US Program Intern

About the position The US Program of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a current graduate or law student to intern mid-March 2026 through May 2026, with the possibility to extend. A qualified candidate will have a strong interest and ideally some educational or work experience connected to advancing racial justice in the right to vote, the right to protest the criminal legal system, and/or immigration/migration/border rights—priority issues for the US Program. Ideally, the intern will be available for 15-20 hours a week, start date and schedule hours are flexible. Interns may have the option of reporting to an HRW office on a voluntary basis where US Program staff also work in New York or Washington D.C. Remote arrangements will remain an option for the foreseeable future. Interns may have the option of reporting to an HRW office on a voluntary basis where US Program staff also work in New York or Washington D.C. Remote arrangements will remain an option for the foreseeable future. As an HRW intern, students are expected to take the knowledge and skills acquired in school and apply them in a professional setting.

Responsibilities

• Conducting desk research into the historical and current context of racial justice issues using research tools such as legal libraries, databases, and information sharing platforms;
• Conducting desk research into US federal agencies, US administrative code, and federal mechanisms for investigating and enforcing antidiscrimination laws in the United States;
• Compiling the weekly race and democracy newsletter roundup, including identifying, reviewing, and summarizing relevant news, reports, and developments;
• Conducting research related to the right to protest and media freedom, including analyzing laws, policies, court decisions, and documented incidents;
• Assisting in making freedom of information requests and tracking responses;
• Monitoring legislation and US government policies;
• Conducting data analysis or creating databases to support research projects;
• Assisting in drafting or editing text to support the production of written research products including reports, press releases, dispatches, or op-eds;
• Supporting advocacy activities and social media engagement, including assembling and promoting social media posts and compiling press and social media lists; and
• Attending meetings and taking notes;
• Other projects may be assigned as opportunities arise.
• Students may also have opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, professional development workshops, or special events relating to the issues the US Program works on, as well as connect with other HRW interns, volunteers, and staff.

Requirements

• Applicants must be currently enrolled in a graduate or law school program for the duration of the internship term.
• Applicants should have strong organization skills, be self-motivated, and reliable with a demonstrated commitment to racial justice and human rights.
• Exhibit strong research skills, including the ability to conduct thorough desk research, synthesize information from multiple sources, and present findings clearly and accurately.
• Excellent computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, internet applications) and experience with research databases and tools is strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Applicants who are offered an internship must possess valid work authorization in the United States for the duration of the internship.

Benefits

• Internship compensation varies by jurisdiction based on local laws and HRW policy. Interns in the US will be paid an hourly wage of USD 17.00 per hour.
• Human Rights Watch offers interns in the US twenty (20) days of vacation prorated per year pursuant to the intern schedule and length of internship.
• Students are often able to arrange academic credit, as HRW internships may offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by HRW staff, and interaction with other US and international organizations and foreign and domestic government officials.

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