Whether you’re a law student, a recent graduate, or an early-career professional looking to break into the human rights sector, internships are one of the most direct ways to gain meaningful experience. This guide compiles every internship listed on Human Rights Careers, covering opportunities in disaster relief, refugee rights, gender equality, press freedom, sustainable development, and more — spanning the United States, Europe, and beyond.
United States-Based Internships
1. American Red Cross Paid Internship Program
Focus: Disaster Relief | Duration: 10 weeks | Pay: Varies | Intake: April, September, November
The American Red Cross offers paid summer internships for undergraduate and graduate students, providing hands-on experience alongside volunteers and staff at local and national levels. The program runs 40 hours per week and accepts applications in three cycles throughout the year. Interviews are conducted in two rounds — a phone screen followed by a finalist interview. Note that the program does not cover relocation or housing costs.
2. World Justice Project (WJP) Internship Program
Focus: Human Rights / Rule of Law | Duration: 3 months | Pay: Unspecified | Location: Washington, D.C.
The World Justice Project advances the rule of law internationally to promote social justice and government accountability. Full-time paid interns based in Washington, D.C. provide administrative support, edit publications, conduct outreach, and perform data analysis. Applicants must hold or be enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in international affairs, journalism, policy, or social sciences, and must be authorized to work in the United States.
3. CARE USA Internship Program
Focus: Social Justice / Global Development | Duration: 6 months | Pay: Varies | Intake: Fall, Spring, Summer
CARE International fights poverty and champions gender equality worldwide. Its U.S. office hires undergraduate and graduate interns across fall, spring, and summer semesters. Interns receive professional development access through CARE’s internal online university in addition to hands-on project work. International vacancies are also available through CARE’s offices around the world.
4. Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press Internship
Focus: Press Freedom | Duration: 3 months | Pay: Unspecified | Intake: Fall, Spring, Summer | Location: Washington, D.C.
The Reporters Committee defends press freedom around the world and accepts interns at its Washington, D.C. office each semester. Interns work primarily on the organization’s digital magazine and website. Journalism students and recent graduates are particularly encouraged to apply.
5. MADRE Paid Internship Program
Focus: Women’s Rights | Duration: 6 months | Pay: Unspecified | Location: New York City
MADRE works to end gender-based violence, support women’s climate resilience, and strengthen women’s recovery from armed conflict. Three internship sessions are offered annually: Summer (June–August, apply by March 15), Fall (September–December, apply by July 15), and Spring (January–May, apply by November 15). Positions include campaigner, executive assistant, and program coordinator roles. Applicants must have U.S. work authorization.
6. FIRE Internships Programme
Focus: Civil Liberties / Human Rights | Duration: 5 months | Pay: USD $5,250 one-time stipend | Location: Philadelphia, PA
The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) has defended the civil liberties of students and faculty since 1999. FIRE offers Legal Research Internships for individuals passionate about free speech and individual rights on campuses. The program is nonpartisan and nonprofit in nature.
7. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Internships
Focus: Human Rights / Civil Liberties | Duration: 10 weeks | Pay: Stipend (varies; students receiving course credit are not eligible) | Intake: Varies
The ACLU advocates for and protects individual rights as determined by the US Constitution. Their paid internship program offers meaningful experience across legal, communications, advocacy, operations, tech & analytics, and special projects areas. All internships are 35 hours per week.
8. Women’s Foreign Policy Group (WFPG) Internships
Focus: Foreign Policy / Gender | Duration: 3–3.5 months | Pay: USD $900–$1,800 stipend | Intake: Spring (apply by Nov 28), Summer (apply by Apr 3), Fall (apply by Aug 15)
The WFPG promotes women’s leadership and involvement in international affairs. They offer two internship tracks each semester — program planning and communications. All interns must be eligible to work in the United States.
9. United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Internships
Focus: Intercultural Dialogue | Duration: 3 months | Pay: Unspecified | Location: United States
UNAOC works to improve cross-cultural understanding and prevent extremism. Interns support the Alliance’s programs promoting intercultural dialogue and cooperation. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
10. USCRI Internship Programme
Focus: Refugee Rights | Duration: 6 months | Pay: Unspecified | Intake: Varies
The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) advocates for the rights of displaced persons. Internships are available across program areas including legal services, communications, and advocacy.
International / Globally-Based Internships
11. Frank Jennings Internship (Front Line Defenders / OHCHR)
Focus: Human Rights Defenders | Duration: 12 months | Pay: EUR 1,400–1,700/month | Intake: Autumn | Locations: Ireland → Geneva → Ireland
Named after Frank Jennings, the late former Head of Research at Front Line Defenders who passed in 2005, this prestigious year-long fellowship places candidates first at Front Line Defenders headquarters for three months, then at the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva for six months, before returning to Front Line Defenders for a final three months. Fellows gain deep training in human rights defender protection, the UN Declaration on HRDs, and Special Rapporteur procedures. Priority is given to candidates with experience in human rights work in Ireland.
12. Amnesty International Internships (International Secretariat)
Focus: Human Rights | Duration: 12 months | Pay: GBP £18,000/year | Location: United Kingdom | Intake: Varies
Amnesty International’s International Secretariat in London offers year-long paid internship positions. These are highly competitive placements at one of the world’s best-known human rights organizations.
13. Human Dignity Trust Internship Program
Focus: Human Rights Law / LGBTQ+ Rights | Duration: 3 months | Pay: Unspecified | Location: United Kingdom
The Human Dignity Trust works to end the criminalization of LGBT people globally through strategic litigation and legal support. Interns must hold a law degree and demonstrate knowledge of international and constitutional law. The role involves extensive legal research and administrative support, and requires 20 hours per week. Candidates must be able to live and work legally in the UK. The program accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year.
14. Trial International Paid Internship Program
Focus: International Criminal Law | Duration: 6 months | Pay: Unspecified | Location: Switzerland
Trial International provides legal assistance to victims of international crimes and litigates cases before national and international courts. Applicants should have training in international criminal law, humanitarian law, and/or human rights law and must be fluent in both English and French. A Swiss work permit is required.
15. UK Mission to the United Nations
Focus: Human Rights / Multilateral Diplomacy | Duration: Up to 9 months | Pay: CHF 1,250/month | Location: Geneva, Switzerland | Intake: Varies
The UK Mission to the UN in Geneva covers UK participation in more than 35 international organizations including IOM and WTO. Selected interns work on issues such as trade, human rights, humanitarian affairs, disarmament, and health. Applicants must hold a degree in a relevant field.
16. UNICEF Internships
Focus: Child Rights | Duration: 6–26 weeks | Pay: Varies by office (Geneva HQ: USD $1,500/month) | Location: Worldwide | Intake: Varies
UNICEF offers internships across its global offices in Operations, Programme and Policy, and External Relations. Applicants must have completed at least two years of an undergraduate program and must be enrolled or have graduated within the past two years. Fluency in English, French, or Spanish is required. Note that not all UNICEF internships are paid — stipend amounts depend on the office.
17. World Food Programme (WFP) Internships
Focus: Humanitarian Action / Food Security | Duration: 2–8 months | Pay: Up to USD $1,000/month | Location: Worldwide | Intake: Varies
WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian organization fighting hunger. Interns must have completed at least 2 years of an undergraduate program and be currently enrolled or have graduated in the last 6 months. Students from developing countries may be eligible for travel expense reimbursement.
18. UNHCR Internships
Focus: Refugee Rights | Duration: 6 months | Pay: Food and transportation stipends for those without external funding | Location: Worldwide | Intake: Varies
The UN Refugee Agency offers internships in its Geneva office and field offices globally. Applicants must be enrolled in or have recently graduated from a UNESCO-accredited institution and must have completed at least two years of undergraduate study. Interns must arrange their own travel and visa costs.
19. UNHCR Austria Internship (German Required)
Focus: Refugee Rights | Duration: 3–6 months | Pay: EUR 1,564/month | Location: Vienna, Austria | Intake: Varies
The UNHCR office in Austria offers office-based internships across various departments. The workweek is 40 hours. The role is mostly office-based and does not involve direct contact with asylum seekers. German language fluency is required.
20. IOM Internships (International Organization for Migration)
Focus: Migration | Duration: 2–9 months | Pay: Monthly living stipend (amount varies) | Location: Worldwide | Intake: Varies
IOM is the leading intergovernmental organization working with migration around the world. Internships are available for senior undergraduates, graduate students, and recent master’s-level graduates (degree within the past year). Interns must be between 19 and 36 years old and have working knowledge of English, French, and/or Spanish.
21. UNOPS Internships
Focus: Sustainable Development | Duration: Up to 6 months | Pay: Possible monthly stipend + USD $500 one-time travel grant | Location: Worldwide | Intake: Varies
UNOPS helps deliver humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding projects across more than 80 countries. Internships are open to students enrolled in or recently graduated from Bachelor’s or Master’s programs. Interns who don’t receive outside funding may be eligible for a monthly stipend, and all interns receive a one-time USD $500 travel lump sum.
22. UNSSC Internship Programme
Focus: Sustainable Development / UN System | Duration: 3–6 months | Pay: EUR 450/month | Location: Turin, Italy (or Bonn, Germany) | Intake: Varies
The United Nations System Staff College in Turin trains UN staff and supports organizational learning. Interns must be in the final year of a Bachelor’s program, or enrolled in or recently graduated from a Master’s or Ph.D. program, with fluency in English. Note that the stipend is modest and no additional financial assistance is provided.
European Union & European Institutions
23. FRA Traineeship Programme (EU Agency for Fundamental Rights)
Focus: Human Rights | Duration: Up to 9 months | Pay: ~EUR 1,300/month | Location: Vienna, Austria | Intake: Varies
The EU’s Fundamental Rights Agency provides evidence-based expert assistance to EU institutions and member states on fundamental rights. Traineeships are designed for recent graduates or those beginning a human rights career, with work spanning research, communications, and operational departments.
24. Council of the European Union Traineeship
Focus: Law & Policy | Duration: 5 months | Pay: EUR 1,229/month | Location: Brussels, Belgium | Intake: August
The Council of the EU is a principal legislative body of the European Union. Trainees gain exposure to legislative negotiations, EU policy-making, and inter-institutional coordination. This is a competitive placement within EU institutions.
25. Court of Justice of the European Union Traineeship
Focus: Legal Disputes / EU Law | Duration: 3–5 months | Pay: EUR 1,468/month + EUR 150 travel contribution (for those 200km+ away) | Location: Luxembourg | Intake: Two periods per year
The CJEU is the highest court in the EU, offering traineeships in Members’ chambers and administrative departments. Applicants must hold a degree in law, political sciences, economics, or an associated field and must have a thorough knowledge of one EU language and a good knowledge of another. A good command of French is strongly desirable. Applicants must not have previously undertaken a traineeship in another EU institution.
26. European External Action Service (EEAS) Traineeships
Focus: Foreign Affairs / EU Diplomacy | Duration: 6 months | Pay: EUR 1,200/month | Location: Brussels HQ or EU Delegations worldwide | Intake: Varies
The EEAS is the EU’s diplomatic service. Traineeships in EU Delegations provide experience of daily EU Delegation work in a multilingual, multicultural environment. Open to EU member state citizens, citizens of candidate countries, and citizens of the host country. Applicants must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree.
27. European Ombudsman Traineeships
Focus: Human Rights / Good Governance | Duration: 12 months | Pay: EUR 1,400/month | Location: Strasbourg or Brussels | Intake: September (notices published in February)
The European Ombudsman investigates complaints about EU administration and promotes good governance. Year-long traineeships are open to university graduates interested in the EU project. A very good command of English is required. A positive action programme is available for trainees with recognised disabilities.
28. European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) Traineeship
Focus: Gender Equality | Duration: 6 months (March–August) | Pay: EUR 1,400/month | Location: Vilnius, Lithuania | Intake: March
EIGE supports EU institutions and member states in promoting gender equality. Trainees contribute to research on gender equality, gender mainstreaming, and gender-based violence, and support monitoring of EU-level gender equality policies. Open to nationals of EU Member States, EFTA countries, or IPA qualifying countries who have not previously undertaken a traineeship at another EU institution. Fluent English and at least one other EU language required.
Women’s Rights & Children’s Rights
29. Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) Internships
Focus: Women’s Rights / Peace | Duration: 7 months (April–October) | Pay: CHF 900/month | Location: Geneva, Switzerland | Intake: Varies
WILPF is one of the oldest international women’s organizations in the world. Internships are open to those enrolled in or holding a Master’s degree in International Relations, Gender Studies, International Law, or Human Rights. Tasks include social media management, blogging, website management, and 30% administrative support. Fluency in English is required; Spanish or French is preferred. Experience with WordPress and database management systems is prioritized.
30. SOS Children’s Villages Internships
Focus: Child Rights | Duration: 6 months | Pay: EUR 1,150/month | Location: Vienna, Austria (International Headquarters) | Intake: Varies
SOS Children’s Villages is one of the world’s largest child rights organizations. Internships at the Vienna headquarters span communications, advocacy, programme management, and research.
31. Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Internships
Focus: Humanitarian Action / Medical Aid | Duration: 3 months | Pay: USD $16.10/hour | Location: New York, USA | Intake: January, May, August
MSF provides emergency medical assistance in conflict zones, disaster areas, and countries affected by endemic disease. Its U.S. office offers paid internships three times a year across communications, fundraising, and programme support departments.
Summary Table
| Organization | Location | Duration | Pay | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Red Cross | USA | 10 weeks | Varies | Disaster Relief |
| World Justice Project | USA (DC) | 3 months | Unspecified | Rule of Law |
| CARE USA | USA | 6 months | Varies | Social Justice |
| Reporters Committee | USA (DC) | 3 months | Unspecified | Press Freedom |
| MADRE | USA (NYC) | 6 months | Unspecified | Women’s Rights |
| FIRE | USA (Philadelphia) | 5 months | $5,250 stipend | Civil Liberties |
| ACLU | USA | 10 weeks | Varies | Civil Liberties |
| WFPG | USA | 3–3.5 months | $900–$1,800 stipend | Women/Foreign Policy |
| UNAOC | USA | 3 months | Unspecified | Intercultural Dialogue |
| USCRI | USA | 6 months | Unspecified | Refugee Rights |
| Frank Jennings (Front Line Defenders) | Ireland/Geneva | 12 months | €1,400–1,700/mo | HRDs |
| Amnesty International | UK | 12 months | £18,000/yr | Human Rights |
| Human Dignity Trust | UK | 3 months | Unspecified | LGBTQ+ Rights / Law |
| Trial International | Switzerland | 6 months | Unspecified | Int’l Criminal Law |
| UK Mission to the UN | Switzerland (Geneva) | Up to 9 months | CHF 1,250/mo | Diplomacy/HR |
| UNICEF | Worldwide | 6–26 weeks | Varies (up to $1,500/mo) | Child Rights |
| World Food Programme | Worldwide | 2–8 months | Up to $1,000/mo | Humanitarian/Food |
| UNHCR | Worldwide | 6 months | Food/transport stipend | Refugee Rights |
| UNHCR Austria | Austria | 3–6 months | €1,564/mo | Refugee Rights |
| IOM | Worldwide | 2–9 months | Monthly stipend (varies) | Migration |
| UNOPS | Worldwide | Up to 6 months | Possible stipend + $500 | Sustainable Dev. |
| UNSSC | Italy/Germany | 3–6 months | €450/mo | UN/Sustainable Dev. |
| FRA | Austria (Vienna) | Up to 9 months | ~€1,300/mo | Fundamental Rights |
| Council of EU | Belgium | 5 months | €1,229/mo | Law & Policy |
| Court of Justice EU | Luxembourg | 3–5 months | €1,468/mo | Legal/EU Law |
| EEAS | Belgium/Delegations | 6 months | €1,200/mo | EU Diplomacy |
| European Ombudsman | Belgium/France | 12 months | €1,400/mo | Good Governance |
| EIGE | Lithuania | 6 months | €1,400/mo | Gender Equality |
| WILPF | Switzerland (Geneva) | 7 months | CHF 900/mo | Women/Peace |
| SOS Children’s Villages | Austria (Vienna) | 6 months | €1,150/mo | Child Rights |
| MSF | USA (New York) | 3 months | $16.10/hr | Humanitarian/Medical |
