Human Rights First

Country:   New York, USA
Date:   Annually for 3 months from Nov 2011 – Feb 2012
Funding:  

Castan Centre Global Internship Fund: $7450
Eligible students may also apply for additional Equity Grants 
Number of places:   Maximum of one student per year
Applications due:  *15 August 2011*

Organisation profile

Until 2003, Human Rights First was known as the Lawyers’ Committee for Human Rights. It was established in 1978 and has been a long term advocate of human rights issues, and especially of the rights of refugees and asylum-seekers. The organization has broadened its areas of focus over the decades and is now a forceful advocate for a wide range of human rights issues. It has operated a robust internship program for many years and provides interns with excellent research, advocacy and case work.

HRF Mission Statement: Human Rights First works in the United States and abroad to create a secure and humane world by advancing justice, human dignity and respect for the rule of law. We support human rights activists who fight for basic freedoms and peaceful change at the local level; protect refugees in flight from persecution and repression; help build a strong international system of justice and accountability; and make sure human rights laws and principles are enforced in the United States and abroad.

For more information, please refer to the Human Rights First website.

Intern profile

This internship program has been developed through the Monash Castan Centre for Human Rights Law. Interns will be placed in HRF's Refugee Protection Program undertaking research, project writing, asylum case work and an assortment of advocacy projects.

Eligibility criteria

Please click here for eligibility criteria.

Selection criteria

The following selection criteria will be taken into account by the Castan Centre in choosing the intern and applicants are advised to directly address each criterion in the personal statement.

  • A demonstrated interest in human rights as shown through your practical or academic experiences;
  • Particular interest in the work currently being undertaken by HRF;
  • A demonstrated interest in the work of the Refugee Protection Program;
  • Practical experience with refugee law;
  • Strong academic record, in particular marks received in human rights and other relevant subjects;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Application process

This internship is part of the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law's annual Global Internship Program.  For full details of the application process, go to the Global Internship homepage.

Equity grants

The Student Mobility Equity Grants have been developed as part of the Law Faculty Student Mobility Fund to provide financial assistance for faculty internship programs to those students who can demonstrate financial hardship. Students are advised to apply for Equity Grants by the Equity Grant application deadline. Contact Cathy Meredith (below) for more details about Equity Grants.

Contact information

If you would like further information about this internship please contact:

SMF queries
Cathy Meredith
International Programs Officer 
Student Services Level 1
Faculty of Law Building 12
Clayton campus

Phone: +61 3 9905 3311

 

or    

 All other queries
Andre Dao
Castan Centre Project Officer
Castan Centre Level 3
Faculty of Law Building 12
Clayton Campus

Phone:  +61 3 9905 3318

Forms

Global Internship Application Form

Other useful information

Current Intern - Nabila Buhary
Past Intern Report - Sayomi Ariyawansa (2010-2011)
Past Intern Report - Catherine Miller (2009-2010)
Past Intern Report - Tania Marcello (2008-2009)
Past Intern Report - Lucy Bradlow (2007-2008)
Past Intern Report - Laura Tang (2006-07)
Past Intern Report - Linda Gyorki (2005-06) 
Past Intern Report - Sophia Kagan (2005-06)
Accommodation and cost of living hints - 2005-06
Accommodation and cost of living hints - 2006-07