human Rights division of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) seeks an enthusiastic, reliable, and qualified intern on a part-time or full-time basis from May through August (flexible). The internship will primarily focus on research and advocacy related to the environment and human rights. Other projects can be assigned as they arise and match the student's interests and abilities.

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 international organizations and foreign and domestic government officials, and opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, and special events relating to human rights. Students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements.

Qualifications: The intern must be an enrolled student during the internship term. Candidates should be well-organized, self-motivated, strong writers, and good team players. Interest and/or experience in human rights issues, particularly environmental rights, are highly desirable. Computer skills (i.e. Microsoft Office, Internet applications) are required.

Applicants who are offered an internship, but who are not US permanent residents, US citizens, or in possession of a valid student visa, must apply for a J-1 visa through a sponsoring organization. This process can take several weeks and applicants will have to incur their own costs.

How to Apply: Please apply by emailing a letter of interest, resume, names or letters of reference, and a brief, unedited writing sample (no calls or email inquiries, please) to health@hrw.org. Please use “Environmental Rights Internship Application” as the subject of your email. Only complete applications will be reviewed.


Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices and, in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.

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Human Rights Watch is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for its in-depth investigations, its incisive and timely reporting, its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and its success in changing the human rights-related policies and practices of influential governments and international institutions.