Human Rights First

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.

This internship program has been developed through the Monash Castan Centre for Human Rights Law. Interns are placed in a number of the organisation’s sections, and each particular intern is placed according to his or her skills and the needs of the organisation. Work undertaken by interns includes research, project writing, asylum case work and an assortment of advocacy projects.

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.

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;
• 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 Fund (SMF) has been developed to provide financial assistance for faculty internship programs to those students who can demonstrate financial hardship. 

Contact information

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

Forms

Global Internship Application Form

Other Useful Information

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