Whether we want it or not, gender impacts our everyday experiences, shaping not only our identities but also how society expects us to behave, look, and feel. These expectations can be understood through two key concepts: gender roles and gender norms. Although often used interchangeably, gender roles and norms play slightly distinct roles in influencing both individuals and society at large.

In this article, we’ll explore these two concepts, provide some examples and unpack how they shape the opportunities, behaviours, and expectations placed on individuals, impacting their rights and freedoms in society.

In a nutshell: The term gender roles refers to the tasks, behaviours and functions society associates with people based on their genders. Gender norms, on the other hand, are the unwritten rules that dictate how one should behave based on their gender. They can be more difficult to detect, as they operate on a deeper level of core beliefs.

Examples of Gender Roles

Gender roles, as the name suggests, are deeply embedded archetypes and functions associated with a specific gender. Some of the most entrenched roles include:

#1. Breadwinner and Caretaker

In many societies, there is a deeply entrenched expectation that men should be the breadwinners, earning money to support their families, while women should be responsible for managing the home and taking care of children. These roles have shaped workplace policies, family dynamics, and even education systems, often prioritizing men’s participation in the workforce while overlooking or undervaluing women’s contributions.

While for some people this dynamic can work, its enforcement can be oppressive, particularly towards women, who are in this dynamic relegated to a much greater dependency. Within this role, women with dreams of a life different from that of a housewife are often frowned upon and even criticised for not performing their “feminine duties.” On the other hand, men who would prefer to be a stay-at-home parent while their partner focuses on their career are often ridiculed and their masculinity is questioned. With that in mind, it is important to remember that different arrangements work for different people, but we all should have the freedom to break out of norms that cause harm.

#2. Doctor and Nurse

Think about a doctor and a nurse. Who do you picture in mind?

Most people intuitively still picture a man in the doctor’s role and a woman as the nurse. This stereotype continues despite significant advances in gender equity within healthcare professions, and the fact that women overtake men in areas such as higher education. Unfortunately, the association of men with more powerful and influential positions persists because traditional gender roles associate men with authority and leadership, while women are commonly seen as natural caregivers suited for supporting roles.

This bias has real-world consequences. Women doctors are often assumed to be less competent or mistaken for nurses, while male nurses are sometimes fast-tracked into management positions because they’re seen as exceptions to the norm.

#3. Daughter and Son

While the roles of parents often carry some of the strongest and most deeply ingrained expectations, less frequently discussed are the gendered roles placed on children, specifically as daughters and sons. From the beginning of their lives, children are often subjected to societal norms about how they should behave, based on their gender. If you think about it, you can realise that “Is it a boy or a girl?” is often one of the first questions asked of a fresh or even expecting parent. This early categorisation sets the stage for the gender roles children will be expected to fulfil throughout their lives.

Daughters are usually expected to be nurturing and helpful. They often take on more domestic and caregiving duties, like helping with younger siblings or household chores. The “eldest daughter syndrome” is a good example, where the oldest girl is expected to care for the family, mediate conflicts, and put others’ needs before her own. This can lead to pressure and limit her ability to focus on personal goals. Sons, on the other hand, are often given more freedom and independence. While the eldest son might have some leadership responsibilities, they’re generally not expected to carry the same emotional or caregiving duties as daughters. Sons are encouraged to follow their ambitions and are often given more room to pursue personal growth.

On the other hand, gender roles within family dynamics can be particularly difficult to navigate for trans and non-binary people. Whether as children, siblings or parents, their experiences often do not fit into these traditional norms, which is one of the reasons why they are much more likely to become estranged from their families or homeless.

Examples of Gender Norms

Gender norms, as previously mentioned, are often more covert and elusive than gender norms. They operate in culture and society, but are also largely unconscious, relating to some of our implicit beliefs and assumptions. These can include things such as:

#1. Ageing and Beauty Standards

An example of such deeply embedded gender norms is beauty standards, which affect women the most (although many men and non-binary people struggle with them too). For example, society tends to view ageing in women negatively, while in men it is often accepted as a sign of maturity or wisdom, with grey hair and wrinkles symbolising experience and authority.

Beauty culture is so pervasive that it’s often dismissed as a basic necessity, branded as “hygiene” or “self-care,” when in reality it is a laborious, ongoing process that demands significant time, money, and energy. Whether it’s waxing, dieting, using makeup, or spending money on expensive products, the expectation is clear: to be considered beautiful, women must meet the ever-growing and often-unattainable ideal, often pushed by brands with dubious human rights track records. These gender norms negatively impact not only our self-esteem and mental and physical health but also have tangible material effects and can create barriers to opportunities or even impact their careers.

#2. Reproductive Labour

There is a widespread belief that caregiving, household chores, and other unpaid domestic work are naturally “women’s work.” This assumption undervalues the essential contributions of caregiving while discouraging men and people of other genders from taking on these responsibilities without fear of judgment. For example, a man who takes parental leave to care for a newborn might be praised as exceptional or, conversely, criticised for neglecting his career, whereas a woman in the same situation is expected to do so without acknowledgement. Non-binary parents often lack visibility or face additional hurdles, such as navigating gendered parental leave policies that disregard their identities altogether.

#3. Emotional Expressions

“Boys don’t cry” is a clear example of the gender norms related to emotional expression. It is entrenched in our culture that men are associated with explosive, external emotions such as anger, while women are “allowed” to experience affects such as fear or sadness.

This creates a cycle where men may struggle to seek help for emotional or mental health issues, while women can be unfairly labelled as “too emotional” in professional settings.

How Are Gender Norms and Roles A Human Rights Issue?

Gender norms and roles profoundly impact human rights, influencing access to opportunities, resources, and freedoms. These norms, deeply embedded in societal structures, reinforce gender inequality and perpetuate systemic injustices that violate fundamental rights to dignity, equality, and freedom of choice. Here’s a closer look at how gender norms impact human rights – and why addressing them is essential for creating a fairer world:

#1. Access to Education

In many parts of the world, traditional gender roles prioritize boys’ education over girls’. This leaves millions of girls without access to learning opportunities, violating their right to education. Education is key to breaking cycles of poverty, yet these norms deprive girls of the tools they need to achieve economic independence and fully participate in society.

#2. Wealth Gap and Financial Inequality

Jobs traditionally associated with women, like caregiving or teaching, are undervalued and underpaid. Even when women perform the same work as men, they are often paid less. This violates the right to equal pay, as guaranteed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Beyond unfair wages, this perpetuates economic inequality, limiting financial independence for women and deepening societal disparities.

#3. Political Representation

Women continue to be underrepresented in political and leadership positions, not because of a lack of ambition or capability, but because of systemic barriers reinforced by gender norms. These norms discourage women from pursuing leadership roles, violating their right to participate in public life. The lack of diverse voices in decision-making affects policies, leaving critical issues like gender-based violence or childcare unaddressed.

#4. Mental Health and Self-Expression

Rigid gender expectations take a toll on mental health. Men are often pressured to suppress emotions, leading to high rates of untreated depression and suicide. Women, meanwhile, may feel constrained by societal criticism of ambition or emotional expression. These expectations limit personal freedom, diminish self-esteem, and create barriers to seeking help – all violations of the right to mental well-being and self-expression.

#5. LGBTQ+ Rights

Traditional gender norms often exclude LGBTQ+ people, leading to discrimination, violence, and exclusion. These norms are particularly harmful to those who don’t fit into rigid definitions of masculinity and femininity, denying them equality and protection under the law. Addressing these issues is essential to creating societies where everyone can live authentically and safely.

#6. Health Inequalities

Gender norms often prioritise women’s roles as caregivers, leaving their own health needs overlooked. Access to reproductive healthcare, for example, is restricted in many societies due to cultural taboos or legal barriers. Mental health issues like postpartum depression also go untreated in many cases. These inequities infringe on the right to health and highlight the urgent need for gender-sensitive healthcare policies.

#7. Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

Perhaps the most visible and devastating impact of gender norms is the normalisation of violence against women. From domestic abuse to honour killings, these acts violate the right to life, liberty, and security. Survivors often face stigma or systemic obstacles when seeking justice, further entrenching cycles of violence. Addressing these norms is critical to ensuring safety and dignity for women worldwide.

Gender Equality: Learn More and Take Action!

Understanding gender norms and roles is the first step in challenging them. However, creating lasting change requires action. Whether you’re looking to educate yourself further, advocate for gender equality, or support organisations leading the charge, there are many ways to contribute.

#1. Books Exploring Gender Norms and Roles

Expand your knowledge about gender issues with these thought-provoking reads:

• Daphna Joel and Luba Vikhanski, Gender Mosaic: Beyond the myth of the male and female brain
• Kit Heyam, Before We Were Trans: A New History of Gender
• Pragya Agarwal, Hysterical: Exploring the Myth of Gendered Emotions
• Judith Butler, Who’s Afraid of Gender?
• Jenny Lindsay, Hounded: Women, Harms and the Gender Wars

#2. Online Courses 

Learn at your own pace by taking a free online course:

• UNICEF, Social Norms, Social Change I
• University of Colorado, Queering Identities: LGBTQ+ Sexuality and Gender Identity
• University of Iceland, Gender and Intersectionality

#3. Organisations to Support or Volunteer With

If you’re looking to support or volunteer with organisations advancing gender equality, consider organisations such as UN Women, Centre for Reproductive Rights, Equality Now, or Men Engage Alliance. For a detailed list, check out our article on ‘25 Organisations Fighting for Gender Equality.’

The post What Are Gender Roles and Gender Norms?  appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Progress doesn’t happen without activism. Every cultural, political and social change occurs because people decide they want to impact the world. The risks are often very high. Activists have been financially ruined, ostracized, imprisoned and killed for standing up for what they believe in. Activists also inspire millions of people for generations after them, and while they may not always see the outcome of their activism, they are part of the work that secures a better future. In this article, we’ll explore 15 inspiring movies about activism and the people who’ve risked everything for the greater good:

Note: Streaming availability is subject to change

#1. Selma (2014)

Director: Ava DuVernay

In 1956, civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and 25,000 other activists and supporters marched from Selma to Montgomery for equal voting rights. The film “Selma,” which received excellent reviews, explores the events that inspired the march, the challenges and violence faced by the activists, and what the march ultimately led to. The film was nominated for several major awards, including Best Picture at the 2015 Academy Awards. It won Best Original Song.

Streaming availability (United States): Amazon, Vudu, Apple TV, Google Play, Paramount+.

#2. I Am Greta (2020)

Director: Nathan Grossman

When she was 15 years old, Greta Thunberg started skipping school to protest outside the Swedish Parliament. Her goal? Get the politicians to take stronger action on climate change. Others joined her, and in 2018, Thunberg addressed the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Weekly student climate strike protests began occurring on Friday all around the world. Thunberg soon became an internationally recognized activist. The documentary “I Am Greta” explores her campaign for climate action, her beliefs and her seemingly boundless passion for climate justice and human rights.

Streaming availability (United States): Hulu, Amazon

#3. 5 Broken Cameras (2011)

Director: Emad Burnat and Guy Davidi

In 2005, Palestinian farmer Emad Burnat bought his first camera so he could record his fourth son’s birth. According to the Wikipedia summary of the film, Burnat then turned his camera on Bil’in, his village. Israelis started bulldozing olive groves to build a barrier separating Bil’in from the Israeli settlement. Villagers protested as this barrier cut off farmland. While Burnat films and takes photos, his cameras are destroyed, which is where the film’s title comes from. In 2009, Israeli filmmaker Guy Davidi joined the project. “5 Broken Cameras” was nominated for a 2013 Academy Award.

Streaming availability (United States): Tubi, Plex

#4. The Janes (2022)

Director: Tia Lessin and Emma Pildes

Before Roe v. Wade in 1973, people seeking abortions had to have the right connections and resources. In Chicago, a group of women organized a network that performed around 11,000 abortions between 1968 and the Roe decision. “The Janes” details the risky activism these women undertook, interviews several members and puts the history of secret abortions into context. The movie is now more relevant than ever. It was released just months before the US Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade and ushered in a new era of illegal, secret abortions.

Streaming availability (United States): Max, Hulu, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video

#5. Gasland Part I and II (2010/2013)

Director: Josh Fox

When “Gasland” came out in 2010, it became essential to the anti-fracking movement. Director Josh Fox focuses on the impacts of natural gas drilling activity and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) on communities around the United States. Fox’s interest is personal: in 2008, he received a letter from a gas company offering him almost $100,000 to lease his family’s land for drilling. Gasland Part I and II, which came out three years later in 2013, exposes the environmental and social impact of fracking on peoples’ homes, land, water and health. It’s not necessary to watch Gasland I before Gasland II.

Streaming availability (United States): Amazon (Gasland I), Max, Hulu, Apple TV, Vudu, Amazon Video

#6. Dark Waters (2019)

Director: Todd Haynes

Based on a 2016 article, “Dark Waters” is a legal thriller focused on lawyer Robert Bilott’s twenty-year battle against Dupont, one of the most powerful chemical manufacturing corporations in the world. “Dark Waters” begins in 1998 when corporate defense lawyer Billott (played by Mark Ruffalo) gets a visit from a farmer asking him to investigate unexplained animal deaths in a West Virginia town. Bilott soon learns Dupont has dumped thousands of tons of toxic chemicals, including one not regulated by the EPA, into the town. The film follows Bilott’s quest for justice, which changes his life and the lives of those affected by Dupont forever.

Streaming availability (United States): Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV, YouTube

Check out our article here for more movies about human rights lawyers.

#7. How To Blow Up A Pipeline (2022)

Director: Daniel Goldhaber

Based on Andreas Malm’s 2021 nonfiction book How To Blow Up A Pipeline, this film creates a fictional group of eight young environmentalists. In California, the friends experience the deadly impacts of climate change; one of them loses their mother during a heat wave, while another is diagnosed with cancer. The environmentalists decide to take on more radical action and begin planning to blow up an oil pipeline. Like the book, the movie explores ethical questions surrounding extreme activist tactics, the meaning of terrorism, the history of social justice and more.

Streaming availability (United States): Hulu, YouTube, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video

#8. Just Mercy (2019)

Director: Destin Daniel Cretton

“Just Mercy,” which stars Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx, is based on attorney Bryan Stevenson’s memoir of the same time. It follows Bryan Stevenson early in his career as he establishes the Equal Justice Initiative, which represents death row inmates who can’t afford legal aid. Walter McMillian, a man wrongfully convicted of murder, is the film’s focus. As he works to achieve justice, Stevenson encounters numerous obstacles, including overt racism from the court system.

Streaming availability (United States): Max, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Peacock

#9. The Hate U Give (2018)

Director: George Tillman Jr.

Based on the 2017 young adult novel of the same name by Angie Thomas, “The Hate U Give” follows the story of Starr Carter, a 16-year-old who sees police shoot her unarmed best friend. While her identity as a witness is kept private at first, Starr eventually takes on a public role and becomes an activist. The film was acclaimed for its writing (screenwriter Audrey Wells died the day before the film’s release) and performances, especially the performance of Amandla Stenberg, who plays Starr.

Streaming availability (United States): Hulu, YouTube, Sling TV, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu

#10. How To Survive A Plague (2012)

Director: David France

When the AIDS epidemic first erupted, the institutions in power did very little. It was activists who demanded action and did the hard, unforgiving work of raising awareness and pushing the FDA to approve treatments. “How to Survive A Plague” covers the work of groups like ACT UP and TAG through archived footage, interviews and recordings of meetings, demonstrations and other materials collected by ACT UP members. The film’s director, journalist David France, covered AIDS from its earliest days. He dedicated the movie to his partner who died of AIDS-related pneumonia in 1992.

Streaming availability (United States): Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video

#11. Navalny (2022)

Director: Daniel Roher

Alexei Navalny was a Russian opposition leader. In 2020, he was hospitalized and nearly died. His sickness was soon attributed to a nerve agent, which Navalny blamed on Russian president Vladimir Putin. The film follows the activist, as well as a journalist from Bellingcat and an investigator from Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, as they uncover the plot to silence Navalny. The film received universal acclaim and won Best Documentary Feature at the 95th Academy Awards. Navalny survived his poisoning but returned to Russia, where he was soon imprisoned. On February 16th, 2024, he died in a Western Siberian prison.

Streaming availability (United States): Max, Max Amazon Channel

#12. Malcolm X (1992)

Director: Spike Lee

“Malcolm X” (sometimes written as just “X”) is based on Alex Haley’s 1965 book The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Several events in Malcolm X’s life and career are explored, including his past, his incarceration, his conversion to Islam, his work as an activist and his assassination. The film received two Oscar nominations for Best Actor for Denzel Washington, who plays Malcolm X, and Best Costume Design for Ruth E. Carter. The United States National Film Registry also selected the film for preservation in 2010.

Streaming availability (United States): Apple TV, Vudu, Amazon Prime Video, Max, YouTube

Interested in learning more about activism? Here’s our article on Activism 101: Types, Examples and Learning Opportunities.

#13. Rustin (2023)

Director: George C. Wolfe

Bayard Rustin played a pivotal role in the March on Washington in 1963. He was also a close advisor to Martin Luther King Jr and an activist for racial equality, human rights and democracy around the world. However, as an openly gay Black man with radical beliefs, Bayard Rustin was not as recognized as other activists in the Civil Rights movement. “Rustin” received several award nominations, including Best Actor in a Leading Role for Colman Domingo.

Streaming availability (United States): Netflix

#14. Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom (2013)

Director: Justin Chadwick

Nelson Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist and politician who became the first president of South Africa in 1994. He was the nation’s first Black head of state and the first to be elected in a fully representative democratic election. During his time in government, he focused on racial reconciliation and undoing the devastating impacts of apartheid. “Mandela,” which stars Idris Elba as Mandela, follows the South African activist through his early life, education, and nearly three decades in prison leading up to the end of apartheid. It is based on the 1994 autobiography Long Walk To Freedom by Nelson Mandela. The film received generally good reviews.

Streaming availability (United States): Tubi, Plex

#15. Hunger (2008)

Director: Steve McQueen

“The Troubles” were a violent conflict from 1968-1998 in Northern Ireland between Protestant loyalists, who wanted Northern Ireland to stay part of the United Kingdom, and the Roman Catholic republicans, who wanted the area to be part of the Republic of Ireland. In 1981, the British government revoked the political status of convicted paramilitary prisoners, which revoked certain privileges. In protest, republican prisoners engaged in a series of hunger strikes. In “Hunger,” Michael Fassbender stars as Bobby Sands, who led the second IRA hunger strike. His protest raised awareness of prisoner treatment and the IRA’s mission.

Streaming availability (United States): Amazon Prime, The Roku Channel, Tubi, PLEX, YouTube, AMC+

The post 15 Inspiring Movies about Activism appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Learn how to protect children from violence, exploitation and trauma in courses from leading universities around the world.

In places where human rights are neglected or oppressed, children often suffer the most. They are especially vulnerable to hazards during times of crises. Human rights professionals recognize the need for protection of minors. They raise awareness on child rights violations, press governments to change harmful policies, assist children during humanitarian emergencies, and use human rights laws to bring perpetrators to justice. More than 1 billion children are estimated to experience physical, sexual or emotional violence every year. Millions of children have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict and wars.

To defend the rights of children, it’s essential to know them. We have compiled a list of online courses, that will equip you with the skills and knowledge to defend, promote and protect the rights of children. All courses are free to audit. You can opt-in for a verified certificate for an extra fee.

#1 Child Protection: Children’s Rights in Theory and Practice (Harvard University)
#2 Children’s Human Rights – An Interdisciplinary Introduction (University of Geneva)
#3 Resilience in Children Exposed to Trauma, Disaster and War (University of Minnesota)
#4 Protecting Children in Humanitarian Settings (Columbia University)
#5 Child Protection for Teachers (Queensland University of Technology)
#6 Caring for Vulnerable Children (University of Strathclyde)
#7 International Women’s Health and Human Rights (Stanford University)

#1 Child Protection: Children’s Rights in Theory and Practice (Harvard University)

In this online course you will learn how child protection is enshrined in international human rights law. You will analyze case studies on pressing child rights issues and learn to apply international human rights standards to a variety of contexts. Beyond the legal framework, you will study the impact violence, exploitation and abuse have on children, and what you can do to protect children from these harms. In the final week of the course you will learn how to assess a child protection system and what you can do to strengthen it.

Taught by Jacqueline Bhabha, the Research Director of the Harvard Center for Health and Human Rights, this course will be useful to human rights professionals, child rights advocates, lawyers, educators, law enforcement officers, social workers and everyone else who wants to take action on the rights of children. The self-paced course will take roughly 16 weeks to complete with an estimated commitment of 2-5 hours per week. There are no prerequisites to this course. Everyone is welcome to join and become an agent of change for children’s rights.

REGISTER HERE

#2 Children’s Human Rights – An Interdisciplinary Introduction (University of Geneva)

Taking a multi-disciplinary approach with contributions from law, psychology, sociology, history, education and other disciplines, this course offers a well-rounded primer to the human rights of children. Participants of the course will analyze critical issues affecting the rights of children around the world. Starting with an introduction to international and regional standards and monitoring systems, participants of this course will take an in-depth look at the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). This essential treaty sets out legally binding civil, political, economic, social, health and cultural rights of children. Whilst the course provides an overview on Children’s Human Rights in general, dedicated chapters will focus on health, participation and freedom from violence. Going beyond the theory, the course will also discuss international and regional judicial and quasi-judicial bodies that were tasked with the implementation of these essential rights. This course will also take a look at human rights programs that promote child rights and analyze why some of them were successes or failures.

This course is taught by three leading experts from University of Geneva’s Centre for Children’s Rights Studies, namely Philip D. Jaffé, Roberta Ruggiero and Jean Zermatten. The entire course takes 11 hours to complete. There are no prerequisites for enrollment. Upon completion, learners who opted-in, can download the paid certificate and add it to their CV. The course is a great asset for everyone who wishes to strengthen their understanding of children’s rights, but students who seek a career in child protection will find it especially useful.

REGISTER HERE

#3 Resilience in Children Exposed to Trauma, Disaster and War (University of Minnesota)

Children are especially vulnerable to harms during times of humanitarian emergencies fueled by wars and disaster. Child soldiers, children who were raped, and children who had been forcibly displaced are most at risk to develop long-term emotional distress. This course will explore what can be done to protect children at risk and how you can support them in their recovery. During this course, you will learn strategies to foster resilience in children and gain insights into key take-aways from 50 years of resilience research. You will also study and analyze interventions that promote and nurture resilience in children, and you will have the opportunity to discuss with other practitioners working with children at risk around the world.

This course is offered by University of Minnesota. It takes approximately 20 hours to complete. Videos contain subtitles in Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Italian, Vietnamese, German, Russian, English, Spanish and Hungarian. The course is taught by Ann Masten from the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota. The course draws on the research Ann Masten conducted with children and families who have experienced homelessness, war, migration, disaster, as well as poverty or family violence.

REGISTER HERE

#4 Protecting Children in Humanitarian Settings (Columbia University)

More than 60 million children are affected by humanitarian crises globally. Children are among the most vulnerable during humanitarian crises. They face grave risk from violence, abduction, gender-based violence and recruitment into belligerent groups. Effective responses are required. Drawing on the experiences of child protection practitioners from around the world, this course equips you with the skills to better protect the wellbeing of children in humanitarian contexts. Whilst you will explore international and regional child protection systems, you will also learn how to establish and design successful child protection interventions.

The course is ideal for child rights practitioners and a great asset for everyone who aims for a career in children’s rights. While the course contents are available for free, you may opt-in for a verified certification issued by Columbia University for an extra fee. The course takes approximately 12 weeks to complete with a weekly commitment of 2-3 hours per week but learners are welcome to take the course at their own pace.

REGISTER HERE

#5 Child Protection for Teachers (Queensland University of Technology)

This course aims to empower teachers and educators to recognize signs of abuse and neglect. Whilst you will learn about the different types of neglect, you will also study key aspects of relevant child protection legislation and policy. The course will help clarify the role of teachers and other professionals in reporting suspected cases of child abuse and neglect, and outline the characteristics of effective prevention programs at school. Throughout the course you will have the option to engage with other teachers and educators, and to reflect on your own role to improve child protection at your school.

This course is a great option for teachers, educators, and education leaders who want to improve their professional practice but it will also be useful to everyone else who participates in educational systems that include children. The course is taught by Kerryann Walsh, Professor in Education at Queensland University of Technology and specialisation in child protection and child maltreatment prevention.

REGISTER HERE

#6 Caring for Vulnerable Children (University of Strathclyde)

In partnership with the Centre for Excellence for Children’s Care and Protection, University of Strathclyde is offering a course on caring for vulnerable children in the light of child poverty and increasing budget cuts to childcare systems. In this course you will explore concepts of vulnerability, risk, attachment, containment, child development and parenting. Whilst the course will help you assess when vulnerable and at risk children should be removed from their family homes, the course will also enable you to choose from other meaningful and supportive means of intervention.

With a weekly dedication of 4 hours the course takes roughly 6 weeks to complete. More than 100,000 learners have taken the course already and rated it 4.8 out of 5. The course is taught by Senior Teaching Fellow Graham McPheat, who is also the course leader of the international MSc in Child and Youth Care Studies at University of Strathclyde. The course is ideal for everyone working in child care or planning to become a childcare professional in the future.

REGISTER HERE

#7 International Women’s Health and Human Rights (Stanford University)

Women’s sexual and reproductive health is heavily intertwined with human rights including the right to life, health, privacy, education and the prohibition of torture and discrimination. Forced sterilization, forced virginity tests, female genital mutilation and early marriage are examples of violations of these rights. UN human rights entities such as the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) fight against these violations. In this course offered by Stanford University, you will learn about women’s health and human rights from child birth to old age.

The course is taught by scholar-activist and non-profit founder Anne Firth Murray, who teaches child rights at Stanford University. The entire course takes roughly 58 hours to complete and can be taken at your own pace. The course is a great asset for everyone who would like to focus their career on women’s sexual and reproductive rights. Learners can audit the course for free or choose to opt-in for a verified certificate for an extra fee.

REGISTER HERE

The post 7 Online Courses on Child Protection and Children’s Rights appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Gender inequality is everywhere. According to the World Economic Forum, it could take another 131 years to achieve global gender parity. Inequality affects the treatment, rights and opportunities of women, girls and transgender and gender-diverse people the most, but everyone deals with negative effects. Crises like war, climate change and pandemics can make things worse. How does gender inequality manifest in everyday life? Here are 15 examples:

#1. Women make less money than men

The pay gap is one of the most consequential examples of everyday gender inequality. According to the UN, women make only 77 cents for every dollar men earn, even when they do comparable work. The gap widens for women who have children. Country specifics also reveal racial inequalities. In the United States, Hispanic women earned 57.5 cents for every dollar in 2022, while Black women made 69.1 cents. The Institute for Women’s Policy Research estimates that if progress doesn’t speed up, it could take 30 years for the US to reach pay equity.

#2. Girls are more likely to be out of school

Education access has improved over the years, but large gaps are still an issue. According to the World Bank, 88% of girls are enrolled in primary school on a global level, but 78% are enrolled in low-income countries. The gap widens in secondary school; only 31% of girls are enrolled in low-income countries compared to the 66% global average. Conflict plays a big role. Girls are 2.5 times more likely than boys to leave school during crises, which impacts their economic opportunities, safety, health and more.

#3. Women and girls are more likely to be murdered by people they know

While men are overall more likely to be murdered, women and girls are more likely to be killed by people they know. Family members or intimate partners commit around 55% of female homicides. That means every hour, more than five women or girls are murdered by someone in their family. Because it’s much harder to avoid violent family members or partners, everyday life for women and girls can be dangerous.

#4. Women and girls experience more sexual violence

For many women and girls, the threat of sexual violence is persistent. According to UN Women, 26% of women 15 years and older have endured intimate partner violence, which means their abuser is a romantic and/or sexual partner. Around 15 million girls 15-19 years old have experienced forced sex at some point. Men experience sexual violence, too; according to stats from the United States, around 24.8% of men have experienced unwanted sexual contact. The numbers show it’s much more common for women and girls. The true prevelance is unknown as sexual violence is significantly underreported.

#5. Women do more unpaid work

Life is more than paid work and play; people must cook, clean, do laundry, care for children and more. Women do most of this unpaid labor. According to Oxfam, the world’s women and girls complete more than ¾ of all unpaid work. That accounts for 12.5 billion hours of unpaid work every day. It’s worse for rural women from low-income countries. They can spend up to 14 hours a day doing unpaid care work. This limits their educational and economic opportunities.

Gender inequality can manifest in subtle ways. When I was in high school, the girls noticed that one of the male teachers only seemed to call on boys. We started an informal experiment where we raised our hands for every question. More times than not, he would always call on a boy if they had their hands up, too. While we could never prove he was sexist, we felt invisible and undervalued.

#6. Women cook more

Let’s look closer at one example of unpaid work: cooking. It’s an everyday task that takes significant planning, energy and time. According to one survey, women cook more meals than men in almost every country. In 2022, that totaled a little less than nine meals a week. Men cooked four meals a week. In places like Ethiopia, Egypt, Yemen and Nepal, women cooked eight more meals than men. Italy was the only place where men cooked more than women. The reasons vary, but cooking is typically considered a domestic and “feminine” job. Because of this stereotype, women end up saddled with extra unpaid work.

#7. Discrimination affects gender-diverse and transgender people more than their cisgender counterparts

Gender-diverse and transgender people don’t identify with the sex they were assigned at birth and/or traditional gender binaries. Gender inequality affects them, too. According to research, trans people are more than four times more likely than cis people to experience violence, including rape and sexual assault. Households with a trans person also have higher rates of property victimization. Discrimination extends into every area of life, including employment, housing and healthcare. According to the Human Rights Campaign, discrimination disproportionately affects young trans women of color.

#8. Women are sexually harassed at work more often

Work should be a safe place for everyone, but women deal with more sexual harassment. According to the International Labour Organization, young women are twice as likely as young men to experience sexual violence and harassment at work. Migrant women are especially vulnerable; they’re twice as likely as non-migrant women to report harassment. Not every industry is the same. According to the Center for American Progress, women who work in male-dominated fields, like warehousing and construction, are most likely to report harassment. Most people who experience harassment never report it, however, so harassment is happening a lot more often than we know.

#9. STEM jobs are gendered

The STEM field, which stands for science, technology, engineering and math, has been male-dominated for many years. Gender stereotyping is one of the main reasons why. Historically, most societies didn’t believe women were fit for these types of jobs. The consequences are still with us today. According to research from LinkedIn, women fill only 3 out of 10 STEM roles around the world. This represents an improvement, but at the pace of progress, it will take 90 years for women to make up half of the global STEM workforce.

#10. Caretaker jobs are gendered (and undervalued)

While women are underrepresented in STEM jobs, they perform most caretaker jobs. According to the International Labour Organization, women fill 88% of the personal care worker jobs, which include home healthcare assistants, while men fill 12%. Women also dominate the cleaning, food prep, teaching and clerical support fields. Their work tends to go unappreciated, however. According to the Economic Policy Institute, American home healthcare and childcare workers make just $13.81 and $13.51 an hour. That’s half of the average hourly wage for workers in general.

Gender equality jobs can help reduce inequality and empower women and girls.

#11. Women experience worse mental health

Everyone can experience mental health problems, but women and girls are at a higher risk. According to 2017 data, women are three times more likely than men to have common mental health issues. They’re also three times more likely to experience eating disorders and PTSD. The picture gets more complicated when it comes to suicide. While men are 2-4 times more likely to die by suicide, women are three times more likely to attempt suicide. Stigma could be one reason why. Because of gender stereotypes, men may be less likely to report mental health problems or seek help, which is another example of how inequality hurts everyone.

#12. Healthcare professionals take women less seriously

Everyone should be able to go into a doctor’s office and feel respected. Because of gender inequality, women face more challenges. Doctors often take women less seriously and quickly label health issues as “anxiety,” which results in worse healthcare. According to one study, women who went to the emergency room with severe stomach pain waited 33% longer than men with the same symptoms. Black women face even more discrimination. According to research, doctors are twice as likely to deny Black women pain medication during birth than white women.

#13. Taking paternity leave is stigmatized

Paternity leave used to be rare. The prevailing view was that women were responsible for childcare, while men needed to stay at work. Now, 63% of countries guarantee paid parental leave. Only seven countries – including the United States – do not. Even in countries where paternity leave is provided, families deal with stigma. A small 2020 study from the UK found that 73% of men believed there was a stigma to taking paternity leave, while 95% wanted workplaces to “normalize” taking paternity leave. Gendered stereotypes about parenting harm everyone and allow gender inequality to thrive.

#14. Products for women can cost more

People of all genders use products like razors, soap and lotion, but the ones designed for women often cost more. According to data from the World Economic Forum, personal care products marketed to American women can cost 13% more than the same products for men. This disparity is called “the pink tax.” While it’s not an official tax, cost differences affect accessories, clothing, dry cleaning, and other products and services. Women may pay thousands of dollars more over their lifetimes because of their gender.

#15. Men get in more car crashes (but women are more likely to be trapped)

For many people, driving a car is an everyday occurrence. Women could face some unique risks. According to a study of UK data, while men were more likely to be involved in serious crashes, women were twice as likely to be trapped after a car crash. Women also experienced more injuries to the hip and spine, while men were injured on their heads, face, chest and limbs. While the cause of this disparity isn’t obvious, it could be because crash test dummies are modeled after male bodies. Identifying the less clear reasons for gender inequality is essential to people’s health and safety.

Want to learn more about gender equality? Here’s our Gender Equality 101 article.

The post 15 Examples of Gender Inequality in Everyday Life appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

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The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has caused immense suffering, with countless individuals displaced, harmed, and killed over the years. Tensions heightened on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, leading to Israeli retaliation and worsening the conflict. This escalation has created a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with 2.8 million people, including 1.2 million children, in need of assistance amidst airstrikes and bombings.

This moment demands our collective attention, solidarity, and action. As the global community bears witness to the unfolding tragedy, it is crucial to extend support where needed most. This can be done, for example, through donating to established and well-coordinated organisations that work on the frontlines to provide aid and relief. Below we have compiled a list of 14 well-established and trusted charities that help civilians in Palestine.

#1 UN Crisis Relief – Occupied Palestinian Territory Humanitarian Fund

The Occupied Palestinian Territory Humanitarian Fund, offers one of the quickest and most effective ways to provide urgent relief on the ground. The Fund consistently collects contributions, enabling it to swiftly aid a diverse range of partners in addressing the high priority humanitarian activities. Managed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on behalf of the Humanitarian Coordinator, your donation plays a crucial role in alleviating the immediate needs of those affected by crises in the region.

Donate here: UN Crisis Relief Donation

#2 United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

As the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA focuses on ensuring safe pregnancies and fulfilling the potential of young people. Expressing deep concern for women and girls in Gaza, of whom 50,000 are pregnant, UNFPA addresses the critical need for reproductive health supplies and services during the conflict. For every dollar contributed, 92 cents directly fund program and service delivery, while a modest 8 cents cover administrative costs—a testament to the organisation’s efficiency and impact.

Those wishing to support UNFPA’s efforts can contribute directly through their donation page.

#3 International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) 

Guided by the Geneva Convention of 1949, ICRC is a humanitarian organisation aiding those affected by global conflicts. Partnering with the Red Cross and Red Crescent chapters, ICRC facilitates neutral humanitarian work in Israel and Palestine. Having maintained a presence in Israel and the occupied territories since 1967, ICRC, as a neutral and independent humanitarian entity, conducts essential work by visiting detainees in Israeli and Palestinian places of detention. Beyond this, the organisation actively contributes to enhancing access to vital services such as water and electricity in Gaza, while simultaneously supporting livelihood projects throughout the occupied territories.

To contribute to ICRC’s impactful initiatives and support its humanitarian mission, donations can be made through its dedicated donation page.

#4 UNICEF (United Nations Children Educational Fund)

Founded to help children in the aftermath of World War II by the UN Relief Rehabilitation Administration, UNICEF has evolved into a global leader in social welfare. Their commitment to humanitarianism is demonstrated through the continuous delivery of medical supplies, fuel, water, and financial support to conflict-affected children and their families. UNICEF has been at the forefront of responding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, distributing emergency family kits, medicines, and medical supplies to those in need. UNICEF received a 92% score from Charity Navigator and received four out of four possible stars.

Contributions can be made through the UNICEF website.

#5 Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF, Doctors Without Borders)

Internationally acclaimed for its proficiency in medical humanitarian aid, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), or Doctors Without Borders, specialises in delivering immediate and impartial medical care to individuals confronted by conflicts and crises. The organisation’s humanitarian commitment is evident through its emphasis on addressing the most critical medical needs in challenging and high-risk environments. MSF has been actively operating in Gaza and the West Bank for two decades, focusing on regions where the health systems face significant challenges. MSF also extends its support to Israeli hospitals handling a substantial number of casualties. Recognized for its excellence, Doctors Without Borders received an impressive 98% score from the Charity Navigator evaluator, which affirms MSF’s efficacy as a highly impactful organisation.

For those keen on supporting MSF’s crucial medical interventions, donations can be made directly through their official website.

#6 Oxfam International 

Oxfam, a global organisation, works towards addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality. They implement various programs to bring about positive and sustainable change in affected communities. Operating on the ground in Gaza, Oxfam provides essential humanitarian aid, including clean water, food, and hygiene items to address immediate crisis impacts. Additionally, efforts are underway to repair critical water and wastewater systems damaged in recent bombings. Responding to the challenges of a 14-year Israeli blockade that has rendered Gaza “unlivable” per the UN, Oxfam’s interventions are crucial.

Support their ongoing efforts through donations, contributing to meaningful change in the region.

#7 Anera (The American Near East Refugee Aid)

Anera, with a history dating back to 1968, is a dedicated charity responding to critical needs in the Middle East. They focus on providing both emergency relief and long-term solutions to humanitarian crises in Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan. In response to the current situation, they have distributed over 4 million meals, 19,850 hygiene kits, and 607,963 medical kits to Palestinian refugees.

Contributions can be made directly through the Anera website or the Palestine Emergency Fund.

#8 Direct Relief

Direct Relief, founded in the aftermath of World War II, specialises in providing targeted medical aid following major emergencies, such as the current war between Israel and Hamas. They collaborate with global agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to bring medical aid into conflict zones and financially support regional partners on the ground.

Individuals can contribute to Direct Relief’s ongoing efforts through their official website.

#9 Save the Children 

Save the Children is a global organisation committed to securing the rights of children—ensuring their survival, protection, development, and participation. With a particular emphasis on conflict zones, the organisation tailors its programs to address the unique needs and vulnerabilities of children. Since their founding after World War I, the organisation has provided aid for every major humanitarian crisis, helping 118 million children in 116 countries. Actively involved since 1953, Save the Children has been supporting Palestinian children affected by ongoing conflict. Right now, their teams are working on distributing essential supplies such as water, food, toiletries, and household essentials. Additionally, efforts include providing fuel and water infrastructure for hospitals, delivering mental health and psychosocial support services for children and caregivers, setting up temporary learning spaces, repairing damaged schools, and identifying the most at-risk children for child protection services.

Donations can be made through the Save the Children website.

#10 World Vision

World Vision, founded in 1950, is a Christian international non-governmental organisation committed to improving the lives of children and those in need globally. They respond to humanitarian crises by supporting vital needs in local communities. Operating in Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank since 1975, World Vision has created an extensive community-based presence. In 2023, they assisted more than 136,000 people in 150 villages across the West Bank, providing rapid emergency supplies to families who have lost their homes, creating safe spaces for community members to support each other by restoring spaces destroyed by conflict, as well as offering psychological services.

You can donate to World Vision via their website, or donate directly to the Middle East Crisis Response. You can also support the charity by sponsoring a child.

#11 Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS)

PRCS is the Palestinian affiliate of the Red Crescent movement, providing healthcare services, emergency medical response, and humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict in Palestine. As part of the Red Crescent movement, PRCS operates under the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality, instilling trust in its humanitarian mission.

To contribute, visit: PRCS Donation Page

#12 Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund – PCRF

PCRF is a non-political humanitarian relief organisation with 30 years of providing tens of thousands of children with free medical care and supplying necessities to those most in need. PCRF’s impactful initiatives include the establishment of two paediatric cancer departments in Palestine, a new Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), and a paediatric cardiology department in Ramallah, among other critical projects aimed at sustainably strengthening the region’s healthcare system. The foundation relies on grassroots efforts, supported by a global network of thousands of volunteers, to fulfil its humanitarian mission.

To contribute to their efforts, you can donate at PCRF Donation

#13 MECA – Middle East Children’s Alliance

As a non-profit organisation dedicated to the well-being and rights of children in the Middle East, MECA supports numerous community projects for Palestinian children and refugees from Syria. Since its inception in 1988, MECA has delivered $31 million in food and medical aid to Palestine, Iraq, and Lebanon. Amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza, the MECA team and its partners are actively engaged in providing emergency assistance to families displaced from their homes, seeking refuge with relatives. MECA is also involved in procuring emergency medical supplies for hospitals and clinics in the affected areas.

Support MECA in its mission by visiting the MECA Website

#14 Alliance for Middle East Peace (ALLMEP)

ALLMEP stands as a coalition of over 160 organisations, uniting hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and Israelis in the pursuit of cooperation, justice, equality, shared society, mutual understanding, and lasting peace within their communities. Established in 2006 and headquartered in Washington, DC, ALLMEP envisions a Middle East where its community of Palestinian and Israeli peacebuilders takes the lead, guiding their societies toward and beyond sustainable peace. Operated by a diverse team of both Palestinians and Israelis, the Alliance for Middle East Peace is dedicated to assisting families affected by the ongoing conflict on either side. At present, they are actively mobilising emergency funds for NGOs to provide aid to those facing the hardships of the conflict.

Donate to support ALLMEP’s peacebuilding efforts: Donate here

The post 14 Trusted Charities Helping Civilians in Palestine appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Maya Angelou is one of the United States’ most interesting and important people. Born in 1928, she worked just about every job you could imagine but became best known as a writer. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, plays, films, TV shows and more. She was active during the Civil Rights Movement and remained an activist for racial equality, gender equality, and social justice. Her work has won countless awards, and in 2011, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She passed away in 2014 at age 86, but her words remain. In this article, we’ll explore 15 of her most inspiring quotes found in books and interviews over her lifetime.

#1. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

This quote is from one of Maya Angelou’s most important books: I Know Why The Caged Birds Sings. First published in 1969, the autobiography describes Angelou’s life starting from when she was a 3-year-old sent to live with her grandmother to when she became a 16-year-old mother. It’s fitting this quote comes from the first of Angelou’s autobiographies, which share the story of a life well-lived.

#2. “We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.”

Letter to My Daughter, Maya Angelou’s third book of essays, was released in 2009. While Angelou has no daughters of her own, she wrote this book in honor of the many women who saw her as a mother figure. Quotes like this emphasize the importance of resilience and hope. As Angelou knows from personal experience, life is full of defeats, but they should not define our entire lives and prevent us from continuing on.

#3. “Nothing will work unless you do.”

This quote is from Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now, Angelou’s first book of essays published in 1993. It takes its title from the African-American spiritual “On My Journey Now.” In the book, Angelou shares insights into topics such as faith, grieving, racism and self-care. It’s considered one of Angelou’s “wisdom books.” In just a few words, the quote above encapsulates how everyone must take action if they want anything to happen in their lives.

#4. “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”

Another quote from Letter to My Daughter, these words are especially moving considering Maya Angelou’s life. At age 8, she was abused by her mother’s boyfriend, and after he was killed, Angelou went mute for almost five years. She faced many other difficulties in her life, but as her quote says, she was not reduced by any of them.

#5. “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.”

The Heart of a Woman was Maya Angelou’s fourth autobiography. It covers her life from 1957-1962 when she traveled extensively through California, New York, Egypt, and Ghana, all while raising her teenage son, becoming a published author, and working in the Civil Rights Movement. Her life during this time sang with courage, and as this quote emphasizes, courage is the foundation of every other virtue.

#6. “Also, I encourage courtesy. To accept nothing less than courtesy, and to give nothing less than courtesy. If we accept being talked to any kind of a way, then we are telling ourselves we are not quite worth the best. And if we have the effrontery to talk to anybody with less than courtesy, we tell ourselves and the world we are not very intelligent.”

Maya Angelou wrote and spoke often about identity and self-empowerment. In this quote, which is pulled from Psychology Today’s 2009 interview with the author, Marianne Schnall has just asked Angelou what she wished she knew as a child. Angelou first says, “courage,” but then continues with why courtesy matters, too. Accepting anything less than courtesy harms a person’s self-esteem while treating others without courtesy affects both our view of ourselves and how others see us.

#7. “I wish that we could look into each other’s faces, in each other’s eyes, and see our own selves. I hope that the children have not been so scarred by their upbringing that they only think fear when they see someone else who looks separate from them.”

In the Psychology Today interview, Marianne Schnall asks Angelou, “What is your wish for children of the future?” Angelou’s answer, quoted above, represents one of the author’s most enduring sentiments. She always encouraged people to focus on the similarities we share and embrace our identity as humans.

Check out our article on the top 12 quotes about advocacy.

#8. “I know that one of the great arts that the writer develops is the art of saying, “No. No, I’m finished. Bye.” And leaving it alone. I will not write it into the ground. I will not write the life out of it.”

In 1990, Maya Angelou was interviewed on stage at the YMHA in Manhattan, New York, in front of an audience of mostly women. The interviewer, George Plimpton, asked Angelou how she began her work day. While writing, she describes trying to pull the language into shape, into sharpness, and taking a few weeks to describe what she’s seeing. Plimpton then asks how Angelou knows when the work is done, to which she says it’s done when it’s the best she can do. It may not be “the best,” but as Angelou’s quote above says, knowing when to let a piece of writing go is one of a writer’s best tools. This interview appeared in Issue 116 of The Paris Review.

#9. “So I decided to try everything, to keep myself wide open to human beings, all human beings — seeing them as I understand them to be, not as they wish they were, but as I understand them to be.”

The quote above comes from Bill Moyer’s first interview with Maya Angelou in 1973. It’s a response to Moyer’s question about how Angelou stays open to the world and to hope, even when the world was so closed to Black women. She describes coming to a place where she realized she had nothing to lose, so closing herself up was foolish. Instead, she resolved to try everything and stay wide open, while recognizing the reality of what people can be.

#10. “Take as much time as you need to make up your mind, but once it is made up, step out on your decision like it’s something you want.”

Maya Angelou always encouraged people to take action when they could. That doesn’t mean she advocated for quick decisions. Rather, she said people should take as much time as they need, but once a decision is made, it’s time to act. The quote above comes from A Song Flung Up To Heaven, the sixth of Angelou’s autobiographies. It takes place between 1965 and 1968. During these years, Angelou faces the assassinations of both Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr while adjusting to her return to the US after living in Ghana.

#11. “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”

Much of Maya Angelou’s writings focus on womanhood, motherhood, and other aspects of being a woman in this world. According to the New York Times, this quote first appeared in a video endorsement for Hillary Clinton’s campaign for president in 2007.

#12. “You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I’ll rise.”

This is an excerpt from “Still I Rise,” one of Maya Angelou’s most famous poems. It appears in the book And Still I Rise, which is the writer’s third poetry collection from 1978. It acknowledges hatred, racism, and violence, but triumphantly declares “I’ll rise.” The rest of the poem follows a similar structure that recognizes the injustices against Black people but always ends with a deeply hopeful, determined message.

Poetry often centers on deep themes. Here’s our article listing 10 poems about equality.

#13. “History, despite its wrenching pain / Cannot be unlived, but if faced / With courage, need not be lived again.”

In 1993, Maya Angelou read the poem “On the Pulse of Morning” for Bill Clinton’s first inauguration. Her performance became famous. The excerpt above represents Angelou’s deeply held beliefs about facing history and its injustices, but not letting it reduce or defeat us. Courage, which Angelou believes is the most important virtue, is what helps us never repeat the pain of the past.

#14. “One must nurture the joy in one’s life so that it reaches full bloom.”

This quote comes from Rainbow in the Cloud: The Wisdom and Spirit of Maya Angelou. The book collects excerpts from Angelou’s many works on topics like family, community, equality, spirituality, parenting and more. Guy Johnson, Angelou’s son, also contributed with some words his mother would share with him and their family.

#15. What I really want to do is be a representative of my race, of the human race. I have a chance to show how kind we can be, how intelligent and generous we can be. I have a chance to teach and to love and to laugh. I know that when I finish doing what I’m sent here to do, I will be called home. And I will go home without any fear, trepidations, wondering what’s gonna happen.”

This quote appeared in the trailer of Beyonce’s Netflix film Homecoming, which explores the artist’s preparation for her iconic 2018 Coachella performance. According to Oprah Daily, the quote comes from Maya Angelou’s interview with George Stroumboulopoulos in 2014. It was one of her last sit-down interviews.

The post 15 Inspiring Quotes from Maya Angelou appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

The gender binary teaches that people must be either exclusively male or exclusively female, but humans are much more complex and nuanced. This has been the case for thousands of years. Across the world, people have embodied a wide range of gender identities and expressions unrelated to their physical anatomy or genetic makeup. When someone identifies as neither exclusively male nor female, they are nonbinary. In this article, we’ll explore the definition of this term, what everyone should know about it, and examples of nonbinary identities and terms.

Being nonbinary means not identifying as exclusively male or female. A nonbinary person may identify more with a certain gender, with all genders or with no gender at all. Within the nonbinary community, people identify with a wide variety of pronouns, sexual orientations and gender expressions.

What’s the definition of nonbinary?

Before we explore what being nonbinary means, we have to first define the binary. The gender binary is the concept that only two genders – male and female – exist. The binary also assumes that gender is fixed, that gender and sex should always correlate, and that people should conform to expectations of their gender. Western cultures tend to adhere to the gender binary, which leads some to mistakenly believe the binary is ingrained in human nature. There are many examples of multi-gender systems, however, which support the theory that gender is a social and political construct.

When it appears in discussions about the gender binary, the term “nonbinary” refers to gender identities that don’t adhere to the strict male/female system. People who embrace this identity may identify with certain genders more than others, all genders at once or no gender at all. Gender expressions vary significantly, as well. It’s also important to recognize the differences between gender, sex and sexuality. A person’s gender identity is separate from their sexual or romantic orientation. Gender is also distinct from sex, which refers to a set of biological attributes. While sex is usually categorized as either male or female, there’s variation. Gender is socially constructed and flexible, so people who are nonbinary may shift the identities and terms that feel the most comfortable over time.

How are the terms “transgender” and “nonbinary” related?

Many nonbinary people also identify as transgender. How are these terms similar or different from each other? Transgender (abbreviated as “trans”) refers to gender identities that don’t align with the sex a person was assigned at birth. As an example, when someone assigned female at birth identifies as a man, they are a trans man. Conversely, when someone does identify with the sex they were assigned at birth, they are “cisgender.” Because nonbinary people don’t identify exclusively with the sex they were assigned at birth, they are part of the transgender community. Whether or not a nonbinary person describes themselves as trans is a personal choice.

Are you interested in learning more about gender identity? Here’s our list of five gender identity courses available online.

What should everyone know about the nonbinary identity?

A person’s gender identity and gender expressions are deeply personal, but certain facts help increase recognition and acceptance in society. Here are five of the most important:

#1. Nonbinary people have always existed

When it comes to gender diversity, skeptics often question the credibility of identities by pointing out how new the terms are. While the creation of new terms and expressions doesn’t automatically negate their legitimacy, the fact is that nonbinary people have always existed. According to a PBS map of gender-diverse cultures, multiple countries have “recognized, revered, and integrated” more than the male and female genders for hundreds if not thousands of years. Some examples include Hawaii, Thailand, Madagascar, New Zealand and Peru.

#2. Nonbinary people use a variety of pronouns

Using someone’s proper pronouns is respectful. Because nonbinary people don’t adhere to the gender binary, many use the neutral pronouns “they” and “them.” However, not all nonbinary people use these pronouns, so it’s important to politely ask if you’re not sure. Nonbinary people can use any pronoun or no pronouns. Some examples include he/him/his, she/her/hers, ze/zir/zirs, and ze/hir/hirs.

#3. Nonbinary people vary in gender expressions

Nonbinary people can embody a variety of gender expressions as well as pronouns. What is gender expression? It’s how a person publically presents their gender through clothing, hairstyle, makeup, jewelry, body language, voice and so on. While certain gender expressions are associated with specific genders, people can experiment with their gender expression without changing their gender. Not all nonbinary people reject male or female gender expressions; it’s a deeply personal and flexible decision. As an example, a nonbinary person can wear dresses and makeup – which are stereotypically female – and remain nonbinary.

#4. Being nonbinary is not the same as being intersex

Intersex people have genes and/or anatomy that don’t fall into an exclusively male/female binary, but being intersex is not the same as being nonbinary. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the reason why people are intersex (which is not a disease or disorder) is a mystery. It could be because of changes to certain genes or hormone exposure during embryo development. About 2% of people in the world have intersex characteristics. While someone’s genes or anatomy may not fit into a male or female binary, it doesn’t mean they’re nonbinary. Gender identity is different, so intersex people can identify as male, female, nonbinary or any other gender identity.

#5. Nonbinary people often face an increased risk of violence and discrimination

While nonbinary people and other gender-diverse people have lived in societies for thousands of years, they are often treated as an existential threat. According to the United Nations, gender-diverse people are often bullied, rejected by their families and denied access to employment and housing. They also face increased risks for prejudice, harassment and violence, including violence within medical settings. Nonbinary people who are also members of other marginalized groups, like ethnic minorities, are targeted even more harshly. Legal protections, increased awareness of the challenges facing nonbinary people and more acceptance are key to a healthy society.

Interested in learning more about trans rights and why they matter? Here’s our article on the topic.

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What are examples of nonbinary identities and terms?

Because it applies to anyone who doesn’t conform to traditional ideas of gender, nonbinary is an umbrella term. There are several examples of identities and terms beneath this umbrella. Here are eight:

#1. Genderqueer

Genderqueer appeared as a term in zines from the 1980s, and was more commonly used before the term “nonbinary.” Like nonbinary, genderqueer describes identities that don’t fall within traditional gender binaries. For some, genderqueer means moving between a variety of gender identities or expressions, while others use it more generally to mean any non-cisgender identity.

#2. Gender fluid

When someone uses the term “gender fluid,” they are most likely describing flexibility regarding gender. They don’t identify with a set gender identity, so their identity and expression can shift and encompass one gender, multiple genders or no gender at all. It’s a fairly new term, and while it sounds very similar to nonbinary, not everyone who identifies as nonbinary also identifies as gender fluid.

#3. Agender

Agender people don’t identify with any gender in particular. They may also use the terms “gender-free” or “genderless.” Regarding pronouns, agender people may have a preference or ask others to avoid using gendered language as much as possible. Being agender is not the same as being asexual; agender people can be any sexual orientation.

#4. Pangender

When someone is pangender, it means their gender identity includes multiple genders. They may identify with all (or some) of them all at once, or in a fluid, flexible way. Pangender people can also be gender fluid.

#5. Demigender

Demigender refers to those who partially or mostly identify both with one gender and other genders (or no gender). As an example, a demiboy identifies at least partially with the male gender, but not completely, which is why they’re still nonbinary.

#6. Bigender

If someone identifies with both male and female genders, they may identify as “bigender.” Bigender identities aren’t limited to just male or female, however. They identify with at least two genders. The term was first coined in 1988. Bigender people may express one gender identity at a time, some of their genders, or all at once.

#7. Gender nonconforming

“Gender nonconforming” is a term referring to gender expression. When someone is gender nonconforming, it means they aren’t adhering to the appearance, behavior or expectations placed on them based on the gender they were assigned to at birth. People of any gender identity can be gender nonconforming, including cisgender people. As an example, a cisgender man can wear makeup or nail polish, which are stereotypically female behaviors, without changing his gender identity.

#8. Two-spirit

Many Indigenous cultures in North America embraced more than two genders. These nonbinary people often fulfilled specific roles, such as caretakers, medicine people, dancers and treaty negotiators. Two-spirit is a term used by some North American Indigenous people to describe this identity. It was coined in 1990, and while it was meant to replace more offensive descriptions, it’s not universally accepted. Many Indigenous cultures have their own terms to describe nonbinary people from their own communities.

The post Nonbinary 101: Definition, Facts, Examples appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

“Florida is where woke goes to die,” Governor Ron DeSantis said to the crowd gathered for his reelection celebration in 2022. “Stay woke,” blues musician Lead Belly said in 1938. Depending on who you’re talking to, “woke” can mean staying aware of injustices, believing in politically progressive values, or wanting to control what others say and think. While it’s become hard to avoid debates about “wokeness” in the United States, the term and concept are spreading internationally. What does “woke” actually mean? In this article, we’ll discuss the word’s origins, its fraught evolution, and its impact.

“Woke” has become a complex term that for some means being aware of social justice issues, while for others, it means being obsessively politically correct and judgmental. In the United States, it’s been weaponized against BIPOC, the LGBTQ+ community, and other marginalized groups.

Where did the word “woke” come from?

Originally, “woke,” or rather, “stay woke” meant to stay aware of the systemic injustices and inequalities targeting Black people. In 1938, American blues singer Lead Belly released a song about the Scottsboro Boys, who were nine Black teenagers accused of rape in Alabama. Despite evidence of their innocence, eight of the nine were found guilty by an all-white jury and sentenced to death. While they escaped execution, they were nearly lynched and ended up imprisoned for years. In an interview about the song, Lead Belly said, “I advise everyone to be a little careful when they go down there (to Alabama). Best stay woke, keep your eyes open.” “Woke” was a term created by and for the Black community; to be woke was to be smart and alert to racism.

The 2010s saw the establishment of the Black Lives Matter organization and increased awareness of police brutality and systemic racism. “Woke” became better known beyond the Black community. It also morphed into a catch-all description for left politics and social justice. It was no longer a piece of advice specifically for Black people, but rather a vaguer, broader summary of what it means to be politically progressive.

How is “woke” used today?

“Woke” originally meant to be aware of injustices, but do people still define the term this way? According to a 2023 USA Today/Ipsos poll, 56% of Americans still believe “woke” means “being informed about social injustices.” 39% defined the term as being “overly politically correct” and policing the words of others. A participant’s political affiliation mattered. 56% of surveyed Republicans saw the term in a negative light. They viewed wokeness as a tool to suppress free speech, control what others say, and inflict moral judgment. These beliefs aren’t limited to Republicans, however. You can find left-leaning groups arguing amongst themselves on whether there’s too much policing, judgment, and division in their communities. These are age-old debates, and many left-wing groups work through their struggles without appropriating “woke.” In recent years, it’s right-wing groups that have weaponized the term most significantly.

Those who see wokeness as a grave threat to society deploy the word freely and without a clear or consistent definition. In a perspective in The Washington Post, Damon Young describes how “woke” has become shorthand for the mere presence of Black people where they (the right-wing) “didn’t expect them to be.” As an example, when the film Jurassic World: Dominion released a promotional image of actor DeWanda Wise, a tweet bemoaning how “woke” the franchise had become went viral. A film simply featuring a Black woman was enough to make the movie “woke,” and according to some, bad. The Little Mermaid remake starring Halle Bailey and Disney as a whole have received similar complaints of having bowed to the “woke mob.” Even financial crises are not immune. When the Silicon Valley Bank collapsed in the 2nd-largest bank failure in US history, many Republicans blamed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, aka “wokeness.”

What is the impact of attacking “wokeness?”

While labeling movies and banks as woke may seem fairly innocuous, the war on wokeness has serious consequences. Here are four of the biggest impacts:

#1. Attacks on education

In the past few years, attacks on curriculum and books featuring anti-racist teaching and discussions of gender and sexuality have skyrocketed in the United States. The governor of Florida – Ron DeSantis – has been one of the most aggressive anti-woke crusaders. As an article in Vox describes, DeSantis’ actions include legislation that restricts teachers from talking about LGBTQ+ topics and race. Most of the laws are so vague, teachers aren’t sure what they can and can’t say. To DeSantis, “woke” means “the belief there are systemic injustices in American society and the need to address them.” In one speech, he vowed to “fight the woke” in the legislature, the corporations, and the schools.

The American Library Association revealed that 2022 experienced the highest number of attempted book bans since the ALA started compiling censorship data. Of the 2,571 titles targeted, most were written by or for people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. 58% of the targeted books were from school libraries. This attack is coordinated. Censorship groups like Moms For Liberty, a self-described “parental rights group,” pass around lists of books they want to ban. They also run for political office and school boards, so they can fight “wokeness” from within the system.

#2. Boycotts

When a product or company gets labeled as “woke,” there are consequences. In early 2023, Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender influencer with millions of followers, did an ad for Bud Light. Conservative pundits responded with fury, calling for a boycott. It appears to have been successful, at least for a time. Bud Light’s parent company Anheuser-Busch InBev reported a 10.5% decline in April-June compared to a year earlier. Mulvaney also received significant harassment and no support from the company whose ad exposed her to so much hate.

Other companies have faced calls for boycotts, usually for simply featuring LGBTQ+ people in their advertising or expressing the most basic support. Woolworths, a South African fashion retailer, posted a tweet in honor of International Pride Month on June 1. The company was quickly labeled as “woke,” while some claimed they would never shop there again. Woolworths didn’t back down, tweeting that everyone has the right to dignity.

#3. Normalization of hate

While most people recognize the seriousness of book bans, many of the attacks on wokeness seem silly and bizarre. After all, what does arguing about whether a Disney princess movie is “woke” really accomplish for anyone? Individual attacks on wokeness can seem meaningless, but taken together, the anti-woke movement fuels the normalization of hate against the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, and other marginalized groups. The anti-woke movement is primarily driven by voices claiming that learning about or simply seeing Black people, trans people, and others will ruin society. This dehumanizes entire groups of people, which normalizes hatred against them.

Normalizing hate encourages hate speech. The Cambridge Dictionary defines hate speech as “public speech that expresses hatred or encourages violence towards a person or group based on something such as race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation,” but legal definitions vary. For the anti-woke movement, there’s often a sense of pride in being as “anti-woke” as possible, which encourages a culture built on prejudice and hate. People can say things most people would consider “hateful” without it qualifying as legal hate speech, but it still feeds the normalization of hate.

#4. Distraction from real issues

Seemingly silly and pointless attacks on wokeness contribute to hate, but they serve another important function: they distract from tangible problems. When people get caught up in debates, real or in jest, about whether it’s “woke” for an M&M mascot to wear sneakers instead of boots, they’re ignoring systemic racism, gender inequality, poverty, poor mental health, and other escalating problems. In the United States, one of the two major parties (the Republican party) has become fixated on complaining about candy and Disney, but not even their own constituents are especially pleased. According to one poll, just 24% of Republican participants said they would choose a candidate focused on eliminating “radical woke ideology” from schools, media, and culture over one who wanted to restore “law and order.”

Toni Morrison said the function of racism was distraction, and that it “keeps you from doing your work.” While she wasn’t talking about “wokeness,” the sentiment rings true. When the presence of Black people and teaching the truth about America’s racism qualifies as “woke,” attacking wokeness is a form of racism. Attacks on the LGBTQ+ community fall into a similar category. This isn’t to say that racism, transphobia, and homophobia aren’t real and serious issues, but the anti-woke movement distracts from real conversations about these issues.

How is “woke” perceived globally?

While the term and its impacts have been concentrated in the United States, concerns and confusion have spread to other countries. In France, where it’s known as le wokisme, wokeness is framed as a US import that could tear France apart. The president, Emmanuel Macron, even told a magazine in 2021 that “woke culture” was racializing the country and causing divisions. In Britain, four out of five people had a positive view of wokeness, saying it meant being aware of race and social injustices. Like the US, however, right-wing groups in the UK are on the offensive. When heritage charity the National Trust reported on the property’s links to slavery and colonialism, Conservative lawmakers threatened its funding. Further east in Russia, Vladimir Putin will often signal “anti-wokeness” as part of his strategy to endear himself to American right-wing groups. Globally, “woke” has evolved just as much as it is in the United States, and while there are legitimate criticisms to be made about how vague and broad even positive definitions of the term are, the biggest issue is how it’s been weaponized by right-wing groups.

The post What Does “Woke” Mean? appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

The Migration Studies program offered by Tel Aviv University is a one-year (3 semesters) M.A. program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in humanitarian organizations addressing global migration issues. From debates on free movement in Europe to the Ukrainian refugee situation, many migration issues are at the forefront of today’s discussions and politics.

This interdisciplinary program is designed to provide students with opportunities to critically engage with global issues surrounding migration and policy debates. The program covers a range of topics, including immigration and citizenship policies, perspectives on refugees, asylum seekers and humanitarian aid, and the challenges of social, cultural and economic integration. Students can expect to learn theories, research tools, and analytical models in these areas.

The program highlights world-leading faculty and expert practitioners in the field of migration, offering students specialization in global migration and policy fields with hands-on professional workshops. Additionally, students have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad in one of several exchange programs at universities affiliated with TAU.

However, note that this track is not open to students whose enrollment in the Migration Studies program is supported by United States Federal Student Aid due to restrictions on the use of such aid. Students will also be able to enjoy cultural evening activities and overnight excursions around the country in addition to the coursework.

By the end of the Migration Studies program, students will have gained practical experience and skills necessary to become leaders for real social change, and they will have gained an appreciation for Tel Aviv, a city with a rich immigrant history.

The post MA in Global Migration and Policy appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

In 2022, the World Bank estimated that about 8% of the world’s population (which is almost 650 million people) lived on less than $2.15 per day. This state is known as “extreme poverty.” While extreme poverty is the most urgent issue, 47% of the world’s population is still struggling with less than $6.85 per day. What is poverty exactly?

In this article, we’ll provide a thorough definition alongside key facts everyone should know and the best ways to take action.

Poverty occurs when individuals and communities don’t have enough money or resources for a basic standard of living. That includes good housing, food, clean water, healthcare, and much more. COVID-19 stalled years of progress on ending poverty, which makes solutions like improved gender equity, universal health coverage, and taxes on the world’s richest all the more essential.

What is poverty?

Poverty happens when someone lacks the income and resources necessary to maintain a good standard of living. That includes safe housing, medical care, food, clean water, and so on. The UN emphasizes that it’s also “more than a lack of income.” There are varying socioeconomic factors at play such as race, sexuality, ethnicity, gender, the ability to access services, and opportunities for decent work. Poverty also drives many social issues like poor education, child labor, forced labor, poor health, violence, and more.

For years, extreme poverty – which affects the poorest people on Earth – referred to living on less than $1.90 a day. In 2022, the World Bank updated its line to $2.15. It was changed to reflect cost increases for basic food, clothing, and shelter in low-income countries between 2011 and 2017 relative to the rest of the world. $2.15 in 2017 prices is equal to $1.90 in 2011 prices. Before COVID-19, the world was doing a decent job reducing extreme poverty. According to the World Bank’s Poverty and Shared Prosperity report, 1 billion people escaped extreme poverty over 30 years. Then, COVID hit. In 2020, 70 million fell below the extreme poverty line. Based on estimates, about 7% of the world (most in Africa) will still be in extreme poverty by 2030. There’s also the matter of those vulnerable to poverty. These are people living on $2-$5 per day. There are 1.3 billion in this group. One financial setback like an illness, injury, job loss, or other crisis would be enough to push them into extreme poverty.

What causes poverty?

Many factors drive poverty, which is one of the reasons why it’s so difficult to eliminate. Here are five causes:

A lack of good education

Education is key to breaking long poverty cycles. Without a good education, it’s very difficult for people to get better-paying jobs that help them afford necessities and build wealth. A 2017 report from UNESCO and the Global Education Monitoring Report found that if all adults finished secondary school, the global poverty rate could be cut in half. Unfortunately, for those who are already in poverty, completing school is often difficult or impossible. Governments and NGOs need to step in to ensure students get as much education as possible.

Conflict and war

Conflict and poverty have a close, reinforcing relationship. Poverty fuels conflict. Conflict can then make poverty worse. The most obvious reason is that conflict disrupts people’s lives and destroys infrastructure. Those displaced by violence – especially women, children, disabled people, and the elderly – are much more likely to fall into poverty. Even when a conflict has ended, recovery can take a long time and fail to support the most harmed.

Environmental disasters and climate change

Like conflict, environmental disasters disrupt communities and destroy infrastructure. Climate change is quickly becoming a persistent source of disasters worldwide. While the world’s poorest contribute the least to climate change, they’re impacted the most. This is because poor people depend on agriculture, which climate change disrupts through floods, famines, hurricanes, and more. If significant changes aren’t made, climate change could push 130 million people into extreme poverty over the next decade.

Inaccessible healthcare

Poor healthcare is both a cause and a consequence of poverty. Cost is a big reason why. One expensive emergency can tip people into poverty and keep them there. Poverty also increases the risk of health issues that quickly drain a person’s wallet. There are issues beyond pure cost, however. Disenfranchised groups aren’t given equal access to information, services, nutritious food, and other resources necessary for good health. Even if healthcare were more affordable, there would be other steps needed to make it truly accessible.

Social injustice

There’s an established link between poverty and social injustices like racism and gender inequality. Take the United States. According to research from sociologist Regina Baker, Black populations living in southern states with a “strong historical racial regime” experience worse poverty. There’s also a wider poverty gap between Black and white populations in these states. Worldwide, gender inequality and poverty are deeply linked. If everyone received equal rights and opportunities, it would eliminate a lot of poverty.

What are the main facts about poverty?

There’s a lot to know about poverty, but here are three main facts everyone should remember:

#1. Around 1 billion children live in poverty

Children are deeply affected by poverty. According to UNICEF, 1 billion kids don’t have access to education, housing, nutrition, water, sanitation, or healthcare. Around 356 of those kids are living in extreme poverty. As a result, kids from the poorest households die at twice the rate of kids who aren’t as poor. The kids that do survive continue to face difficulties like poor nutrition, chronic disease, mental health problems, and hindered emotional development. Childhood poverty could even cause long-term effects on the brain, though environmental factors affect behavior, too.

#2. Poverty is concentrated in a few areas

According to data from the World Bank, South Sudan has the highest poverty rate at 82.30%. Equatorial Guinea is next at 76.80%. This is followed by Madagascar (70.70%), Guinea-Bissau (69.30%), and Eritrea (69.30%). In Burundi, which is a small country in East Africa with 12.1 million people, 70% of the population is poor. 52% of kids under 5 have stunted growth and high levels of malnutrition. In terms of GDP per capita, Burundi is the poorest country in the world.

#3. It’s not just poverty; it’s wealth inequality

Wealth inequality refers to differences in income, as well as the value of stocks, investments, houses, personal possessions, and so on. According to the World Bank Gini Index, South Africa has the highest rate of wealth inequality: 63%. That’s followed by Namibia (59.1%) and Suriname (57.9%). The United States, which has the largest economy in the world, also has issues. 2021 data showed that income at the top of the income distribution was 13.53 times higher than income at the bottom. Inequality is a global problem; in the past ten years, the world’s richest 1% have gotten almost 50% of all new wealth.

How can the world eliminate poverty?

The world was making great progress on ending poverty until COVID-19. Things need to improve quickly if we’re going to achieve SDG Goal #1 by 2030. Because poverty is such a complex, large-scale issue, it’s hard for individuals to make much of a difference on their own. However, people can educate themselves on the best solutions and pressure those in power to take action. Here are three solutions to learn more about:

#1. Focus on gender equity

As we mentioned before, poverty and gender inequality are deeply linked. It’s impossible to eliminate poverty without gender equality. According to the World Bank, about 2.4 billion women of working age aren’t getting equal economic opportunities. 95 countries don’t mandate equal pay for equal work. Improving equity would lift a huge number of women and their families out of poverty. What can individuals do to help? Support organizations that focus on women and children. Advocate for better policies at your workplace, like more paid family leave, more flexible hours, and an end to gender pay gaps.

#2. Advocate for universal health coverage

According to the WHO, universal healthcare is the assurance that everyone has “access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship.” It’s a key part of eliminating poverty. While there was progress before COVID-19, 2 billion people are facing what the WHO calls “catastrophic or impoverishing health spending.” Individuals can support universal health coverage by donating to organizations and pressuring leaders to pass legislation.

#3. Tax the rich

According to an Oxfam report called Survival of the Richest, the fortunes of billionaires are rising by $2.7 billion a day. Meanwhile, 1.7 billion workers live in countries where inflation is rising faster than wages. In 2022, 95 food and energy corporations more than doubled their profits, which were passed on to billionaire shareholders. These massive corporate profits also drove half of the inflation in the US, UK, and Australia. If the world wants to end poverty, these excesses need to be addressed. According to the Oxfam report, a tax of up to 5% on the world’s richest could raise $1.7 trillion a year. That’s enough to help 2 billion people escape poverty.

The post What is Poverty? The Causes, Facts, and Ways to Take Action appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

According to The Gender Snapshot 2022 report, it will take around 300 years to reach gender equality. If countries do not make significant progress, the world won’t achieve Sustainable Development Goal #5 by 2030. There is no simple solution to gender inequality. It’s a complex web of intersecting issues that reinforce each other. How can the world untangle the web? Here are 15 gender issues that need to be addressed:

#1. Education access

The world has made significant progress in ensuring education access. Globally, girls have either closed or reversed gaps in accessing and completing education. Certain areas are still far behind and there’s still gender inequality among adults. Adult women are more likely to be illiterate compared to men. In sub-Saharan Africa, more than 1 in 4 young women can’t read. COVID-19 likely had a negative impact, but specific data is still being collected and analyzed. Education is crucial for gender equality and the success of nations. A World Bank study estimated that when girls aren’t educated, it can cost countries $15-$30 trillion in lost lifetime productivity and earnings.

#2. Maternal death rate

Maternal death rate (also known as maternal mortality) refers to deaths caused by complications from pregnancy or childbirth. There was significant progress between 2000-2017. The global maternal death rate decreased by 38%. There’s still a long way to go, especially since deaths are mostly preventable. Among the wealthiest countries, the United States in particular needs to take action. The CDC recently released maternal mortality stats for 2020, revealing that deaths had increased from 2019. Black women are three times more likely to die than white women. Overall, the United States’ maternal mortality rate is almost three times higher than France, which has the next highest death rate. Maternal death has a huge impact on families and society. In 2014, a study in three sub-counties in Western Kenya found that when a mother dies in pregnancy or childbirth, it triggers a wave of harm affecting her children, their education, the family’s health, and more.

#3. Abortion and birth control access

Access to family planning resources (which include abortion and birth control) is essential to a person’s bodily autonomy. Access is also critical for the health, well-being, and economic prosperity of families, communities, and nations. At the time of writing, there are 24 countries or territories that prohibit abortion for any reason. At least 75 countries allow abortion on request with gestational limits. When the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, it joined just three countries (Poland, Nicaragua, and El Salvador) that have gone backward on abortion rights since 1994. Experts worry that states banning abortion will come for birth control like Plan B and IUDs next. Reproductive rights like abortion and birth are gendered, but it’s important to remember restrictions threaten everyone’s freedom.

#4. Informal employment

The informal economy is a sector of the economy that isn’t monitored or taxed. It forms a large part of developing countries, and while it provides work and wages, it’s much less secure or safe. The International Labor Organization estimates that around 60% of the world’s labor force works (at least part-time) in the informal economy. Why is this a gender issue? In low-income countries, 92.1% of employed women work in the informal economy compared to 87.5% of employed men. When the pandemic hit, women’s employment suffered the most. As an example, home-based workers earned 2% of their median pre-pandemic income in the middle of 2021 while in sub-Saharan Africa, 41% of women-owned businesses closed (compared to 34% of businesses owned by men). By supporting those in informal employment, countries can make progress on gender inequality.

#5. Unpaid labor

Unpaid labor includes childcare, cleaning, cooking, and caring for older family members. Globally, women spend about 3.2 times more time on unpaid work than men. No country on the planet splits this work evenly. While unpaid labor often fills in social service gaps, keeps families afloat, and supports economies, unpaid labor isn’t valued. Women are simply expected to sacrifice their time – which they could use to work for pay or pursue education – without compensation. This can keep families locked in cycles of poverty and fuel gender inequality. Countries can change things by legislating more paid leave, investing in high-quality childcare, offering child tax credits, and more. These solutions will primarily help women because they do so much unpaid labor, but it’s good for other caregivers, families, and children, too.

#6. The gender pay gap

The gender pay gap is one of the best-known gender issues, but progress has been slow. Globally, the World Bank estimates that about 2.4 billion women of working age don’t get equal economic opportunities compared to men. The amount of unpaid labor put on women is a big reason why, but many countries aren’t paying women as much as men. The World Bank also found that just 95 of the surveyed 190 economies mandate equal pay for equal work for men and women. In the United States, eliminating the gender pay gap could halve the poverty rate for all working women.

#7. Gender-based violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a persistent issue infecting the entire world. According to the World Health Organization, 30% of women will be subjected to physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetimes. 38% of murdered women are killed by their intimate partners. Crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and war increase gender-based violence. Why is this such a significant issue? The fear and reality of violence severely restrict a woman’s ability to move and live freely. This limits every area of her life, including career opportunities. Stopping gender-based violence is challenging. Solutions include recognizing warning signs of violence, investing in accountability, eliminating poverty, and ending the normalization of violence.

#8. Political representation

Men hold most of the world’s power. According to UN Women data from September 2022, there were 28 countries where 30 women served as Heads of State and/or Government. At this rate, it will take another 130 years to reach gender equality in the highest positions of power. Lower levels aren’t much better. Worldwide, women remain underrepresented at all levels of decision-making. Representation of trans people is also essential to gender equality worldwide.

#9. Transphobia

Because of transphobia, trans people face increased levels of violence and discrimination worldwide. In the US’ largest study of transgender and gender non-conforming people, 28% reported harassment in healthcare settings. In 2020, Human Rights Watch tracked a record number of violent attacks against transgender and gender non-conforming people. The real numbers are most likely higher as most harassment and violence are never reported. In the US, bills targeting trans youth have been piling up. Unless transphobia is addressed, things will only get worse.

#10. Human trafficking

Human trafficking affects all genders, but not in the same ways. Women and girls made up 60% of all victims in 2020. They’re also three times more likely to experience extreme violence. The share of male victims has been increasing. This is most likely because forced labor is becoming more common and more men and boys are trafficked for this purpose. Gender norms about masculinity and exploitation play a role in identification; many men don’t call themselves human trafficking victims. When dealing with human trafficking, it’s important to understand the gendered dynamics.

#11. Racialized gender

The term “racialized gender” refers to how race intersects with gender. While white women face gender discrimination, their whiteness shields them from oppression doled unto women of color. This changes the nature of the gender equality fight as Black women, Latina women, Indigenous women, Asian women, etc, face different barriers and increased (and often sexualized) violence. Recognizing these differences, as well as the prevalence of racism within white feminism movements, is important.

#12. Mental health

Mental health and mental illnesses are complex, but there do seem to be differences when it comes to gender. Women are more likely to report depression and anxiety, although men could be hiding their mental health struggles due to societal biases about masculinity. Women are more likely to attempt suicide while men are four times more likely (in the United States) to successfully end their own lives. This could be because men tend to choose more violent, lethal methods. Researchers are still untangling the mysteries about mental health, but it’s clear gender plays a role.

#13. Online radicalization

In the past decade or so, several young men have carried out mass shootings. Many of them have something in common: they were radicalized online. Experts are raising the alarm about these toxic online spaces, which target lonely men and boys as young as middle school. Organized networks of anti-feminist, racist influencers congregate where they know boys hang out (like gaming websites) and seed hateful, violent rhetoric and beliefs. Algorithms also play a role in pulling young men deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole. Parents, educators, and schools need to learn to recognize warning signs and intervene before beliefs turn into violence.

#14. Climate change

change affects men and women differently. In areas where climate change’s effects are most powerful, women are usually the ones who collect food, water, and fuel. If male family members need to leave home for work, women and girls take on even more unpaid labor, which is made more difficult by climate change. According to recent forecasts, 62.8% of the world’s poorest women live in sub-Saharan Africa, which is also the region most vulnerable to climate change. While climate change doesn’t discriminate based on gender, its effects are not proportionate. Gender equality is key to fighting climate change.

#15. Discriminatory laws

Many of the world’s gender issues have roots in the law. According to the World Bank’s Women, Business, and the Law report, on average women get about ¾ of the same legal rights as men. The report uses eight indicators to measure women’s “interactions with the law” throughout their careers: Mobility, Workplace, Pay, Marriage, Parenthood, Entrepreneurship, Assets, and Pension. There’s been some progress as 23 economies made reforms. However, 46 economies still don’t have legislation on sexual harassment in the workplace. 89 economies also need legal reforms to improve women’s agency and decision-making within marriage. Laws aren’t a magic bullet, but they’re an essential foundation for better gender equality

The post 15 Gender Issues We Must Address  appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Asian states have ratified a variety of international human rights conventions. Nevertheless, human rights abuses and violations are common. People and refugees are facing arbitrary detention, torture and enforced disappearance. Beside learning about human rights from world-class lecturers, studying with a regional focus comes with many unique perks and invaluable experiences. Here are 6 human rights law schools in Asia for you to consider:

University of Hong Kong – Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong

Master of Laws (LL.M) in Human Rights Programme

The University of Hong Kong established its Master of Laws in Human Rights Programme in 1999 in order to focus on international human rights issues, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. As an interdisciplinary programme, students are required to draw upon other disciplines such as history, politics, philosophy and sociology to ensure human rights law is understood in context. By the end of the programme, students will have learned to understand the international human rights legal framework, reflect on human rights challenges from global, regional and domestic perspectives and apply their knowledge to advocate for real change. Teachers include renowned experts in the field from around the world including eminent scholars, judges, United Nations (UN) human rights mandate holders, and heads of non-governmental organisations.

Soochow University – Taipei, Taiwan

Master Degree in Human Rights Program

As the only human rights master degree offered in Taiwan, the Master Degree in Human Rights Program aims to deepen the education and research of international human rights and train students to apply their knowledge to the real world. Students are required to complete 24 credits of coursework focusing on “human rights philosophy topics”, “special topics and research on history of human rights thinking” and “special topics on international human rights law”, alongside a thesis and internship in the field of human rights. To complement the human rights education, Soochow University hosts several seminars and human rights weeks every year to exchange information with international scholars.

Mahidol University – Phutthamonthon, Thailand

Asia Pacific Master of Arts in Human Rights and Democratisation (APMA)

The Asia Pacific Master of Arts in Human Rights and Democratisation (APMA) is a 12-month interdisciplinary graduate program jointly offered by the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies of Mahidol University (Thailand), Ateneo de Manila University (Philippines, Kathmandu School of Law (Nepal), University of Colombo (Sri Lanka), and Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia). The program is designed for students who seek a deeper understanding of regional and global human rights issues and the promotion of democracy, peace and development in the Asia Pacific.

By the end of the program, students will have excellent knowledge of theory and practice of the promotion and protection of human rights and democratization, the ability to undertake independent scholarly research on human rights and democratization issues in the Asia Pacific and apply their knowledge of human rights in real situations.

Students will study at Mahidol University for their first and second semesters and will later proceed to study at their chosen partner university (Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines, Kathmandu School of Law in Nepal, University of Colombo in Sri Lanka, or Universitas Gadjah Madah in Indonesia) where they take their remaining classes.

Paññasastra University of Cambodia – Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Master’s Programmes in International Human Rights Law, Faculty of Law and Public Affairs

The Master’s Programmes in International Human Rights Law is offered by the Faculty of Law and Public Affairs at Paññasastra University of Cambodia (PUC-FLPA). Offered in English, it is an international level programme that draws on the academic and practitioner strengths of the Faculty as well as the extensive number of human rights experts associated with Paññasastra University of Cambodia (PUC). Since 2014, the Master’s Programmes
in International Human Rights Law is offered with support from the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI), an independent academic institution affiliated with Lund University in Sweden.

By the end of the program, students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of international and regional human rights, with a focus on the Asia Pacific region, hold high level competency in research, writing, critical thinking and analysis, advocacy, legal reasoning and problem-solving and utilize their knowledge and competency to help promote and protect human rights.

University of Jember – Jember, Indonesia

Master Program in Human Rights (MA/LLM)

The Master Program in Human Rights (MA/LLM) is a program offered by the University of Jember’s Centre for Human Rights, Multiculturalism and Migration and aims to promote the research of human rights. To advance the advocacy and research of human rights, the Centre for Human Rights, Multiculturalism and Migration conducts annual conferences, inviting world-renowned professors, practitioners and policymakers and publish scholarly articles in the Journal of Southeast Asian Human Rights.

Hitotsubashi University – Tokyo, Japan

Democracy and Human Rights Program, Institute for Global Governance Research

The Institute for Global Governance Research of Hitotsubashi University offers its graduate democracy and human rights program, which aims to promote a deeper understanding of the current state of the liberal international order through research on the global situation of democratic and human rights norms and institutions. The program trains students to craft policy proposals that contribute to the maintenance of the liberal international order and research and defend liberal values.

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Environmental justice has become a more mainstream concept due to worsening climate change, but it has a long history. What is it, exactly? In brief, environmental justice is achieved when everyone – regardless of race, ethnicity, income, etc – is equally involved and considered when environmental laws and policies are developed. The UNDP gives a more detailed definition in a 2014 report. Environmental justice is “a mechanism of accountability for the protection of rights and the prevention and punishment of wrongs related to the disproportionate impacts of growth on the poor and vulnerable in society from rising pollution and degradation of ecosystem services, and from inequitable access to and benefits from the use of natural assets and extractive resources.”

Many careers center on the different aspects of this definition, such as protecting rights, punishing wrongs, and working for equitable access. In this short guide, we’ll give a history of environmental justice, describe what kinds of jobs are available, and explain what qualifications you’ll need.

A brief history of the environmental justice movement

The environmental justice movement began in the United States. In the late 1970s, residents of a Black middle-class neighborhood in Houston learned that Texas planned to put a solid-waste facility in the community. Robert Bullard, a sociologist, discovered that Black neighborhoods were home to 14 of the city’s 17 industrial waste sites. These findings were the first to show that infrastructure that harmed the environment was more likely to end up where minority populations lived. In 1987, a study found this was true nationwide: race was the best predictor of whether someone’s home would be near a toxic waste site.

Environmental justice has since gone global. The need for it is clear. Vulnerable groups everywhere are disproportionately affected by the environmental impacts of mining, oil extraction, dam construction, toxic waste disposal, and more. Many of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (such as affordable and clean energy, clean water and sanitation, climate action, and good health) align with the goals of environmental justice. For those passionate about human rights, sustainability, and making the world a better, safer place to live, environmental justice is a great field to go into.

Examples of jobs in environmental justice

Environmental justice is an interdisciplinary field that includes law, political science, economics, public health, urban geography, geoscience, and more. Here are some specific jobs that fit within the field:

Sustainability manager

Sustainability managers focus on how to make organizations (like corporations) more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly. Their responsibilities include researching and developing environmentally-friendly policies and initiatives, enforcing these policies, and making sure the organization is complying with industry regulations and laws. Because “manager” is a leadership role, you will most likely need a master’s degree. Many universities are offering MBAs in sustainable management or relevant fields. According to ZipRecruiter, sustainability managers in the United States make around $82,000/year on average. Salaries can go as high as $128,500 or as low as $51,500.

Environmental lawyer

Because environmental law is so complex, lawyers wanting to work in environmental justice need to specialize in it. Environmental lawyers work in legal areas like water law, climate change law, clean technology, public land management, and so on. They often work for federal agencies defending the government from accusations of environmental harm, but for lawyers who want to focus on environmental justice, there are nonprofit groups and environmental justice coalitions. Environmental lawyers can also work in private practice. According to Comparably, environmental lawyers in the US make an average of $181,586 a year. The middle 57% makes between $168,699 and $378,751.

Geoscientist

Geoscientists specialize in the earth and its natural resources. They study the earth’s structure and physical aspects like metals, petroleum, groundwater, and more. Most geoscientists focus on areas like engineering and environmental sciences. Oil and gas extraction companies employ the most geoscientists. Engineering firms, management consulting firms, scientific firms, and technical consultants also hire geoscientists. On the environmental justice side, geoscientists often work with other environmental specialists on cleaning projects. According to Zippia, geoscientists in the US make an average annual salary of $92,000. Salaries go as high as $151,000 and as low as $56,000.

Hydrologist

Hydrologists study water. They research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of both surface and underground water. Along with other scientists and environmentalists, they work to preserve clean water and find more groundwater sources. They collect surface water, monitor and process hydrologic data, conduct studies on watershed and stormwater, and assess water safety. Most hydrologists are employed by federal and state governments. According to the 2021 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, hydrologists earn a median salary of $84,030. Salaries can go as high as $135,170 and as low as $51,120.

Conservation scientist

Conversation scientists manage the land quality of places like parks, forests, and rangelands. They work closely with landowners and governments. Responsibilities can include supervising other conservation workers, evaluating data on forest and soil quality, assessing damage after fires and storms, developing forest management plans, and negotiating terms for land-use contracts. Conservation scientists mostly work for local, state, and federal government agencies. According to CareerExplorer, this role pays an average annual salary of $64,020 in the United States. Scientists can make up to $100,350 or as little as $39,230.

Agricultural engineer

Agricultural engineers can specialize in a handful of areas, but this job typically focuses on the science of food and farming. Many design and test agricultural machinery. Others design food storage structures, food processing plants, and housing for livestock. Agricultural engineers can also focus on water quality and pollution projects, land reclamation projects, or agricultural waste-to-energy projects. As climate-driven food insecurity worries the world, agricultural engineers are in demand. They work with the government, food manufacturing corporations, and agriculture machinery manufacturing organizations. According to Salary.com, agricultural engineers in the US make an average of $72,332/year. Salary can go as high as $105,194 and as low as $44, 734.

Environmental justice organizations

Where can you find jobs focusing on environmental justice? In our list above, state and federal governments are common employers for people specializing in areas like water, soil, and land management. There are many non-governmental organizations to consider, too. Here are some examples:

SolarAid

This international development charity focuses on Sustainable Development Goal 7, which calls for access to “affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.” SolarAid owns the social enterprise, SunnyMoney, which is the largest seller of solar lights in Africa. The charity’s goal is to power every home, school, and clinic in Africa by 2030 with solar power.

TreePeople

TreePeople is an educational and training environmental advocacy organization. Based in Los Angeles, California, the organization supports and advocates for sustainable urban ecosystems. The group also promotes urban watershed management, green infrastructure, and water conversation.

Climate Justice Alliance

CJA is a non-governmental collective of 70+ rural and urban community organizations. Its areas of focus include sustainability, economic development, poverty alleviation, and race and ethnicity. The alliance’s overall goal is to stop climate change.

Reef Check

Reef Check is an international NGO committed to conserving tropical coral reefs and California rocky reefs. Based in California, the group uses data from volunteer scuba diver teams. According to Reef Check’s website in 2022, their EcoDiver teams work on the Tropical Program in 102 countries.

How do you start working in environmental justice?

Nearly all environmental justice jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree. What degree works best depends on what field you want to go into. A hopeful environmental lawyer will want a different undergrad degree than a potential geoscientist. For master’s degrees, there are universities offering specific programs in environmental justice or aligned with environmental justice. Lancaster University has an MSc in Environment and Development and an MA in Political Ecology. The University of Leeds has an MSc in Sustainable Cities. The University of Strathclyde’s Department of Law offers an LLM, PGDip, and PGCert in Global Environment Law & Governance.

Once you have an education, you’ll want to build as much relevant experience as you can. Landing a “green” internship is often a difficult achievement, so don’t be too discouraged if you can’t find something that fits exactly what you’re looking for. To start, make a list of organizations working in the field you’re interested in and apply for any internships they’re offering (assuming you’re eligible). Even if the internship isn’t especially relevant to what you want to end up doing, you’re working with a relevant organization. You can also gain experience through volunteering.

Another way to develop your skills an knowledge are online courses. A variety of universities offer courses in environmental justice and related topics.

Skills you’ll need to work in environmental justice

With the increasing need for more sustainable, environmentally-friendly systems and economies, environmental justice jobs and “green” jobs are becoming more essential than ever. Besides a good education and experience, employers want job candidates to possess certain skills. You’ll no doubt be familiar with many of them – good communication, an ability to work in a team, etc – but environmental justice is a unique field where some skills are especially valuable.

Many environmental justice jobs involve science and data analysis, so you’ll want to sharpen your skills in these areas. According to a World Economic Forum blog on green jobs of the future, the future “green economy” will depend on workers with strong backgrounds in science. Employers are also looking for workers with architectural and planning skills, green engineering skills, and knowledge of green technology like solar panels and wind turbines. You’ll also want a deep knowledge of environmental regulations, policies, and laws, as well as expertise in the intersection of the environment and human rights.

The post Environmental Justice Jobs: Our Short Guide appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Law is one of the key enforcement mechanisms for human rights. Lawyers focused on human rights can work with individuals, groups, intergovernmental organizations, international courts, and more. To build a career in human rights law, you must first specialize in the field. Here are ten human rights law schools based in the United States:

UVA Law

Charlottesville, VA
Human Rights Program/International Human Rights Law Clinic

With UVA Law’s Human Rights Program, faculty members, student groups, and other departments coordinate speakers, summer and postgraduate employment, and more. The International Human Rights Law Clinic is at the program’s heart. Human rights lawyers, NGOs in the US, and international NGOs provide Clinic students experience and knowledge in areas like gender equality and sports; reparations; migrant rights; indigenous rights; transitional justice; and much more.

Students at the Clinic have worked on projects like the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women. They participated in organizing a round table with US gender and rights advocates, drafting a briefing paper, coordinating and editing five civil society briefing papers, and contributing to the special rapporteur’s 2013 thematic report.

St. Thomas College of Law

Miami Gardens, FL
Human Rights Institute/Master of Laws in Intracultural Human Rights

The St. Thomas University Human Rights Institute promotes human rights through research and education, social advocacy, and direct services. For the last decade, the Institute has researched areas like economic micro-development, refugee services, social services, and more. In 2021, the College of Law announced the Benjamin L. Crump Center for Social Justice, which will train the next generation of what the press release describes as “social justice engineers.”

St. Thomas College of Law also offers a unique LL.M. program focused on the protection of human rights. Lawyers, teachers, human rights activists, government officials, and others join the program led by faculty from the United Nations and other centers of scholarship. In the program, students learn the major theories, practices, and essential concepts in international human rights law. They also gain experience in research and advocacy. Honor graduates are eligible to apply for the Doctor of Science of Law program in Intracultural Human Rights.

Fordham University, School of Law

New York, NY
International Human Rights Clinic/LL.M. in International Law and Justice

Fordham University is home to The Walter Leitner International Human Rights Clinic, founded and led by Professor Chi Adanna Mgbako, a human rights scholar and advocate. The Clinic includes human rights training, legal and policy analysis, public interest lawsuits, and more. In collaboration with grassroots justice organizations, the Clinic focuses on projects such as women’s rights and gender justice, sex worker rights, and LGBTQ rights.

Fordham University also offers an LL.M. program in International Law and Justice, which was created with support from the human rights Clinic. Students gain a deep understanding of human rights protection and promotion. Each student must take 24 credits of approved courses, including 12 credits of Specialization Distribution Courses.

Georgetown University Law

Washington, D.C.
Human Rights Institution (HRI)

The HRI at Georgetown Law is one of the country’s leading teaching and training institutions for human rights. Every year, it partners with students to decide on the focus of the Fact-Finding Project’s Work, which looks at human rights violations and recommends policy changes and legislation. Georgetown Law provides other opportunities for students to research and engage in human rights. There are clinical programs on issues like immigration law and policy. Graduate students can earn qualifications in Refugees and Humanitarian Emergencies or International Human Rights.

There are many human rights courses to choose from, including smaller seminars, clinics, practicums, and lecture-style courses. J.D. students can also pursue clinical programs like the International Women’s Human Rights Clinic, the policy Clinic at the Harrison Institute for Public Law, and the Civil Rights Clinic.

Columbia Law School

New York, NY
The Human Rights Institute/Social Justice and Human Rights

The Human Rights Institute at Columbia Law School is the center of human rights scholarship at the school. Established in 1998, the institute and Human Rights Clinic has deep roots in Human Rights in the United States; Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights; and Human Rights and the Global Economy. Students gain research and practical experience working initiatives and cases with both the school’s faculty and human rights organizations.

Students can also choose Social Justice and Human Rights as their area of study. There are summer funding opportunities, post-graduate fellowships, advanced seminars, human rights fellowships for LL.M. students, clinics, and more. Faculty and alumni from Columbia Law have gone on to organizations like the United Nations, Amnesty International, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

Yale Law School

New Haven, CT
The Schell Center/Human Rights Law Clinic

Established in 1989, the Schell Center coordinates a program of human rights activities for students and scholars at Yale, including panels and lectures, a weekly Human Rights Workshop, summer and post-graduate fellowships, and guidance to students on human rights research and career opportunities. The Schell Center also supports the Multidisciplinary Academic Program in Human Rights, which provides undergraduates with an interdisciplinary perspective on human rights study.

Yale is also home to the Allard K. Lowenstein International Human Rights Law Clinic. This course gives students practical experience, the knowledge and skills needed for human rights lawyers, and the opportunity to contribute to human rights protection. Each year, students in the Clinic earn three credits for practical work on human rights issues, which is usually through collaborating with an NGO.

Harvard Law School

Cambridge, MA
The Human Rights Program/International Human Rights Clinic

Founded in 1984, the Human Rights Program helps scholars, advocates, and students expand their knowledge of human rights. Activities include summer and post-graduate fellowships and opportunities for experiential learning. In partnership with student organizations – like the Harvard Human Rights Journal – the program examines human rights issues. The program also supports students working on research projects with human rights organizations.

Harvard Law’s Human Rights Program works closely with the International Human Rights Clinic. Through supervised instruction, students learn about human rights activism and how to protect human rights. Students work in small project teams to strengthen their advocacy and ethical skills. The Clinic is held in the Fall and Spring semesters.

University of California Berkeley School of Law

Berkeley, CA
The Human Rights Center/The International Human Rights Clinic

The Human Rights Center at Berkeley School of Law researches war crimes and other human rights and international humanitarian law violations. The Center works to protect human rights, hold perpetrators accountable, and train students to research, investigate, and document violations. Opportunities for students include the Investigations Lab, the first university-based open source lab finding and verifying human rights violations. Students work in teams to find, verify, and analyze information found on social media. There’s also a series of human rights courses supported by the Center and a student fellowship program.

The International Human Rights Law Clinic works closely with the Center. The Clinic focuses on four areas: the promotion of human rights in the US; economic, social, and cultural rights; counter-terrorism and human rights; and accountability and transitional justice. Students develop innovative solutions and work on a variety of human rights projects.

CUNY School of Law

Long Island City, NY
Justice Centers/Clinics

CUNY School of Law has many opportunities for students studying human rights. Their Justice Centers support intersectional approaches to human rights issues, law and policy, and transformative justice. Students, faculty, and community partners collaborate on the work. There are three Justice Centers: the Center on Latinx Rights and Equality; the Center for Urban Environmental Reform; and the Sorensen Center for International Peace and Justice.

CUNY is the #1 clinical program in the nation with a series of experiential learning clinics focused on experience and essential skills. The Human Rights and Gender Justice Clinic engages students (under close supervision) with projects and human rights practice education. Other clinics include the Disability & Aging Justice Clinic, the Equality & Justice Clinic, and the Workers Rights Clinic.

Stanford Law School

Stanford, CA
Stanford Human Rights Center / Law and Policy Lab

Established in 2013, the Stanford Human Rights Center focuses on public policy analysis, identifying international best practices, detention conditions, and the inter-American human rights center. On campus, it promotes events, student engagement, and public understanding of human rights. The Center also works closely with Stanford’s International Human Rights and Conflict Resolution Clinic. At the time of this article’s writing, the Clinic was inactive as it looked for its next Director.

At the Law and Policy Labs, students work under the guidance of faculty advisors on real-world problems. The labs serve real clients on law and policy issues including education, governance and transparency, energy and the environment, and more. First-year courses examine basic legal doctrines while advanced courses examine policy.

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In an equal world, everyone has equal opportunities to survive and thrive. No one faces discrimination or unjust barriers to happiness and fulfillment. While there’s been progress in some areas, humanity is still a long way from equality. Why should we keep trying? Here are ten reasons why equality is important:

#1. Equality reduces poverty

In 2015, 10% of the world lived on less than $1.90 a day. Over the next few years, poverty declined, but the COVID-19 pandemic brought an additional 100 million into poverty. Women, who were already suffering from high rates of poverty, were especially affected. According to info from UN Women, the poverty gap between women and men is widest between 25-34 years old. Living with children is a factor and women are more likely than men to live in households with children. By identifying and addressing the causes of this gender disparity, the world could again begin to reduce poverty rates.

#2. Equality leads to healthier communities

A person’s location, income, sexuality, gender, and race all play a part in the healthcare they can access. Why? These are traits that are often discriminated against. HealthyPeople.gov cites research identifying individual and structural discrimination as a possible harm to certain groups. Discrimination based on race is linked to health issues like high blood pressure, low birth weight, and general poor health status. If discrimination – both individual and structural – ended and everyone could access healthcare equally, communities would be healthier. Equality affecting other social health determinants (like education and economic stability) would also improve society’s health.

#3. Equality extends peoples’ lives

Research consistently shows that in more unequal societies, life expectancy is worse. In one 2020 study analyzing Brazil, Ethiopia, and the United States, researchers examined the connection between national income and a country’s life expectancy. The study showed a link between inequality and lower life expectancies in the United States. Meanwhile, in Brazil and Ethiopia, gains in areas like gender equality increased life expectancies more than what was expected based on the national income. If a country wants to increase its population’s lifespans, equality should be a priority.

#4. Equality can reduce violence

In urban areas, violence tends to concentrate in specific places. What determines where these areas are? According to the World Economic Forum, it’s higher levels of income inequality and “concentrated disadvantage.” Racial and gender inequalities are also linked to higher exposures to violence. Neighborhoods surrounding these areas often experience residual violence. To reduce violence, inequalities must be addressed. That means identifying where the inequalities lie. Education access, job access, access to reproductive health, and political representation are common sources of inequality.

#5. Equality improves education

Access to education is a human right, but it’s an area where significant disparities remain. Consider the United States. In 2018, the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that Black students, students with disabilities, and boys were disproportionately disciplined, which included expulsions and suspensions. Research also found that during high school, students living in high-poverty areas had less access to college-prep courses. The highest poverty schools were 80% Black or Hispanic. These are just two examples of inequalities in the US educational system. Addressing inequalities would give students access to much better education and a better chance at success in life.

#6. Equality would improve disability rights

Individuals and institutions treat people with disabilities – either visible or “invisible” – differently than those without disabilities. 15% of the global population has a disability, making this group the most marginalized group in the world. Prioritizing equality would mean inclusion for over 1 billion individuals. That means removing barriers and enforcing protections. People with disabilities would then get equal access to everything from education to healthcare to good jobs.

#7. Equality is good for the economy

Discrimination against certain groups always has an economic impact, both for the groups themselves and the economy at large. In 2020, Citigroup conducted a study examining the economic impact of racism against Black Americans. They highlighted four gaps: loss in potential business revenue because of discriminatory lending to Black entrepreneurs; income loss because of wage disparities; discrimination in housing credit; and lifetime income loss from discrimination in higher education access. The total lost GDP? $16 trillion. Similar studies support the bank’s findings that racial inequality hurts the economy.

#8. Equality addresses unfair justice systems

Criminal justice systems are hotbeds for inequality. In the United States, Black Americans are imprisoned in state prisons at almost 5 times the rate of white Americans. Research shows this is not a fair or justifiable disparity. As an example, an investigation examining hundreds of thousands of arrest records and federal drug convictions found that Black people were arrested more frequently – and punished more severely – than white people for drug crimes, despite the fact the two racial groups use drugs at the same rate. To reduce inequality in the justice system, America needs to take steps like reforming the sentencing system, creating better support for former prisoners, and creating better crime prevention programs.

#9. Equality is reached through equity

Equality and equity are often used interchangeably, but equity leads to equality. Take our example of disability rights. People with disabilities require different resources than those without disabilities. This doesn’t look “equal,” but the distribution of resources to those who need them most results in an equal playing field. Without equity, the equal distribution of resources only maintains inequality.

#10. Equality matters to human rights

Human rights can’t truly flourish in an unequal world. Where there’s inequality, there are always issues threatening human rights in forms like gender discrimination, disability discrimination, or poverty. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” The word “equal” (or “equality” or “equally”) appears in the document 13 times. To create a world where the promise of human rights is fulfilled, the world must commit to tackling inequality.

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This master program is taught by some of the leading experts who apply political perspectives, legal theory and research development in the analysis of human rights and human development. The courses examine some of the most critical global issues in the current century through a combination of insights of international law, politics, and development studies.

The MA in Development and Human Rights offered by the Swansea University is a unique program that differs from traditional LLM Human Rights programs since it is interdisciplinary in nature and designed to provide both academic and professional training.  During the program students complete six 20 credit modules in Part 1 of the program before completing a 60 credit dissertation project in Part 2. Out of 6 modules, 4 are compulsory and include international human rights law, rights based approaches to development, human rights and humanitarian intervention, and conceptual issues in the social sciences. Students also have an option to complete 2 additional modules and choose from a range of options based on their interests.

Upon graduating from this master program, students are well placed to enter professional employment and work in national public sectors, foreign or aid ministries, humanitarian organizations, including inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Admission requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in any background, normally a 2:2 with a minimum of 55% overall
• English language proficiency certificate

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The LLM (which is an abbreviation of Legum Magister or Masters of Laws) is a postgraduate law degree. Students and professionals often earn an LLM to specialize in a specific field, like human rights. With this degree, a person can show law firms they have advanced legal training and can work in many legal environments. With a specialization in human rights, a lawyer can work on social justice issues, challenge structures that aren’t enforcing human rights law, and protect the rights of the vulnerable. Here are 5 LLM human rights programs you can obtain online:

LLM International Human Rights Law

The University of Law

This postgraduate online degree focuses on building a student’s in-depth knowledge of the subject and how international law protects human rights. It covers topics like the general principles of international human rights law, the connection between humanitarian and human rights law, and the challenges and future of international and domestic human rights. Full-time, the program takes 12 months. Part-time takes 21 months. Modules are assessed by a 3-hour written exam (which must be taken at one of the UK campuses or approved overseas center) or a written coursework assignment. A 15,000-word thesis is also required.

To apply, students need a UK undergraduate degree (any subject) at 2:2 or above, or an equivalent qualification. Proven English proficiency is needed, as well.

LLM with a specialization in human rights

University of London

The University of London is known for its research and teaching on human rights law. The LLM program consists of 16 modules from 4 courses. Each module takes about 115 hours. To earn the human rights specialization, you need to complete 12 modules (three complete courses) from that specialization. The specialization prepares students to work with government, inter-government, and corporate organizations on issues like human rights, immigration, women’s rights, and more.

The program can be completed within 1-5 years depending on your schedule. Courses include the International Rights of the Child; Medical Law and Ethics; The European Convention on Human Rights; and the United Nations Protections of Human Rights. Each module ends with a written exam. There are no oral exams or dissertations required. To apply, you must have a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) where 50% of the units taken were law-related. You can also be admitted with an advanced law degree or admission into legal practice by a governing organization. English proficiency is required.

LLM in Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

Aberystwyth University

This distance learning degree has students examine traditional human rights and humanitarian law subjects and new issues, like the regulation of international society. Studies cover the local, national, and international complexities. The program balances an academic approach with practical concerns. Students gain expertise in human rights with this mixture of practical and theoretical studies, as well as exposure to a wide range of human rights and humanitarian law subjects. Modules are subject to change but include topics like Contemporary Issues In Food Policy and Law, Law and Gender, and International Criminal Law. Assessment involves coursework essays (120 credits) and a 60-credit dissertation on a chosen topic.

To apply, students must have a 2:2 Bachelors (Honours) or an equivalent in law or related social science degree. English proficiency is also required (IELTS 6.5 with a minimum 5.5 in each component or an equivalent). The program takes between 2-5 years.

LLM in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

American University Washington College of Law

In 2015, this LLM became the first hybrid program of its kind with virtual and on-residence courses in Washington, D.C. You also have the option to study in-residence and online only. Students learn practical knowledge from experts in the field, including judges and presidents from international and regional courts, UN special rapporteurs, members of UN human rights committees, and civil society leaders. Virtual courses consist of 2-hour live classes with discussions. Course examples include Advanced Human Rights and Asylum and Refugee Law. To complete the LLM, students need 24 credit hours: 12 in specialized courses, 6 externship credits, and 6 independent studies credits.

To apply, students must have a JD from a US law school accredited by the American Bar Association or a first degree in law from an equivalent foreign law school. International applicants must meet an English Language Proficiency Requirement, as well.

LLM in Transnational Crime and Justice

United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute

This LLM organized by UNICRI and the University for Peace teaches professionals and university graduates about international law, transnational crimes and transitional justice, humanitarian law, and international human rights law. Students will gain expertise in the theoretical and practical aspects of the subjects; unique insights into the UN and other organizations; and an understanding of how international criminal tribunals and courts work. There’s a distance learning phase and a residential phase at the UN Campus in Turin, Italy. During the Graduation Project at the end of the residential phase, students take part in a Moot Court simulation.

To apply, students must have at least a 3-year university degree in law, political science, social sciences, international relations, criminology, or a relevant academic subject. Full proficiency in English is required.

Explore more human rights masters here.

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An LLM in human rights is an internationally recognized advanced law degree that focuses on the laws that protect and guarantee human rights at the local, national, regional, and international levels. Programs are often offered by universities that have established human rights research centers on their campus. In addition to providing educational opportunities, many programs also include mandatory or optional internships with non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations.

What you’ll learn in a LL.M. in Human Rights Law

Students in LLM human rights programs can expect to learn about a variety of legal fields, including human rights law, international law, humanitarian law, international criminal law, and refugee law. Moreover, they will learn about international courts, human rights protection mechanisms and the functioning of international organizations. Schools may have a particular regional or topical focus or offer a broad introduction to human rights law.

How much does an LLM in Human Rights Law cost?

The cost of LLM programs varies from university to university. Often, students can receive financial aid, scholarships, fellowships, grants and loans to offset the costs. Generally, costs are in the range between 10,000 and 20,000 USD in Europe and can reach more than 50,000 USD in the USA. Fees for programs often depend on your status e.g. whether or not you are a domestic or international student. In addition, some LLM programs require students to pay a fee for their application.

What are the career prospects for graduates of an LLM in human rights program?

Graduates of LLM in human rights degree programs often work for international law firms focused on human rights. Moreover, they may find employment with non-governmental organizations such as Oxfam and Amnesty International, advocacy groups, the United Nations (UN), and other international organizations or human rights entities including human rights courts. There are plenty of options available for LLM graduates.

12 LL.M. Human Rights Programs for Your Consideration

You can find LLM human rights programs all over the world, but many of the best programs are based in the United States, the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Students often prefer schools that are located near The Hague, Geneva, Washington, D.C., New York City or London, as these are areas where human rights entities and organizations are headquartered.

Let’s take a look at some top universities where you can study a human rights LL.M.

#1 University of Law (United Kingdom)

LLM International Human Rights – Full-time

Key information
University	University of Law
Country	United Kingdom
Learning mode	Online, On-Campus
Pace	Full-time, Part-time
Duration	12 to 24 months
Tuition fee	£9,200 (Domestic), £12,360 (Non-Domestic)
Application deadline(s)	September
Funding	Scholarships and Bursaries
Official Website	Click here

The University of Law (ULAW) is UK’s largest law school. Founded in 1876, ULAW is among the top universities to study a LLM in International Human Rights Law globally. The curriculum of the LLM focuses on international human rights law, human rights protection and includes practical training on human rights advocacy, international criminal law and dispute resolution. Moreover, the masters programme offers a comprehensive module on research methods. The LLM in International Human Rights Law opens up a variety of career paths for those who want to become human rights lawyers, researchers or advocates.

The LLM is offered in a full-time (12 months) and part-time (21 months) track and accepts students from legal and non-legal backgrounds. Students from non-legal backgrounds are required to do an additional entry exam. Students can choose to study on-campus or online. University of Law offers a range of funding options for prospective students, including scholarships, bursaries and student loans.

The university of Law has nine campuses all over the UK, including in Birmingham, Bristol, Chester, Guildford, Leeds, London, Manchester, Nottingham and Sheffield, as well as an international branch in Hong Kong.

#2 Columbia University (United States)

General LLM with specialization in Social Justice and Human Rights

Key information
University	Columbia University
Country	United States
Learning mode	On-Campus
Pace	Full-time
Duration	10 months
Tuition fee	$82,467
Application deadline(s)	September
Funding	Scholarships and Fellowships
Official Website	Click here

Open to lawyers from around the world, Columbia University is offering a general LLM programme where students can choose from various specializations, including social justice and human rights. For this programme a limited amount of scholarships is available for outstanding students. If you would like to be considered for financial aid, the submission of a Fellowship essay is required upon application.

In the first part of the programme you will receive an Introduction to American Law and develop your skills in legal and research writing. Moreover, you will attend introductory programs on career development where you can explore careers in the private sector, social justice and the office of Judical Clerkships.

Students are required to pay $85 for application.

#3 Geneva Academy (Switzerland)

LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights

Key information
University	Geneva Academy
Country	Switzerland
Learning mode	On-Campus
Pace	Full-time
Duration	12 months
Tuition fee	CHF 18,000 (≈ 18,700 USD)
Application deadline(s)	November
Funding	Scholarships and Bursaries
Official Website	Click here

The Geneva Academy offers both full and partial scholarships for its LLM program in Human Rights. Full scholarships cover the cost of tuition and living expenses in Geneva for ten months. This is a one-year postgraduate degree and one of the most innovative LLM programs in international human rights law in Europe. Students are presented with intellectually challenging material on some of the most essential human rights issues of the day.

The program provides practical training in both international humanitarian law and human rights law, as well as international criminal law, and highlights the ways all three affect each. Faculty includes renowned institutions and human rights entities, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

While core classes offer a firm foundation in a variety of legal areas concerning human rights, students can tailor their program to a specific interest. Examples of these interests include armed non-state actors, the regulations concerning international courts or tribunals, and counter-terrorism.

#4 Leiden University (The Netherlands)

LL.M. in European and International Human Rights Law

Key information
University	Leiden University
Country	The Netherlands
Learning mode	On-Campus
Pace	Full-time, Part-time
Duration	12-24 months
Tuition fee	€19,300 (Full-time), €9,650 (Part-time)
Application deadline(s)	Before September
Funding	Scholarships and Bursaries
Official Website	Click here

University of Leiden in The Netherlands offers a LLM in European and International Human Rights Law. The programme is offered in a full-time and part-time version and costs €19,300 (Full-time) or €9,650 (Part-time)

The master is specialised on the comparison of human rights protection systems in Europe and around the world. You will study international law in action and also explore different strategies for the promotion of human rights. The master aims to turn students into effective advocates for promoting the basic rights and fundamental freedoms that are inherent to all human beings.

The lectures and workshops during the study are taught by in-house academic staff and by renowned human rights experts working for the UN, the EU, NGOs or other organisations. The LLM includes a study trip to Strasbourg and Geneva to experience international courts first-hand.

#5 Queen Mary University (United Kingdom)

Human Rights Law LLM

Key information
University	Queen Mary University
Country	United Kingdom
Learning mode	On-Campus
Pace	Full-time, Part-time
Duration	12-24 months
Tuition fee	£17,250 and £26,250
Application deadline(s)	Before September
Funding	Scholarships and Bursaries
Official Website	Click here

Queen Mary’s program is the first association between a graduate school and a non-governmental organization. It’s designed to offer cutting-edge theory to students pursuing scholarship in human rights. Tuition costs between £17,250 and £26,250. The School of Law at Queen Mary offers a range of funding opportunities (scholarships and studentships) for postgraduate study.

The program focuses on issues that are currently at the forefront of the world stage. These issues include international women’s rights, socio-economic rights and issues, the rights of children, and the rights of other just as vulnerable groups based on economic status, culture, language, and other areas.

It’s one of the top ten law schools in the UK, and many of the staff are nationally recognized experts, both in law and NGO experts in socio-cultural theory. The law center also offers specialized training in critical thinking and writing to give you the skills necessary to write effective briefs and hone your academic, legal writing skills. You’ll also have access to some of the best databases and brick and mortar libraries in the world to do your research. The law center is located within walking distance to many law firms and the University of London Library at Senate House.

#6 University of Dundee (Scotland)

Business and Human Rights LLM

Key information
University	University of Dundee
Country	Scotland
Learning mode	On-Campus
Pace	Full-time
Duration	12 months
Tuition fee	£19,900 (International Students), £8,350 (England, Ukraine, Scotland)
Application deadline(s)	July for International Students / August for UK students
Funding	Scholarships and Bursaries
Official Website	Click here

The University of Dundee offers two full scholarships for students demonstrating honors level work in law and a commitment to work in human rights. The University of Dundee is one of the top-ranked law schools in Scotland and focuses on areas such as business and human rights, climate change and gig economy. Students can choose from optional modules in corporate governance, investment law and water law.

Classes are taught by staff members nationally ranked in their field and dedicated to their work. Students have a combination of classes, seminar, and research methods. Students also participate in legal research courses to hone vital academic research skills in this field, culminating in a written dissertation at the end.

Law students can apply for a global internship with Pagoda Projects to develop employability skills and gain valuable international work experience.

#7 American University (United States)

LL.M. in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

Key information
University	American University
Country	United States
Learning mode	On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Pace	Full-time
Duration	12 months
Tuition fee	$58,724
Application deadline(s)	May and October
Funding	Scholarships and Bursaries
Official Website	Click here

American University’s Washington College of Law offers many opportunities for LLM students to apply for full tuition funding and fellowships. It offers scholarship assistance to students showing aptitude for law and a dedication to the areas of human rights and advocacy.

The LLM program is a hybrid masters program with both onsite and online curriculum offerings, allowing students a wide range of flexibility to acquire their advanced degree. It’s offered in both English and Spanish, making it one of the most accessible LLM programs in international human rights law in the world.

The residential component of the degree is taught by experts from the Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian law during its summer intensive courses. These are specialized courses designed for an intensive introduction to the world of international human rights, and students are required to be available for two three-week sessions during the summer term.

The virtual courses are taught in live two-hour sessions in which students from around the world interact with the faculty and each other. Students participate in the coursework and benefit from working with their peers from around the world.

The faculty themselves are experts in the field and practicing lawyers in Human Rights and Humanitarian Law. They are essential contacts for future employment and include NGO members, international tribunal judges, and members of UN treaty bodies, among other experts.

Note: Online and hybrid students who receive the LL.M. in International Human Rights & Humanitarian Law will not be eligible to sit for the NY bar exam.

#8 University of Bristol Law School (United Kingdom)

LLM in Human Rights Law

Key information
University	University of Hong Kong
Country	Hong Kong
Learning mode	Hybrid
Pace	Full-time, Part-time
Duration	1-2 years
Tuition fee	£20,900 (overseas students) / £10,900 (UK students)
Application deadline(s)	July/August
Funding	Scholarships and Bursaries
Official Website	Click here

Ranking among the top 10 UK Law School’s, University of Bristol is offering a LL.M. in Human Rights Law that can be completed within 1-2 years. The curriculum of the programme is focused on learning about human rights frameworks and protection mechanisms at regional and global level. Moreover, the programme offers specalised modules on employment law, mental health, migration and other optional topics. The Master of Laws also aims to equip students with excellent legal, analytical and research skills.

Taught by leading academics from the Human Rights Implementation Centre, the LL.M. offers students the opportunity to participate in legal clinics to hone their practical skills. Alumni of the programme work as solicitors, barristers, lawyers and researchers in international and European organisations, such as the United Nations or the European Commission.

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 10% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study.

#9 University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)

Master of Laws in Human Rights

Key information
University	University of Hong Kong
Country	Hong Kong
Learning mode	Hybrid
Pace	Full-time, Part-time
Duration	12-24 months
Tuition fee	42,100 and 171,000 HK$ per year
Application deadline(s)	February
Funding	Scholarships and Bursaries
Official Website	Click here

The Master of Laws (LL.M) in Human Rights Programme was established in 1999 in response to the growing demand for knowledge about human rights in the Asia-Pacific region. The Programme focuses on human rights issues of global concern, including in the Asia-Pacific region, and aims to foster an active learning environment.

Lecturers of the programme include experts in the human rights sector from around the world including eminent scholars, judges, United Nations employees and directors of NGOs.

The programme attracts students from a broad range of backgrounds including lawyers, judges, human rights professionals working for international organizations, NGOs or institutions. Moreover, investigative journalists, human rights scholars, government officials and doctors are among the alumni of the Masters.

#10 Europa-Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Germany)

Master of International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law – LLM

Key information
University	University of Europa-Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder)
Country	Germany
Learning mode	Hybrid
Pace	Full-time, Part-time
Duration	12-24 months
Tuition fee	€ 6.100 for LL.M. Program (full- and part-time study)
Application deadline(s)	February
Funding	External Sources
Official Website	Click here

The Master of International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law aims to prepare students for careers in policy making, international, public and governmental service as well as public and private legal practice. Moreover, graduates of this programme work for non-governmental organizations or pursue an academic teaching or research career.

The programme is focused on human rights protection in the context of armed conflict. Many of its modules are designed to explore the linkages and occasionally contradictions of human rights law and international humanitarian law. In addition to developing theoretical knowledge, the master aims to equip students with reliable practical skills in the application of their theoretical knowledge.

Students will learn to apply international standards of protection in specific circumstances, in particular in international court proceedings and other institutional procedures, the investigation of facts, or conflict resolution.

#11 University of Edinburgh (Scotland)

LLM in Human Rights

Key information
University	University of Edinburgh
Country	Scotland
Learning mode	On-Campus
Pace	Full-time
Duration	12 months
Tuition fee	£14,400 (UK), £25,300 (International / EU)
Application deadline(s)	Every 3-4 months
Funding	Scholarships and Bursaries
Official Website	Click here

The LLM in Human Rights is designed to provide you with a theoretical and practical understanding of international human rights law in its broader political context, with a particular emphasis on human rights in times of transition, including conflict situations or other political and societal movements.

You will have the opportunity to not only explore the global role of human rights and the international and domestic machinery that promotes and enforces rights, but also how academic debates connect to the practice of human rights.

The programme has a flexible structure, including some interdisciplinary options, that enables you to tailor your curriculum to best suit your individual interests and career plans, drawing from a choice of specialised courses from the Law School and the School of Social and Political Science.

#12 University of Essex (United Kingdom)

LLM International Humanitarian Law

Key information
University	University of Essex
Country	United Kingdom
Learning mode	On-Campus
Pace	Full-time
Duration	12 months
Tuition fee	£9,200 (Domestic Students), £19,740 (International Students)
Application deadline(s)	October
Funding	Scholarships and Bursaries
Official Website	Click here

The School of Law at the University of Essex in Colchester, England, United Kingdom, runs the Essex Human Rights Center, a major hub for cutting-edge research in the field of human rights. Students in the International Humanitarian Law LLM program have an opportunity to participate in these studies. In addition, the school offers a Master of Arts degree in Human Rights and Cultural Diversity, and a Master of Arts degree in Theory and Practice of Human Rights.

Find out more about human rights masters

The post 12 LL.M. Programs for Human Rights Law appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Many people believe racism is simply a hateful worldview held by individuals. They are unaware of how deeply-seated these issues are. They are so deep that even if you remove individual racists from an organization, inequalities and injustice would remain. Racism is systemic. For years, society has built institutions and relied on systems with racism baked into the foundations. Institutions and policies may not ever refer explicitly to race, but the outcomes disproportionately and negatively affect certain racial groups. It isn’t enough to simply be “not racist.” One must commit to being anti-racist and building anti-racist spaces.

How does racism work?

Before we discuss being anti-racist, what is racism? Race is a social construct. There is no scientific difference between people of different races. The Human Genome Project discovered that all humans are 99.9% identical in their genetic makeup. That fact hasn’t stopped people from oppressing others based on their race. The origins of racism are multifaceted, but many experts believe it can be boiled down to greed. To justify actions like colonization and the use of slavery, people had to believe that those being colonized or enslaved were somehow inferior or even less than human. Everyone from politicians to the clergy to scientists created the idea of racial hierarchies and racial traits to support and excuse atrocities. Under the guise of keeping things “as they should be,” they created institutions and policies that reflected these hierarchies and upheld white supremacy.

Types of racism

Society has changed over time. Oppressed people worked for liberation (and continue to do so) and gathered allies. Attitudes evolved and new laws and institutional policies came into being. Racism remains, often in a less blatant – but no less harmful – form. There are two main kinds of racism:

Individual racism

When people think about racism, this is what many imagine. Individual racism is the beliefs and actions of individuals. Racism can be both conscious or unconscious. When someone expresses their racism to another, it includes discrimination, racial slurs, and race-based hate crimes. Individual racism can also look subtle and reveal biased perceptions separate from the blatant hatred many associate with racism.

Systemic racism

Systemic racism (sometimes interchanged with institutional and structural racism) consists of unfair, discriminatory, and biased practices and policies in businesses, governments, and other organizations. While race might not be specifically mentioned, the outcomes reveal racial disparities. Many people are unaware or in denial about systemic racism and its historic, long-reaching impacts. This makes further progress difficult because many believe racism is a thing of the past.

Being anti-racist and building anti-racist spaces

Many believe that to create an equal society, everyone should be color blind. “I don’t see race” remains a common response to racism. However, while race is a social construct, the effects of racism are extremely real. Dismantling racism requires an understanding of it in all its forms and a commitment to intentional action. In the words of Angela Davis, “In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.”

The Wesleyan University and JusticeEquityDesign’s “Designing and Building Institutional Antiracist Spaces” teachers students how to foster real change. This course aims to go beyond the usual “diversity” workshops and dig into the root causes of inequity. Over 20 hours, students learn a set of tools and a framework that can be applied to a variety of institutions. There are four units (one per week):

• Introduction (6 hours to complete)

Work includes videos on racial justice training and implicit bias. Readings, workshops, and practice exercises cover topics like equity, colorblindness, systemic bias, prejudice, and more.

• Week 2: Putting Theory into Practice (7 hours to complete)

Armed with skills and concepts, students will now apply them. Topics cover criminal justice reform, design thinking, tools, history lessons, and more.

• Week 3: Shifting Narratives – Looting, Rioting, or Protesting? (5 hours to complete)

This unit covers more techniques, history, and how to use poetry as a tool.

• Week 4: Putting Your Knowledge Into Action (3 hours to complete)

After three weeks of learning facts, vocab, and tools, students will now learn how to apply what they’ve learned to their own institution.

Who is this course for?

This course on building anti-racist spaces is targeted at educators, educational administrators, lawyers, advocates, and anyone else working in fields that involve equity and/or civil rights. That being said, it’s a good fit for anyone who wants to see equity in the world and their institution. It’s a beginner-level course that’s 100% online. Enrollment is free. There’s financial aid available through Coursera if you want to purchase a certificate. To fight systemic racism, anti-racist spaces are essential. This is becoming clearer and clearer by the day. Creating these spaces is challenging, but with this Wesleyan course, you’ll be equipped with a solid knowledge foundation, practical tools, and a framework that can be brought to the space you’re working in.

Register now

The post Learn How To Build Anti-Racist Spaces appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Unconscious biases are unintentional, learned attitudes that can be positive or negative. Everyone harbors at least some unconscious biases because the human brain likes to take shortcuts. We can consciously process about 40 pieces of information a second, but we can process 11 million pieces unconsciously. This unconscious processing saves us time and energy. However, these mental shortcuts can have negative outcomes. Unconscious biases can lead to inaccurate and often harmful judgments of individuals and entire groups of people. Biases affect all our decisions and behaviors. By becoming aware of them, you can be more objective, compassionate, and accurate in your assessment of the world and those around you. Here are ten examples of unconscious bias:

Table of Contents

#1. Gender bias
#2. Beauty bias
#3. Ageism
#4. The halo/horn effect
#5. Confirmation bias
#6. Attribution bias
#7. Conformity bias
#8. Affinity bias
#9. The contrast effect
#10. Name bias

#1. Gender bias

Due to factors like culture and socialization, many people believe there are rigid “male” and “female” attributes. Men are expected to be confident, rational, and natural leaders. Women, on the other hand, are thought to be more emotional, nurturing, and communal. In reality, there is no scientific basis for gender-specific traits and in fact, the gender spectrum is a lot more complicated.

How does gender bias play out? Those with “feminine” traits are often talked over in the workplace, discriminated against through laws, and dismissed because they’re “too emotional.” Those who identify as men and who possess “masculine” traits are praised and treated with more respect. However, if someone does not identify as a man but demonstrates “masculine” traits, they’re often seen as loud, bossy, or arrogant. This is especially true for ambitious women in leadership.

#2. Beauty bias

Research shows attractive people are treated better than those considered “unattractive.” The unconscious bias at work is that beauty equals good. A study from the Journal of Nonverbal Behavior found that participants attributed more moral traits to beautiful people than to unattractive people. Another study found that people considered beautiful were more likely to be perceived as trustworthy. It could be because society attributes beauty to strong, healthy genes, which make attractive people more appealing.

It’s obvious that beauty doesn’t equal morality, but when this unconscious bias goes unchecked, it has consequences for every area of society. Those considered “unattractive” face discrimination while attractive people enjoy more privileges and less scrutiny. In some cases, the beauty bias can have negative effects on attractive people as they may be considered less intelligent in certain environments.

#3. Ageism

Ageism is discriminating against someone because of their age. It usually targets older people. An older person may be seen as automatically mentally or physically incapable, unsuited for certain work, or expendable. On the other side, young people may be seen as unreliable, lazy, entitled, or naive. Some people are openly biased against others based on age, but many hold unconscious bias.

Ageism is a prevalent issue in the workplace. One AARP survey found 2 out of 3 workers who were 45 years and older experienced age discrimination at work. Discrimination can include being passed over for promotions due to age, not being offered training opportunities, and hearing disrespectful comments. Ageism is also found in healthcare settings, in relationships, and the media.

#4. The halo/horn effect

The halo/horn effect gets triggered when we first meet someone. If they’ve made a good impression, we’re more likely to assume they possess other good traits. If negative traits show up, we’re willing to cut them slack because we only see their halo. The beauty bias – “beauty equals good” – is an example of the halo effect. Because the person has one trait perceived as good (beauty), we assume they have all these other good traits. The horn effect is the opposite. If someone has one trait we perceive as negative, we’re more likely to assume they have lots of negative traits.

All humans make unconscious, fast judgments. These help us quickly decide if someone is a threat or not. The world is different now, however, and the halo/horn effect usually causes more harm than good. It’s inaccurate to assume one positive trait makes a person “good” while one negative trait makes them “bad.” Bias also heavily influences what “positive” or “negative” traits are.

#5. Confirmation bias

Confirmation bias is one of the most powerful unconscious biases humans deal with. It impacts our ability to accept new information, make decisions, and grow as people. When operating out of our confirmation bias, we only accept information that affirms our beliefs. Whenever we encounter information that challenges those beliefs, we ignore or dismiss it. If we aren’t aware of this natural inclination, it becomes extremely difficult – if not impossible – to be objective and truly listen to opposing viewpoints and information.

In an era of disinformation, confirmation bias has been especially devastating to society as a whole. Consider things like climate change denial, anti-vaccine rhetoric, and conspiratorial thinking. There’s significantly more – and better – evidence supporting the reality of climate change and the safety of vaccines, but confirmation bias prevents millions from accepting that information.

#6. Attribution bias

Attribution bias affects how people judge cause and effect. If something good happens in our lives, we’re more likely to believe it’s because of something we did. If something bad happens, we’re quick to blame external factors and shift responsibility from our actions. While looking at other people’s successes and failures, the bias switches. Good luck is responsible for their success while they’re to blame for anything bad. Attribution bias makes it difficult to analyze situations realistically and objectively.

Attribution bias also manifests when someone’s action harms us. We may immediately assume it was intentional and reflective of the person’s character. If we carry this bias into a conversation about the event, it will be harder to reach a good outcome.

Overwhelmed by the thought of managing unconscious bias? Here’s a course that can help you better understand unconscious bias and what to do about it.

#7. Conformity bias

This unconscious bias most likely originated during our hunting-and-gathering phase way back in the day. Working together and living in peace was essential for survival. If a person fought with their group, they would be on their own for food and safety. Remaining compliant with the group meant survival. That behavior still exists in humans today and while it has many benefits, it has downsides, as well. Conformity can mean going against our convictions, complying with unethical actions, and discriminating against differences.

Conforming may keep things harmonious (at least in the short term), but it also creates strict boundaries. Individuality and healthy disagreement won’t thrive. This can make groups a hotbed for harmful behaviors. Cults, which demand total conformity and an abandonment of the self, exploit this unconscious bias.

#8. Affinity bias

Proving the phrase “birds of a feather flock together,” humans naturally gravitate towards those like them. We’ve always done this. It’s how different cultures and communities formed over time. However, the unconscious bias towards affinity has downsides. It can lead us to exclude any and all differences. In the workplace, affinity bias can help explain why so many companies lack diversity. It plays into every type of discrimination, including gender and racial discrimination.

Affinity bias doesn’t have to be malicious to have a big impact, but once people take a closer look, they may realize they’re harboring other unconscious biases. As is often the case, affinity bias works with and compounds other biases.

#9. The contrast effect

The contrast effect is a form of judgment. It happens when you compare two things to each other instead of assessing each one on its merit. It’s very easy to do because the human brain loves taking shortcuts. Comparisons can be a great way to speed up an assessment process, but the contrast effect isn’t always beneficial.

The contrast effect’s impact on hiring is a good example. By looking at two candidates side-by-side, a recruiter can end up losing track of what matters. They’re so focused on comparisons, they forget to assess the candidates based on the objective criteria for the position. This leads to people getting hired based on how they compare to each other instead of how well they match the company’s standards. The contrast effect can also show up in performance reviews.

#10. Name bias

Unconscious bias can apply to things as ordinary as people’s names. Name bias is the common tendency to prefer certain names, usually Anglo names. It’s most persistent early in the recruitment process. In a 2021 study, economists sent 83,000 job applications to 108 Fortune 500 employers. Half had traditional white-sounding names while the other half had Black-sounding names. Despite comparable applications, applicants with Black names were called 10% fewer times. Other studies have revealed similar results.

Name bias can also extend to ethnicity. In a Canadian study, job applicants with Indian, Chinese, and Pakistani names were 28% less likely to get an interview than those with Anglo names, despite having the same qualifications. The reasons given are often blatantly discriminatory. When researchers called employers for comment, some companies said they assumed someone with an Asian name would have “language problems.”

The post 10 Examples of Unconscious Bias appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Guest Article By Professor Bettina Aptheker

Feminism, activism, and social justice have transformed and impacted society in countless ways throughout history. From my first protest at nine-years-old, my activism in the civil rights and antiwar movements of the 1960s and ‘70s, and my role as a professor in the feminist studies department at UC Santa Cruz, I’ve gained insights from history and my own personal experiences that can help guide us as we continue to advocate for change in today’s society. Understanding the modern women’s movement and the intersectionality of all social justice work can help us pave a path toward progress.

One of the main things about the contemporary women’s movement is we see it as what we call intersectional. We mean that race is not separate from gender. Gender is not separate from disability. Race is not separate from class. Everything is intertwined because it’s all about intertwined systems of domination. So, if you try to change one thing, it’s going to impact something else.

For example, when women organized against sexual and domestic violence, they first worked to change the laws. Our legal system was inherited from British Common law. Originally, rape was a property crime in which the sexual predator violated the property rights of the husband or father of the woman. She was merely an object. In our early U.S. laws, domestic violence was legal. It took many decades of struggle beginning in the late 19th century, and then again an upsurge in the late 20th century to see real substantive changes in the law so that women were treated as full human beings — and violence against women was made a crime.

However, when you change the laws and have men who are found guilty of sexual violence, arrested, and incarcerated, you run into the problem of the racism of the criminal justice system. That is, police are far more likely to arrest men of color than they are to arrest white men, and prosecutors are more likely to seek stiffer penalties against people of color. This creates the system of mass incarceration, where a disproportionate number of Black and brown men are incarcerated, often having ‘plea-bargained.’ This means they forego a trial and many legal protections. The racism of the criminal justice system also makes women of color far less likely to call on the police. So often, this ends in tragedy for the men and women. So, if you’re going to have a women’s movement that’s multiracial, how are you going to carve out opposition to violence against women that doesn’t at the same time reinforce a racist criminal justice system? New initiatives for Restorative Justice and Transformative Justice are being implemented in many urban communities. These are some of the things you have to think about to build a coalition that counters all forms of violence.

Kimberle Crenshaw, a professor of law at Columbia and UCLA, illustrated the relationship between race and sex in a piece on intersectionality she published in the Stanford Law Review in 1991. This was an important essay because she pointed out the flaws in civil rights law and affirmative action law. If a Black woman wanted to file a lawsuit for discrimination, she had to decide whether to file it on the basis of race or the basis of sex. In the law’s original incarnation, it couldn’t be filed on the basis of both. Her essay highlighted the senselessness of forcing Black women to make an impossible separation between their race and sex, both of which are core parts of their identities. Crenshaw’s piece on intersectionality became a hallmark in feminist thinking, organizing, and scholarship. It also helped to change the law.

What work do we need to do as Intersectional Women’s Rights advocates today?

Voting rights have been an essential struggle for women beginning in the mid-19th century. In August 2020, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment passage, in which women won the right to vote. However, in practice, the Nineteenth Amendment was limited by segregationist laws and violence against Black enfranchisement in southern states. In fact, it was white southern opposition to woman suffrage that delayed its passage for decades. This was a consequence of the legacy of slavery. Thus, Black women in the south did not win the right to vote until the Voting Rights Act passed in 1965. Likewise, Native American women could not vote until after 1924, when Native Americans were finally granted U.S. citizenship. Similar conditions existed for Mexican Americans in the Southwest, and Chinese people were denied the right to become naturalized citizens until the mid-20th century. In all of these ways, the history of woman suffrage illustrates the ways in which race, class, and citizenship were intertwined with the right to vote.

Today, we are faced with a situation of increasing efforts to prevent people from voting. For example, many states enacted strict ID laws, which tend to impact poor people and people of color more than white people. Likewise, states have carried out purges of voting rolls that have been contested and ultimately reversed in the courts. In addition, many states prevent anyone convicted of a felony from ever voting, even after they have been released from prison, thus reinforcing the racism of the criminal justice system as it intersects with voting rights. In Georgia today, Stacey Abrams and other leaders in the Black community have built powerful coalitions to restore voting rights and register people to vote. Their movement, called Fair Fight, changed the outcome of the Presidential election in 2020. Similarly, another organization called Four Directions has mounted a massive voter registration drive among Native Americans and encouraged people to vote even when they have to travel vast distances to be able to do so. We need to continue to build these kinds of coalitions to expand voting rights, remove current voting restrictions, and increase the number of people that can vote.

We, social justice activists, wherever we are, must not get discouraged. It’s tough, but don’t get discouraged because it takes a long time. There are setbacks, but there’s also progress. If you get discouraged, and you stop, then nothing is gained. So, you keep doing the best you can with the resources and tools you have available to try to make change.

How can we be progress-makers?

Everything is about coalition. Everything is about working with the community, working with other people, listening to other people, and forging an alliance across gender, race, class, and sexuality to protect human rights.

You can’t take on the power structure as a single entity. Obviously, you can’t take it on as a single individual, but even as a group, you need allies. So, you have to build a movement that can contest power.

The main thing is you can’t do it alone. You need to find other people and groups in different communities, find common ground, and seek ways of working together.

I also teach a course on Feminism and Social Justice, and I’m very grateful that it should be in some way useful. The first presentation in this course is about this intersectional approach to defining feminism. I then talk about a social justice movement involving Mexican-American workers in a strike in New Mexico in 1951. In the third lecture, I discuss the trial of Angela Davis that took place between 1970 and 1972. Professor Davis is a well-known Black scholar-activist, an advocate for prison reform and civil rights, who also worked with the Black Panther Party. She was also prominent in the movement against the Vietnam War and in developing a Black feminist movement. In the 1970s, she was charged with three capital offenses and called a ‘terrorist’ by the then President of the United States. We built a vast coalition of support in the United States and a global movement of hundreds of thousands of people for her freedom. This finally won her right to bail. It also allowed us to put together a stellar legal team and exercise all of the constitutional options for a fair trial. She was found not guilty by an all-white jury in San Jose. Since then, she has become an icon of social justice and prison abolition throughout the world. The fourth and final lecture in the series explores the #MeToo movement, using the intersectional and coalition approach described above.

My teaching philosophy is to create an energy that is compassionate and loving, and kind while articulating issues that matter in people’s lives. Then, I create a space that they can choose to walk into and take what they need.

Progress is incremental — people’s consciousness changes when they’re engaged in movements.

Dr. Bettina Aptheker is a prominent American activist, distinguished professor in the feminist studies department at the University of California, Santa Cruz and teaches an online course on Feminism and Social Justice.

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In response to corporate greed and negative impacts (including environmental ones), consumers have been pressuring industries to become more socially responsible. To survive and thrive, more and more corporations are taking the concept of “corporate social responsibility” seriously. CSR is a self-regulating business model that includes actions like encouraging activism, incorporating ethical business practices, and funding charitable activities and organizations. To create CSR structures, companies want employees educated in CSR concepts and practices. Here are ten master’s degrees that focus on CSR, sustainable management, and responsible management:

#1. LLM Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability (The University of Law)
#2. MSc Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability (London Metropolitan University)
#3. MSc Sustainable Management (University of Wisconsin)
#4. Master of Business Administration – Social Enterprise Initiative (Harvard Business School)
#5. MSc in Business Management – Sustainable Management specialization (Steinbeis University)
#6. Master’s in Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability (CMI Business School)
#7. MSc Corporate Sustainability and Environmental Management (University of York)
#8. MA In Ethics – Corporate Responsibility (Dublin City University)
#9. Environment and Society Studies – Corporate Sustainability (Radboud University)
#10. LLM Corporate Responsibility and Business Law (University of Essex)

Note: Tuition fees increase every year, so be sure to check each program’s website for the most updated information.

#1. LLM Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability (The University of Law)

Location: Multiple campuses, UK

In this program, which is designed for law and non-law graduates, you’ll learn about corporate social responsibility from a theoretical and practical perspective. With guidance from academics, research experts, and former and current practitioners, you’ll develop a well-rounded understanding and expertise in CSR, sustainability, legal technology, and the legal rules surrounding CSR. You’ll need to submit a final thesis of 15,000 words for your final assessment.

The LLM program can be full-time, part-time, or online. If you take the online option, you’re required to attend one of the UK campuses (or an approved overseas center) for all exams. For the 2022/2023 year, domestic students owe £10,500 per academic year in London (£9,500 outside of London and online) while non-domestic students pay £14,000 (£12,000 outside of London). The University of Law has five QS stars and in 2016, the school ranked first in student satisfaction with a 97% score.

#2. MSc Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability (London Metropolitan University)

Location: London, UK

With this degree, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills needed to become a sustainability manager focused on areas like environmental law, the supply chain, and employee engagement. You’ll gain a thorough understanding of corporate social responsibility and sustainability thanks to modules like “Fundamentals of CSR and Sustainability” and “Practical Sustainability,” as well as a consultancy project. The dissertation is a 60-credit research project.

The full course takes 1 year of full-time study or 2 years of part-time. We couldn’t find information on tuition for 2022/2023, but since the school is a public research university, tuition is lower compared to private schools. London Met has also won awards for CSR and environmental sustainability.

#3. MSc Sustainable Management (University of Wisconsin)

Location: Online

If you’re looking for an online option, the University of Wisconsin’s master’s degree in sustainable management is a good choice. All 12 courses (8 of which are required) are taken online. The 34-credit curriculum focuses on topics like the relationship between humans and the natural world; economic systems; science; business scenarios; and how an organization can embrace sustainability. The capstone gives you the chance to lead a project.

This master’s degree is a partnership between campuses, so it’s a multi-disciplinary curriculum taught by faculty through the UW system. It’s offered every fall and spring. You’ll pay a flat $740 fee per credit even if you’re from out of state. The University of Wisconsin is ranked #38 in National Universities.

#4. Master of Business Administration – Social Enterprise Initiative (Harvard Business School)

Location: Boston, MA

When this initiative launched over two decades ago, it made Harvard one of the first business schools to integrate research capacity into the corporate social responsibility field. CSR case studies are baked into the MBA program’s core curriculum. You’ll learn about innovative business practices and strategies that fuel sustainable social change. For resources, tools, and knowledge, the initiative looks to the nonprofit, public, and for-profit sectors. In addition to courses that focus on CSR, Harvard Business School offers career development programs and opportunities like field-based learning, internships, clubs, and more.

The MBA takes two years to complete. Not counting additional fees, living expenses, or housing, tuition is $73,400 per academic year. Harvard Business School is a highly-regarded school. It’s ranked #5 in Best Business Schools.

#5. MSc in Business Management – Sustainable Management specialization (Steinbeis University)

Location: Online

Taught in English, this online MSc educates you on business foundations, sustainability issues, and legal regulations within sustainability. By the program’s end, you’ll be ready to apply strategic and operational lessons in any business as a sustainability consultant, risk management specialist, or related careers. Courses include Strategic Management, Business Organization, Sustainable Growth Strategies, and The Future of Business Organization.

The 120-ECTS program is a year long. Tuition is €74.5 per credit. You’ll take the program through the Institute of Executive Capabilities of Steinbeis University. Steinbeis is a private German university ranked #11 out of 36 universities in Berlin.

#6. Master’s in Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability (CMI Business School)

Location: Madrid, Spain

This program offers you the chance to learn about the latest advances and best practices in corporate social responsibility. You’ll learn about complex challenges, effective solutions, leadership skills, and how to look at CSR from a holistic and multidisciplinary perspective. With this degree, you’ll be ready to take part in the CSR community and lead research and development in the field. The program is equivalent to 60 ECTS credits.

Options are available for full-time, part-time, or online students. You will need a high level of Spanish (B2). The enrollment process is open throughout the year. Full-time students pay a total of €7.630; blended part-time or biweekly students pay €5.380; and online students pay €4.070.

#7. MSc Corporate Sustainability and Environmental Management (University of York)

Location: York, UK

This MSc relies on the academic expertise and professional experience found at the School of Business & Society and the Department of Environment and Geography. You’ll learn about sustainability-driven business models and the ethical, governance, accountability, marketing, and legal parts of corporate sustainability. Core modules include Business and Environment; Environmental Management; and Research Skills and Methods. In place of a traditional dissertation, you can complete a placement-based dissertation at an approved organization of your choosing.

With full-time study, the MSc takes 1 year. UK students pay £9,990 while international/EU students pay £22,250. The University of York is ranked #24 in the UK by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022.

#8. MA In Ethics – Corporate Responsibility (Dublin City University)

Location: Dublin, Ireland

The DCU School of Theology, Philosophy and Music and the Institute of Ethics run this specialist pathway. You’ll learn about the ethical, social, and governance parts of business decision-making and operation, as well as how to apply these frameworks to responsible business management. Courses include Business Ethics, Finance and Corporate Governance, and Human Rights & Social Justice. You’ll complete a 15,000-word thesis.

This MA is designed to be taken part-time over two years. EU students pay €4,000 Per Annum while non-EU students pay €7,400 Per Annum. In the 2021 Eduniversal’s Rankings of Best Masters and MBA programs in Corporate Social Responsibility, Dublin City University’s program is ranked #37.

#9. Environment and Society Studies – Corporate Sustainability (Radboud University)

Location: Nijmegen, Netherlands

This specialization teaches you about corporate social responsibility, innovation, theory, and corporate sustainability. Lectures from professionals and practical assignments ensure you can apply everything you’ve learned. Different parts of business administration can be included in the specialization. During the program, you’ll get an opportunity to travel abroad for coursework, an internship, or your thesis. Courses include Sustainability and Societal Transformations; Organizational Change; Intervention in Organizations; and International Environmental Politics.

The 60-ECTS program takes one year. The legal tuition fee (which applies to EU/EEA/Swiss/Surinamese students who haven’t gotten a Master’s degree in the Netherlands yet) is €2,209.00. The Institutional tuition fee EER is €17,943 and the Institutional tuition fee non-EER is €22,000. Radboud University is ranked #107 in Best Global Universities.

#10. LLM Corporate Responsibility and Business Law (University of Essex)

Location: Colchester, UK

This course offers you the knowledge and tools necessary to identify, analyze, and evaluate the legalities, principles, models, and frameworks of corporate responsibility, ethical business, business law, corporate governance, and more. Covered topics include human rights within business, environmental law and policy, and the legal aspects of CSR. You’ll get access to things like the Essex Law Clinic, moot competitions, the Model UN, and more.

Full-time (1 year) and part-time (2 years) study options are available. Full-time UK students pay around £9,660 while international students pay £20,700. The University of Essex is ranked #51 for Law in the World University Rankings 2021.

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Gun violence impacts every part of society. There are certain places in the world where it’s more prevalent. According to a 2018 report, the United States had the 28th highest rate of gun violence deaths in the world. That puts the US above other wealthy countries. Gun violence is also a major issue in places like the Caribbean, Central America, and Venezuela. Here are five essays that address the financial and emotional impact of gun violence, how people use art to cope, and how the problem can be addressed.

“What Does Gun Violence Really Cost?”

Mark Follman, Julia Lurie, Jaeah Lee, and James West

This article opens with the story of a woman and her fiance shot on their way to dinner. After being close to death and staying in a hospital for five months, Jennifer Longdon couldn’t move her body from the chest down. After more hospitalizations, the bills got close to $1 million in just the first year, forcing her to file for personal bankruptcy. More expensive hospital stays followed for problems like sepsis, while wheelchair modifications for her house added up, as well.

For many people, their knowledge of gun violence comes from the news or movies. These venues tend to focus on the moment the violence occurs or the emotional impact. The long-term financial consequences as a result of health issues are less known. This article examines the existing data while telling a personal story.

“I Think of People Who Died At Sandy Hook Every Day”

Mary Ann Jacob

In this essay from 2016, Mary Ann Jacob remembers the horrific elementary school shooting from 2012. She worked at the library at the time and recalls hearing shouting from the intercom on the morning of December 14. Believing someone had pushed it by mistake, she called in, only to have the secretary answer the phone and shout, “There’s a shooter!” Mary Ann Jacob lived through one of the deadliest school shootings in US history. The essay goes on to describe what happened after and the steps survivors took to advocate for better gun control.

“You May Not See Me On TV, But Parkland Is My Story, Too”

Kyrah Simon

In 2018, a gunman at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School killed 17 students and wounded 17 others. Several students became vocal afterwards, challenging the lack of gun control in the face of such violence. They founded an advocacy group and many of the young people became household names. Kyrah Simon, a senior at the school, lost one of her best friends. She also wanted to speak up and share her story but realized that the media wanted certain speeches, certain faces. She writes, “I was just a girl that lost her friend. And it wasn’t enough.” Raw, honest, and enlightening, this personal essay is a must-read.

“Mexican Artist Transforms 1,527 Deadly Guns Into Life-Giving Shovels To Plant Trees”

Danielli

In Culiacan, Mexico, the city with the highest rate of deaths by gun violence in the country, an artist and activist began a special project. Pedro Reyes used local media and TV ads paid for by the city’s botanical garden to advertise his gun-trading project. In exchange for bringing their weapons, people received electronics and appliances coupons. Reyes made over 1,500 trades. What came next? The guns were crushed by a steamroller and melted down. Reyes used the material to create shovels. He made the same number of shovels as guns, so each gun was represented as something new.

Turning guns into art is not an uncommon action. Reyes has also made instruments while other artists make sculptures. The transformation of an object of death into something that plays a part in fostering life – like planting trees – sends a powerful message.

“Forum: Doing Less Harm”

David Hemenway

What is the best approach to gun violence? David Hemenway, a professor of health policy and director of the Harvard Injury Control Research Center and Harvard Youth Violence Prevention Center, advocates for a public-health approach. He believes gun violence is a public-safety problem and a problem-health problem, but gun lobbyists dismiss both claims. The gun lobby focuses on the shooter – the individual – so attention is diverted from the firearms industry. In focusing so much on who to blame, prevention is left out of the equation.

A public-health approach returns the attention to prevention and asks everyone to work together on the issue. Hemenway uses motor-vehicle injury prevention as a blueprint for why gun violence prevention can work. Not sure what prevention could look like? Hemenway provides examples of how actors like healthcare workers, consumers, and the federal government can work together.

Learn about the consequences of gun violence in America and which interventions are most effective to reduce gun violence in homes, schools and communities!

The post 5 Essays about Gun Violence appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Research shows diversity is essential to success, but many companies don’t prioritize it. Diversity and inclusion training (also known as D&I or DEI) can increase understanding and an organization’s sustainability, but – strangely – it can also decrease diversity. Why? It’s often because companies and employees view training as an obligation rather than an opportunity. Results are ineffective and cause conflict. To be successful, organizations must commit to integrating training into every part of the organization. Here are ten companies offering holistic diversity and inclusion training:

Table of Contents

#1. Affirmity
#2. Artesian Collaborative, LLC
#3. Korn Ferry
#4. International Multicultural Institute
#5. Prism
#6. The Dream Collective
#7. Diversity for Social Impact
#8. The Kaleidoscope Group
#9. The Nova Collective
#10. The Management Center

Diversity and inclusion courses

#1. Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
#2. Inclusive Leadership: The Power of Workplace Diversity
#3. Unconscious Bias: From Awareness to Action

#1. Affirmity

Once part of PeopleFluent, Affirmity provides consulting, training, expert analysis, and software. Using data-driven insights and diversity metrics, the company helps departments like human resources with goal setting. Measuring progress is essential, so Affirmity also offers tools and dashboards.

Affirmity serves over 1,000 clients ranging from international corporations to small businesses. Its D&I Training includes self-paced eLearning courses like “Microaggressions in the Workplace,” “Racism and Understanding the Black Experience,” and “Managing Unconscious Bias.” These topics are also covered in live, web-based virtual and classroom courses. Courses are customized for each client’s values and culture. Affirmity also offers consulting services that help clients with pay equity. With its models, Affirmity can analyze pay by department, demographic, or across an entire organization.

#2. Artesian Collaborative, LLC

The Artesian Collaborative, which specializes in psychotherapy and corporate training, offers services that support healthy workplaces. Its goal is to help businesses thrive through stressful situations. In its diversity training, the organization covers topics like identity, microaggressions, and privilege. Artesian focuses on creating safe environments where individuals learn to appreciate their own backgrounds and the backgrounds of their peers.

The training uses tools like discussion and experiential activities based on developmental psychology and cross-competency research. Organizations can take 1-2 day intensives with training specialists and meet with consultations before and after workshops. Facilitators are trained in managing cross-cultural issues and group dynamics, so communication is as smooth as possible. Artesian offers separate training programs on Stress, Burnout, and Imposter Syndrome, as well as Disrupting Stress and Fear.

#3. Korn Ferry

This organization has been around for a long time. It has over 40 years of experience in D&I design and is the largest global consulting practice specializing in diversity and inclusion. Korn Ferry believes companies need a systemic approach to diversity and inclusion. Structural inclusion – a transformation of the system itself – and behavioral inclusion – more personal transformations within leaders and employees – are both needed.

In its work with organizations, Korn Ferry creates and implements D&I strategies based on data and analytics. Leaders identify their strengths, find growth opportunities, promote inclusive leadership, and bring in more under-represented talent.

#4. International Multicultural Institute

Founded in 1983, iMCI is one of the first organizations to offer services in the diversity and inclusion field. As a private, non-profit organization, its funding comes from service fees, foundation grants, contracts, and donations. In the past years, iMCI conferences have welcomed over 50,000 participants from everywhere in the United States and around the world. It works with government agencies, nonprofits, educational institutions, and corporations.

Through iMCI’s training, organizations are better equipped to manage multicultural teams, attract and keep a diverse workforce, and encourage employee productivity. Every program is tailored to an organization’s needs. The curriculum includes coaching and mentoring, leadership development, culturally-competent customer service, and more. Ongoing technical assistance is provided.

#5. Prism

Since 1992, Prism has created customized and sustainable strategies for companies in 24 countries. In addition to diversity training, the organization offers services on cultural competency, harassment, and discrimination. It has served clients in a variety of fields, including healthcare, finance, education, insurance, and the nonprofit sphere.

Prism uses what’s called the “PRISM Process.” There are six parts: Assessment, Organizational Vision, Strategic Planning, Implementation, Measurement, and Continuous Improvements. Each step has a specific purpose that helps a company transform itself from the top down. Prism understands the importance of the right Diversity Manager, so it also assists companies in recruiting and choosing the best candidate. Prism’s diversity training programs include “Building Inclusive Teams,” “Choosing Respect,” and “Unconscious Bias Training.” On its website, you can find testimonials from participants and clients.

#6. The Dream Collective

With 10+ years in corporate diversity programs, the Dream Collective focuses on long-term, sustainable changes in female representation. The company was founded in 2012 and grew into Australia’s most influential network of young professional women. The Dream Collective has worked with brands like Google, Coca-Cola, Starbucks, and Unilever.

The Dream Collective offers a variety of diversity and inclusion services including needs analysis, expert inclusive hiring audits, expert consulting, and bespoke training. It uses a proprietary “5-Pillar Framework” diagnostic assessment. Organizations that work with the Dream Collective can expect training in managing unconscious bias, emotional intelligence, inclusive leadership, and much more. The Dream Collective also offers employer branding and the Emerging Leaders program, which supports and empowers young professional women.

#7. Diversity for Social Impact

This organization targets DEI professionals and service providers (like consultants, HR leaders, social sustainability officers, etc) who want to improve their strategies, reach more clients, and build better DEI programs. Diversity for Social Impact has also advised on DEI regulation and compliance in places like the United States, the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It provides DEI rankings for companies, NGOs, educational institutions, and government agencies. If organizations want to be recognized for their DEI progress, Diversity for Social Impact provides Diversity Equity Inclusion Workplace Certification to eligible organizations.

With its resources, Diversity for Social Impact strives to promote DEI, support and empower professionals, and educate the public on the importance of DEI. The website hosts numerous articles, as well as ways for professionals to connect and find DEI jobs.

#8. The Kaleidoscope Group

Since 1993, this full-service DEI consulting firm based in Chicago, IL has worked in DEI, cultural change, education, and organizational development. It’s been recognized among the top 10 pioneers in the industry. It’s also a certified minority organization. In its partnership with clients, the Kaleidoscope Group aims to “Free the Human Potential.” Topics include general consulting support, DEI integration and measurement, strategy review, coaching, DEI interventions, and much more.

When building a DEI strategy with clients, the Group has five strategic areas: diverse workforce, inclusive workplace, expanded marketplace, enhanced community reputation, and equitable supplier base. This holistic approach ensures comprehensive changes and sustainable, measurable results. The Kaleidoscope Group’s practice areas are assessment, global practice, law enforcement, and LGTBQ+.

#9. The Nova Collective

This company is a women-owned, BIPOC-led company that partners with organizations on customized DEI programs. Services include learning and development through customized instructor-led experiences and “off-the-shelf” solutions; research and data analysis that assess DEI metrics; and strategy and consulting with multi-disciplinary DEI experts. Nova was co-founded by four women with decades of experience in DEI, advertising, and communications.

Nova is passionate about changing “business as usual” and transforming workplace culture. It provides full-time staff and their families with 100% healthcare coverage for medical insurance (which covers gender affirmation), 8 weeks of fully-paid parental leave, unlimited PTO, and other benefits.

#10. The Management Center

Founded in 2006, the Management Center focuses on social justice and educational equity organizations. The business has impacted the practices of 79,000+ individual leaders and 1,200+ organizations. Services include intensive coaching services for senior leadership teams and executive directors; management training courses for managers and leaders; and curated resources on equitable, sustainable, and results-focused management. For groups with more than 15 participants, TMC offers in-house versions of its training.

When clients work with TMC, they can expect an approach rooted in results, specific recommendations, and a hands-on mindset. Equity and inclusion are at the heart of everything TMC does, so clients will learn to apply equity everywhere, including while setting goals and developing/testing for equity and inclusion competencies in hiring.

What are the best courses in diversity and inclusion?

If you’re an individual interested in learning more about DEI or your organization can’t hire a DEI company at the moment, here are three courses you can start with:

Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

From: ESSEC Business School

This course is a great introduction to DEI concepts and their dynamics in the workplace. Students will learn about the paradox of diversity (acknowledging differences can cause conflict, but diversity also has proven benefits), how to manage bias, and how to identify best practices in a workplace. Junko Takagi, a teaching professor at the ESSEC Business School, teaches the course. With 2 hours of work per week, students can complete the course in 4 weeks. Enrollment is free, but you’ll need to pay a course fee to get a certificate.

Inclusive Leadership: The Power of Workplace Diversity

From: The University of Colorado

Taught by nationally-recognized DEI educator Dr. Brenda J. Allen, this course teaches students how to develop inclusive cultures. Through the modules, you’ll define inclusion and diversity, microaggressions, and micro-affirmations. You’ll also learn about the six signature traits of inclusive leadership and its benefits. The course takes a total of 22 hours over 4 weeks of study. Enrollment is free, but you’ll need to pay for a certificate.

Unconscious Bias: From Awareness to Action

From: CatalystX

Unconscious bias is one of the most prevalent and complex issues in workplaces. In this course, students will learn what unconscious bias is, how it impacts a professional environment, and how to manage it. By the course’s end, you’ll be able to create a work plan on inclusive leadership and bias management. With a 1-2 hour weekly commitment, the course takes about 3 weeks. Enrollment is free, but you’ll need to pay a fee for a certificate.

The post 10 Companies Offering Diversity and Inclusion Training appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Human rights law can be understood as customs, rules or practices that address the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals.  Human rights law can take many different forms, including international law, regional law, statutes of individual countries, and case decisions by the courts.

What are human rights?

Human rights are basic rights and freedoms. Those who believe in the universality of human rights believe that these rights belong to every person in the world, and that we are all equally entitled to these rights, regardless of where we are born.

Human rights include, for example, the right to liberty, to dignity, to equality and to be free from torture. There is no one set list of human rights. Which rights are recognised and protected depends on where in the world you live. Scholars, politicians, and human rights advocates debate which types of behaviour should be protected by these rights, and in what circumstances.

Take, for example, the right to legal gender recognition. This refers to the right to be recognised by your own internal experience of gender, not simply the gender recorded on your official identity documents. This offers protection to transgender people, whose appearance and identity documents may not match with their experience of gender. The right to legal gender recognition has been recognised in some regions of the world, but not in others. At this time, law suits across the world are testing the obligations of states to recognise an individual’s right to determine their own gender. In many countries, human rights legislation regarding the right to gender recognition is still being developed.

What is law?

Human rights are often set out in law in an attempt to offer protection to individuals and communities. But what is law? The question of how to define law has occupied philosophers and social scientists for many centuries. Whilst there is no simple answer to this question, there is a general agreement that law has certain key features. These are that law is:

• a custom, rule or practice
• law must be binding – i.e. those under the law are obliged to obey it; and/or
• law must enforced by a controlling authority

However, when we talk about human rights law, things can get complex. International Human Rights Law often stems from sources such as UN resolutions and recommendations which are neither binding nor enforceable. Therefore this gives us pause to re-assess our definition of law.

What is human rights law?

Human rights law is made up of international, regional and national laws. The following summary provides some examples. This is not a complete list!

International Human Rights Law

UN General Assembly Resolutions

The United Nations (UN) is an international organisation made up of 193 member states. The UN has played a huge role in the creation of human rights law. The first and possibly most famous international document about human rights law is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This was passed by UN General Assembly Resolution in 1948.

A general assembly resolution is a decision or declaration voted upon by member states. A resolution usually requires at least 50% of states to agree to it in order for it to pass. Since the Declaration of Human Rights, hundreds of GA Resolutions have been passed on human rights issues. GA Resolutions are not directly enforceable against member states. However they suggest international agreement on key human rights topics.

Conventions and Treaties

Since the Declaration, UN member states have ratified many different treaties and conventions on human rights issues. Two of the most important ones are the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, both enacted in 1966.

There are also many other conventions addressing specific issues. For example, in 1989, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child came into force. This document sets out the basic rights of all children in the world, including the rights to social security, the right to education and right to be protected from child labour. Of all the UN human rights law treaties, this is the most popular, with highest number of signatures from member states.

UN Human Rights Council Decisions

The UN human rights council is a body within the UN that has the power to conduct independent fact-finding investigations into human rights violations. There are currently investigations underway in various places including Venezuela, Burundi, Myanmar and Syria. The conclusions of the human rights council’s investigations, whilst not binding, are arguably a form of human rights law.

UN Security Council Resolutions

The UN Security Council is made up of five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US, and ten temporary members. The temporary members are elected for two year terms. The Security Council make decisions on urgent matters, which often involve measures to address human rights violations. For example, their most recent resolution was passed on 14 July 2020 and relates to the maintenance of international peace and security.  The Security Council also has the power to impose sanctions against countries which are breaching international law. It can be argued that UN Security Council Resolutions are a form of international law.

Decisions of the International Court of Justice

This court is a UN body, which aims to resolve civil law disputes between member states. It contributes to the creation of human rights law. For example, it has issued important judgments regarding the protection of minority rights. It has also contributed to human rights law in respect of the consular rights of citizens who are detained whilst abroad.

Decisions of the International Criminal Court

The International Criminal Court takes on cases relating to war crimes and mass human rights violations against citizens. For example, it currently has cases ongoing against individuals allegedly involved in atrocities in Sudan. The International Criminal Court has helped define human rights law on the topic of crimes against humanity.

Regional Human Rights Law

Conventions and Charters

Some regions of the world have their own human rights framework. For example:

• The African Charter on Human and People’s Rights
• The European Convention on Human Rights
• The American Convention on Human Rights

These frameworks are all different, depending on the political priorities and cultural expectations of each region. Each framework applies only to that specific region. For example, the American Convention only applies to North, Central and South America.

Directives and Regulations

Other types of regional law also make up an important part of human rights law. For example, European directives regarding gender equal pay and rights within the workplace have had a significant impact upon labour rights in countries across Europe. Similarly, Europe-wide data protection laws have had a strong shaping influence upon the rights of Europeans to access and protect their own personal information.

Decisions of Regional Human Rights Courts

Regional courts decide upon key issues relating to how human rights conventions should be applied. For example, both the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights have made important judgments regarding the rights of victims of domestic violence to receive state protection when they are in urgent danger. The African Commission on Human and People’s Rights has made influential decisions on issues such as human rights violations against journalists in Cameroon, and child marriage in Mali.

National Human Rights Law

Constitutions

Nelson Mandela famously said, ‘to deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.’ He went on to play an instrumental role in implementing South Africa’s constitution, which contains a comprehensive Bill of Rights. This document formed the foundation of South Africa’s new democracy in 1996, and is recognised as one of the most progressive statements on human rights in the world.

A constitution is a body of fundamental principles, and is the founding stone upon which that nation is built. For countries that have constitutions such as the United States, Iraq and South Africa, this is often the single most important piece of human rights law for their citizens. It is usually easier for a citizen to enforce human rights set out in their constitution, compared to seeking to enforce rights set out in international law.

Statutes protecting human rights

National legislation is also an important type of human rights law. It is particularly important in countries without a written constitution. For example, in England and Wales, the Human Rights Act 1998 sets out the rights to which its citizens are entitled. However, legislation is usually much easier for a government to change than a constitution. This means that there is a greater risk that it could be changed by a repressive government.

Decisions of National Courts

The courts of each country in the world make decisions upon human rights issues, which form part of that country’s human rights law. Important human rights law decisions are often made by a country’s highest court such as their Supreme or Constitutional Court. For example, in June 2020, the US Supreme Court gave a ruling which interpreted their Civil Rights Act 1964. The ruling held that the law, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, also covers sexual orientation and transgender status.

This article has a provided a definition of human rights law and has set out some of its widely recognised forms. However, the conversation does not need to stop here. The definition of law is potentially very wide. Unwritten community customs and practices which uphold human rights could also be considered law. Perhaps you can think of other examples.

Jessie Waldman is qualified solicitor in England and Wales specialising in Human Rights and Civil Liberties and an LLM candidate in Human Rights Law at the University of Cape Town.

The post What Is Human Rights Law? appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

If you are passionate about human rights, pursuing post-graduate studies specialising in this topic is a wonderful opportunity. Not only will you be increasing your employability in the human rights sector, you also give yourself the chance to broaden your academic horizons and acquire new skills. This article gives tips regarding how to conduct a research study as part of your LLM in human rights.

What is an LLM?

An LLM is a masters in law. Usually, to be eligible to apply for an LLM you will need to have completed an undergraduate degree in law. However some universities offer this course to those who have studied other related disciplines such as psychology, sociology and philosophy. One of the many advantages of a multi-disciplinary course is that you will have the chance to discuss human rights issues with colleagues from diverse academic, social and geographical backgrounds.

Usually, an LLM is between 12 months and two years long. A human rights LLM can be coursework only, or dissertation only, but is often a combination of both. You can expect to  take elective coursework components on topics such as International Law, Refugee Law and Women’s rights. Most LLMs require the student to submit a dissertation, for the whole, or part of their course credits.

What is an empirical research study?

An empirical research study is an original project, where you gather and analyse your own data, rather than relying on data from someone else’s research. Whilst often a dissertation will be a desk-based exercise, some universities allow the student to undertake their own independent research project.

Empirical research projects take longer, and involve more practical challenges than simply using the existing literature. However, getting out into the field and conducting your own research can be immensely rewarding and you will walk away with a researcher skill set that will set you apart from your fellow students.

What are the main stages to an LLM human rights research study?

The process for conceptualising and undertaking a human rights research study can be broken down into the following stages.

Check the protocol at your university: Each university has its own policies surrounding research studies. The first step is to speak with your course convener to find out if it is possible to do empirical research as part of your course. Then check what steps you will need to follow to obtain approval from your university to undertake the research.

1 Find a supervisor: Good supervisors get snapped up early in the academic year, so waste no time in finding a supervisor who is willing to work with you. Meet with a few different potential professors to get their perspective on your ideas, and to see who you click with. If you get brushed off, don’t be disheartened, but do take on board constructive feedback at this early stage of your thought process.

2 Pick a topic: Easier said than done. You may know that you want to look at the financial struggles of undocumented migrants, but how will you access this population to gather data? What kind of data will you measure, and how will you check if the information is correct? Remember, an LLM research study is likely to be a time-bound exercise, with limited resources. Therefore you need to pick a small and manageable topic. You should also consider if there are likely to be significant obstructions in gathering your data – for example, will you have to wait for many months for government approval to access the data that you need? If so, think about the impact of this delay upon the completion of your studies. Is it worth it? If your supervisor thinks your idea is unrealistic, pick a more straightforward subject to research.

3 Read, and then read more: So you’ve got an idea, and your supervisor agrees that it is a worthy topic of research. The next step is to read as widely and deeply as possible. Break your idea down into key concepts and research each of these individually. For example, say you are looking at rates of recidivism amongst juvenile offenders in New York City. You would want to read around understandings of recidivism more widely, and how the term has been defined by different authors. You would also want to look into previous studies in the same area on the same topic. Think about which studies draw you in and which you instinctively reject. Explore why. What has not been covered? Try to find a small niche for yourself where there hasn’t been any recent research.

4 Write a research proposal: This is possibly the trickiest part of the process. Having read far and wide, you now need to zone in, in order to define your research question. Make sure you set yourself a question that you can answer with the data that you intend to collect. You then need to condense what you have read into a succinct summary. Try to avoid simply describing the topic; instead, move into an analytical space where you are framing the information that you have absorbed in your own words, in a way which is tailored to your research question. Write some persuasive prose about why your proposed study is worthwhile.

5 Decide upon your methodology: You need to decide how you are going to go about obtaining the information that you need in order to answer your research question. Are you a numbers person, if so you might lean towards quantitative research, which involves working with large volumes of information, such as survey data, and interpreting the findings as statistics. Or perhaps you are someone that prefers to paint a picture with words? If that is the case then you might prefer to conduct qualitative research. This is more likely to involve periods of observation, and/or in-depth interviewing of your participants. Perhaps you can do a mixture of numbers and words; this is known as mixed methods research. Whatever you choose, you need to explain why your chosen method is the best and most practical way to approach your study.

6 Obtain ethical clearance: Where you are working with human participants, it is very likely that you will need ethical approval from your university to complete the research. Usually this will involve you making an application to the ethics committee, where you submit your research proposal and explain how you are going to protect the individuals involved in your research, and the wider community, from harm. You will need to think about whether the proposed benefits of your study are likely to outweigh the risks. For example, say you are working with former gang members. You may feel that they would benefit from the opportunity to reflect on their experiences, and get their voice heard. Perhaps their story will help the government understand what kind of interventions are effective; maybe it will help other young people avoid falling into the same trap. However, is there a risk that they may be identified in your research, even if you take steps to protect their confidentiality? What kind of issues could this cause? Before approving your research, the ethics committee may ask to meet with you to discuss this balancing exercise.

7 Collect your data: This is the fun part! Now you get the chance to go out into the field, and putting your hypotheses to the test. Perhaps you are going into different courts, police stations or prisons. However, research can be just as interesting when it is close to home. You could collect information from internet forums or from your local neighbourhood watch scheme. Wherever you are, keep a notepad with you and, in addition to your data, record your personal observations as you go. How did you feel walking into the space? Did you feel safe? If not, why not? How did you feel when you got home at the end of the day? What was similar to expected, and what was different? If an aspect of the study did not go as intended, note this down. When you come to your write up, these reflections will comprise an important part of your findings.

8 Analyse your data: Now, you’re back at your desk. You may have a stack of audio recordings to transcribe, or a pile of surveys that you need to transfer to a spreadsheet. Once your data is all in one place, you need to develop a procedure for interpreting it in order to draw conclusions from your research. Often, this will involve coding, where you thematise your participants’ responses into different categories. For example, say you ask your participants what could improve the criminal justice process. You may want to categorize their answers into groups such as: access to information; better legal representation; shorter wait for a trial date, etc. Analysing your data in a logical way will help you identify patterns.

9 Write up your findings: This is your time to shine. You need to lay out your literature review, methodology and findings. Then, you need to take a step back and discuss the conclusions that can be drawn from your findings. What does the research tell us as a whole? Does a certain piece of data fall outside of the norm. If so, what might have caused that? You can also explore the limitations of the study, and the potential subjects of future research.

Conducting an LLM human rights research study is a rewarding process. Whatever the fallibilities of your project, you are guaranteed to learn from your experiences. Empirical research can help you realise where your passions lie in the human rights field, as well as giving you an insight into how researchers develop an evidence base for new law and policy. Participating in a research project will also offer you new perspectives and resources with which to tackle human rights conundrums in your future career.

The post 10 Tips on Designing Your LLM Human Rights Research Study appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

The establishment of human rights was a global undertaking. The conversation about how to best protect them still continues to this day and will no doubt never end. If you want to join in the conversation and learn more about human rights on an international level, seek out the best programs around the world. Here are ten international human rights studies for your consideration. Before we dive into it, consider exploring more international human rights masters on our dedicated page.

England: Oxford University

Master’s Programme in International Human Rights Law

Oxford’s Department for Continuing Education and the Faculty of Law come together to offer this degree in international human rights. It takes place over 2 academic years and includes two summer sessions at New College in Oxford and two periods of online distance learning. The programme was especially designed with lawyers and human rights advocates in mind who don’t have time for full-time study. Because Oxford University does not offer a traditional LLM degree, this degree is considered a Master of Studies (MSt), which is the rough equivalent of an LLM but with more assessed work than other LLM International Human Rights Law programmes.

Canada: University of Toronto Faculty of Law

LLM Program (Master of Laws)

This Master of Laws allows students to focus on areas like international human rights, constitutional law, and legal theory. It’s a full-time academic program intended for both Canadian and international law graduates looking for advanced study and research. It can be taken with more emphasis on a thesis or coursework-only. The concentration in Health Law, Ethics, and Policy includes courses taught by faculty with expertise in human rights law. All LLM candidates participate in the LLM seminar, while all LLM candidates focusing on a thesis participate in Alternative Approaches to Legal Scholarship.

Estonia: University of Tartu

Master in International Law and Human Rights

The University of Estonia, the country’s national university,  offers a two-year master’s program focusing on principles, subjects, regulations, and practice in international law and human rights. The program’s goal is to provide a comparative perspective on issues related to international law and human rights while considering Estonia’s unique placement between the east and west. The School of Law sponsors the program and past graduates make up a huge portion of the legal system in Estonia. To apply to the university, students must have a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent, with at least 60 ECTS (one year) llaw courses, and English proficiency.

Norway: University of Oslo

Master in Theory and Practice of Human Rights

This programme focuses on issues related to human rights such as current problems in implementing rights and how to resolve them. Students learn valuable investigative and analytical skills. The degree is intended for both students who’ve recently earned a bachelor’s degree and human rights professionals looking to expand their knowledge. To successfully complete this master’s programme, students must finish nine courses and a written master’s thesis. Five of the courses are mandatory, while students can choose the other four from institutes within the Faculty of Law, other university departments, and the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights.

Sweden: Uppsala University

Master’s Programme in Humanitarian Action and Conflict

Humanitarianism occurs naturally from the pursuit of human rights as a reality. At Uppsala University, they offer a Master’s in Humanitarian Action and Conflict. The 1-year programme is directed at those interested in how humanitarianism works, relevant laws, and what constitutes humanitarian emergencies. The goal of the program is to prepare graduates for jobs at NGOs and government organizations in roles such as project manager and conflict analyst. Uppsala University is among the top 100 universities in the world and it’s Sweden’s oldest university.

France: Sciences Po (Paris School of International Affairs)

Master in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action

This master program combines human rights and humanitarian action using various approaches such as philosophy, anthropology, and history. Students learn about international law, global and regional institutions, advocacy, and more. In the second year of the program, students can choose to specialize in either human rights or humanitarian action. Sciences Po is ranked third in the world for policies and international studies.

Netherlands: Leiden University

European and International Human Rights Law (Advanced LL.M.)

In this programme, students study both “the law of the books” and “law in action.”  This involves studying the various human rights protections on a regional, national, and global stage, as well as how different political and cultural environments impact human rights law. As an advanced L.L.M. programme, candidates will need a full degree in law which allows them to practice in the country where it was received; proven English proficiency; and excellent academic transcripts.

Australia: University of Melbourne Law School

Master of Human Rights Law

This Master of Human Rights Law programme is intended for both law and non-law graduates. The specialization allows students to explore a wide range of human rights topics, such as human rights theories, practices, institutions, and more. Students will develop an expert knowledge of international and Ausralian legal frameworks for human rights promotion and protection, as well as analytical and judgement skills. It can be completed in one year as a full-time student or within two-four years part-time.

To apply, students must meet certain requirements, such as possessing a degree in law leading to admission to practice, at honours standard; or a degree in law leading to admission to practice and two years of professional experience. Undergrad degrees in relevant fields are also accepted, though with additional requirements.

South Africa: University of the Witwatersrand

Master of Laws in Human Rights Advocacy and Litigation

This Master of Laws consists of a compulsory course in Human Rights Advocacy and Litigation Law and three elective courses, which include Human Rights and the Marketplace; Refugees Law; International Human Rights Law; and Advanced Administrative Law. The program can be full-time and completed in one year, or part-time within two years. To be accepted, students must have a Bachelor of Laws with an average grade of 70%.

Israel: Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Master’s in Human Rights and Transitional Justice

This one-year master’s programme at Israel’s top university focuses on human rights and transitional justice. It’s intended for B.A. graduates in political science, international relations, and other related fields. The program consists of 20-25 academic courses, including courses on international humanitarian law, international courts, the United Nations, international human rights, and more. Applicants must meet English proficiency requirements and provide academic transcripts, a letter of recommendation, CV, and writing sample.

The post 10 International Human Rights Studies Around The Globe appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

American Indian Studies – Indigenous Rights and Social Justice (Arizona State University)

American Indian Studies: Indigenous Rights and Social Justice is a two-year course that is offered at Arizona State University. It focuses on different challenges that indigenous communities are facing and how the learners can carry out effective advocacy for social justice. Using the case of the American Indian populations as reference, this program touches different areas of indigenous rights as they relate to culture, language, history, legal policies, arts, education, and activism. With the knowledge acquired from this study, you will be able to work with non-profit, governmental and private entities to solve a wide range of issues that are related to indigenous rights and social justice. Starting in January 2021, American Indian Studies: Indigenous Rights and Social Justice is a full-time, English program.

Indigenous Peoples’ Law and Policy (University of Arizona)

With full-year tuition of 10,102 EUR, Indigenous Peoples’ Law and Policy is a special course that is centered on tribal law and policy, federal Indian law, and indigenous human rights. Provided by the University of Arizona, this program is taught by lecturers and professionals who have experience in both academic and practical settings. The main requirement for this course is a degree in law. Before completing the study, students must have completed coursework of about 24 credit hours on the campus of the University of Arizona. Significant scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Indigenous Studies (University of Auckland)

Indigenous Studies is a master’s degree program that is offered by the University of Auckland. This program investigates economic, cultural, political, and methodological challenges that are facing Indigenous peoples as they continue their struggle for self-determination. The curriculum of the course also include Indigenous Theories and Rangatiratanga (Self-determination). Students are also required to complete a dissertation before the end of the program. With the skills and knowledge derived from this study, students can build a career in various areas such as policy and law, tribal and political advisement, teaching and research, government and community leadership, and resource management.

Minority Rights Law (Middlesex University)

Provided by Middlesex University, Minority Rights Law is a 1-year program putting emphasis on humans rights, social exclusion and gender issues from a holistic point of view. You will also learn about the factors that hamper implementing or actualizing rights. By using critical assessments of sustainable development programs and human rights, this study will allow you to investigate how the law works with regards to legal processes, concepts and systems. Afterward, you will learn about how theoretical law concepts differ from their applications. This course comes in the form of LLM, PG Cert and PG Dip, depending on the previous academic qualifications of the students.

Indigenous Relations (Laurentian University)

Indigenous Relations is a master’s degree program that is offered by Laurentian University. This study has a duration of two years and is open to students from all countries around the world. Basically, the Indigenous Relations program centers on providing a more encompassing view of research, traditional teachings, theories, perspectives and various practices of the Indigenous populations. This master’s degree program also challenges you to explore some of the complexities and latest developments in issues concerning Indigenous communities. It will equip you to create research proposals as well as policies that affect the health, social, political and environmental wellbeing of the Indigenous peoples. To gain a deeper understanding of politics, human rights, governance, literature, and ecology of the Indigenous communities, you will engage in comparative studies. Notably, this program will strongly focus on the Indigenous people of Canada.

Equality Studies (University College Dublin)

Offered at University College Dublin (UCD), this master’s degree program is unique in Europe. As the name suggests, Equality Studies allows learners to come together to evaluate equality issues around the world from an array of aspects. The study is targeted at individuals that want to understand global social justice challenges from the perspective of different disciplines. It allows students to explore the major gaps between theory and practice when it comes to implementing positive social change. Students will develop strategies and ideas to combat several problems that affect global justice, human rights, and equality. The modules of this course include Sociology of Inequality, Egalitarian Theory and Practice, Researching and Challenging Social Injustice, and Human Rights Law and Equality. This 1-year master’s degree program is recommended for students with interest or experience in community activism, community development, journalism, and education.

Indigenous Languages Education (University of Sydney)

This master’s program, that is offered by the University of Sydney, is centered on the linguistic features of the Indigenous Australian languages and the theories that are related to the acquisition and learning of languages. Although this 1-year program is all about the Indigenous Australian languages, fluency in any of the languages is not a prerequisite for participating in it. The outlines of the Indigenous Languages Education program include Language Curriculum Development, Words, and Meanings in Indigenous Languages, Learning an Indigenous Language, Research Project in Languages Education, and several others. After completing this full-time study, the learners will also be able to teach Aboriginal Languages Syllabus at various school levels for children.

3 Free Online Courses on Reconciliation and Indigenous Education

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UN agencies and human rights commissions frequently talk about a “human rights-based approach,” which is abbreviated as HRBA. What do they mean?

A human rights-based approach is a framework for human development. Using international human rights standards, HRBA ensures that people know about their human rights and can claim them. It also targets, supports and enables the entities responsible for delivering and protecting human rights, so they’re equipped to fulfill their obligations. A Human rights-based approach applies to areas like healthcare access, economic development, gender equality, education, social justice and others. 

The UN and a human rights-based approach

The realization of human rights principles – universality, equality, participation, accountability, and indivisibility – is the goal of a human rights-based approach. In 2003, UN agencies began adopting the UN Common Understanding on a Human-Rights-Based Approach to Development Cooperation. It intended to streamline how UN agencies promoted and protected human rights. Programs and goals need to be consistent. Under the common understanding, agencies can focus on how best to empower “rights-holders” to claim their rights and get “duty-bearers” to protect those rights.

There isn’t a specific prescription for the successful implementation of a human rights-based approach. However, UN agencies have agreed on the characteristics that should be present, as such as:

• The human rights standards and principles from the UDHR should guide all programs and cooperation at each phase.
• All development cooperation programs, policies, and technical assistance should promote the human rights described in the UDHR and other treaties.
• Development cooperation should empower the ability of “duty-bearers” to fulfill rights and/or the ability of “rights-holders” to claim rights.

The PANEL principles

Adopted by various human rights commissions throughout the world- including the commissions in Australia and Scotland – the PANEL principles provide a thorough understanding of how to apply human rights. PANEL stands for:

• Participation
• Accountability
• Non-discrimination and equality
• Empowerment
• Legality

Participation

This principle asserts that everyone has the right to take part in the decisions that affect their rights. Participation must be free and accessible. For participation to flourish, information must be provided in forms and languages that everyone can access.

Accountability

Accountability means there must be systems that monitor human rights standards. Anyone who violates these standards should be held accountable. Accountability exists in the form of policies, laws, administrative processes, and so on.

Non-discrimination and equality

A human rights-based approach must include a commitment to non-discrimination and equality. These are two separate things because equality can’t be achieved simply by a lack of discrimination. Marginalized groups must be given priority so equality can become a reality.

Empowerment

Human rights can only be achieved if those who hold rights are empowered. This means they must know their rights and be supported in their claims. Advocacy is a key part of empowerment.

Legality

The legality of rights is the last principle in the PANEL framework. This means that rights must be legally enforceable. When developing practices, entities that follow PANEL should lean on international human rights law.

Characteristics of a successful human rights-based approach

How do you know when a human rights-based approach is working? Using the UN’s framework and the PANEL principles, there are key characteristics that will be present:

• The fulfillment of human rights is the ultimate goal of all programs.
• Participation is both a means and a goal.
• Processes and outcomes are closely monitored.
• Strategies empower rights-holders.
• Rights-holders play an active role in their own development.
• Programs prioritize the marginalized.
• Accountability systems are strong.

Human rights advocates and organizations face many obstacles to success. A human rights-based approach helps them keep their goals in focus. It also helps structure the goals and processes, so every part of the organization moves in the same direction.

The benefits of a human rights-based approach

When UN agencies and other human rights organizations lean on a human rights-based approach, there are many benefits. The first is that it’s the strongest strategy for providing essential services to people. This includes healthcare, food, water, and education. The HRBA’s focus on non-discrimination and equality are especially effective at ensuring people get these rights.

A human rights-based approach is also important because it encourages awareness and advocacy. To empower rights-holders, human rights bodies must identify marginalized people, educate them on their rights, and help them claim them. This builds a system where rights-holders actively participate in the process and get the support they need. It also improves the accountability of the duty-bearers. The world may still be a long way from a full realization of human rights, but a human rights-based approach can help us get closer.

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Social justice thrives when everyone is treated fairly and not discriminated against based on traits like gender, sexuality, race, wealth, or any other status. In addition to respecting all basic human rights, a just society invests in equal opportunities, reparations for past injustices, and privileges within a society. By drawing attention to areas of injustice, social justice advocates work to change laws, raise awareness, and shift public attitudes. Movies can be one of the most effective and accessible vehicles for progress. Here are 13 social justice movies everyone should see:

Table of Contents

#1. The Janes #2. Loving #3. Bedlam #4. The Accused #5. Fruitvale Station #6. The Invisible War #7. The Hate U Give #8. Coded Bias #9. Writing with Fire #10. Belly of the Beast #11. Dear White People #12. Spotlight #13. Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution

The Janes (2022)

Directors: Tia Lessin and Emma Pildes

Before Roe v. Wade, a group of Chicago activists called “The Janes” built an underground network in the late 1960s. They helped women access safe low-cost or free abortions. Ads would appear in places where women tended to gather, reading “Pregnant? Call Jane.” For years, only a few of the group members, including leaders Ruth Surgal and Jody Parsons, spoke publicly. In this 2022 documentary, more women came forward about their activist roles for the first time. The Supreme Court has now overturned Roe v. Wade, making “The Janes” essential viewing for those who care about reproductive rights.

Loving (2016)

Director/writer: Jeff Nichols

In 1958, Richard and Mildred Loving were sentenced to a year in prison. Their crime? They were an interracial couple. Mildred, a woman of color, and Richard, who was white, had violated Virginia’s Racial Integrity Act of 1924 by getting married. They appealed their conviction until it reached the U.S. Supreme Court. This film, starring Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton, tells the story of the couple and their fight to have their marriage recognized. The film received many award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Ruth Negga for Best Actress.

Bedlam (2019)

Director/writer: Kenneth Paul Rosenburg

Filmed over five years, this powerful documentary exposes the mental health crisis facing the United States. Viewers go into psychiatric emergency rooms, jails with psychiatric patients, and homeless camps. The director, who is also a psychiatrist, brings his personal experience into the film, as well. His late sister had schizophrenia. The film features experts, activists, individuals with mental illness, and family members of those struggling with mental illness. The film has been screened by organizations like the American Psychiatric Association, the Vera Institute of Justice, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and others. The 2019 book BEDLAM: An Intimate Journey in America’s Mental Health Crisis, expands on the film’s ideas and provides concrete solutions.

The Accused (1988)

Director: Jonathon Kaplan

After Sarah (Jodie Foster) is gang-raped in public at a bar, she and the deputy district attorney try to get justice. The problem? Sarah was taking drugs and acting flirtatiously, therefore not fitting the role of a “perfect victim.” The attorney must demonstrate that Sarah’s actions did not bring the attack on herself and that the rapists are the ones on trial, not Sarah. The case must also reckon with everyone who watched the attack instead of stopping it. While controversial in some areas (including in the filmmaker’s decision to depict the assault), the film was ahead of its time in tackling issues such as victim-blaming, harassment, and the court system. Jodie Foster won the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Fruitvale Station (2013)

Director/writer: Ryan Coogler

Based on true events, “Fruitvale Station” tells the story of 22-year-old Oscar Grant, a Black man killed by a BART police officer at Fruitvale Station in Oakland, California. Viewers follow Oscar during his last day alive on New Year’s Eve, 2009. He argues with his girlfriend, tries to get his job back, and goes to his mother’s birthday party. Through these seemingly mundane events, the film paints a picture of a life cut off for no good reason, drawing attention to police brutality in a realistic, truthful way. The film propelled both Michael B. Jordan and director/writer Ryan Coogler into superstardom. “Fruitvale Station” has a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Invisible War (2012)

Director/writer: Kirby Dick

This documentary pulls back the curtain on sexual assault within the US military. It follows veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces as they share their stories of harassment and assault. When survivors tried to get justice, the military justice system punished them instead of the perpetrators. More often than not, the careers of those who came forward were destroyed. The film significantly increased awareness of the issue and led to policy changes. “The Invisible War” won a Peabody Award and was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 85th Academy Awards.

The Hate U Give (2018)

Director: George Tillman, Jr.

Based on the bestselling YA novel by Angie Thomas, “The Hate U Give” tells the story of 16-year-old Starr Carter. After leaving a party, Starr and her best friend Khali try to drive home. They’re stopped by a police officer, who orders Khalil to get out of the car. When the teenager reaches for a hairbrush, the cop shoots and kills Khalil in front of Starr. The film explores the aftermath of the murder as it becomes national news and Starr deals with her grief and desire to bring Khalil’s killer to justice. The film features Amandla Stenberg as Starr, who won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture.

Coded Bias (2020)

Director: Shalini Kantayya

As artificial intelligence weaves itself into more of our lives, who is watching out for us? In this documentary, M.I.T. Media Lab computer scientist Joy Buolamwini discovers that some facial recognition technology doesn’t recognize dark-skinned faces or women. This means that the algorithms meant to eliminate bias and prejudice are just as biased as the people programming them. Why does this matter? As AI seeps into areas like housing, job interview selections, healthcare access, and more, that bias spreads, too. Buolamwini begins advocating for more transparency and accountability. The film features other figures in the field, including data journalists, watchdog activists, human rights lawyers, and more.

Writing with Fire (2021)

Director: Sushmit Ghosh and Rintu Thomas

After 14 years of print, the newspaper Khabar Lahirya, which is run by Dalit women, starts the move to digital journalism. With smartphones, the female journalists report from India’s most dangerous regions, risking their safety and lives to share the truth. The film follows these journalists as they defy tradition. “Writing with Fire” was the first Indian feature documentary to receive an Academy Award nomination. It has received universal critical acclaim and international awards.

Belly of the Beast (2020)

Director: Erika Cohn

Filmed over seven years, “Belly of the Beast” exposes the horrendous human rights violations happening in female prisons like the Central California Women’s Facility. The investigation uncovers violations like sexual abuse, assault, forced sterilizations, poor healthcare, and targeted malice against women of color. With accounts from current and formerly incarcerated people as well as lawyers, “Belly of the Beast” reveals how eugenics is still a part of society and how it targets some of the most vulnerable people in the country. The film was a 2021 Peabody Nominee and won an Emmy for Outstanding Current Affairs Documentary.

Dear White People (2014)

Director/writer: Justin Simien

This satirical comedy-drama follows a group of Black students at a fictional Ivy League college. Student Samantha White (Tessa Thompson) sparks controversy when she criticizes white people on her radio show. When she runs to become the head of house of an all-Black house on campus, tensions increase, including between her and Troy, her ex-boyfriend. Things reach a tipping point when an influential white student throws a blackface party. Through dark humor, the film examines racial identity in the supposed “post-racial” America before Donald Trump’s election, as well as what it means for young people to try and find themselves. In 2017, Netflix adapted the series into a show which ran for four seasons.

Spotlight (2015)

Director: Tom McCarthy

In 2001, The Boston Globe’s “Spotlight” investigative team began looking at sexual abuse in the Catholic church. Initially reporting on one story, the team uncovers a disturbing pattern involving other priests in Massachusetts. They also learn that the Church is actively protecting abusive priests. The newspaper’s coverage increased awareness and reporting on the many other abuse cases in the United States and abroad. One of the most striking movies about how journalism holds the powerful accountable, “Spotlight” received six Academy Award nominations and won Best Picture.

Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (2020)

Director/writer: Nicole Newnham and James LeBrecht

In 1971, teenagers head off to summer camp at Camp Jened, a camp designed as a “free-spirited” camp for teens with disabilities. Years later, James LeBrecht, who was born with spina bifida, talks to his co-director Nicole Newnham about how he wants to see a documentary involving his work as a disability rights advocate. He mentions wanting to see a movie about Camp Jened. It became more than a fun place for kids with disabilities; it inspired a group to join the disability rights movement and advocate for radical change. The movie was released on Netflix in 2020 and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

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Throughout the history of human rights, certain moments stand out. Their effects reverberate through time, and though certain moments may not have been beneficial to humanity, it’s still important to remember them. The things people say – either at the specific moment or later in reflection – provide insight into the past and inspiration for the future. This selection of human rights quotes marks historic moments like the signing of the United Nations Charter, the 70th-anniversary of Hiroshima, and the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States.

#1. “We must build a new world – a far better world – one in which the eternal dignity of man is respected.” – US President Harry Truman on June 26th, 1945, at the signing of the United Nations Charter

When Truman signed the United Nations Charter in June of 1945, the world was reeling from two major world wars in the span of 30 years. People hoped that this new organization – the United Nations – might usher in a new time of international negotiation and peace. Truman’s quote embodies that hope. The United States became the first nation to finish the ratification process, setting itself up as a major player in human rights.

#2. “We must not be deluded by the efforts of the forces of reaction to prostitute the great words of our free tradition and thereby to confuse the struggle. Democracy, freedom, human rights have come to have a definite meaning to the people of the world which we must not allow any nation to so change that they are made synonymous with suppression and dictatorship.” – Eleanor Roosevelt, in 1948, in her speech “The Struggle for Human Rights”

Eleanor Roosevelt delivered this speech as chair of the United Nations committee responsible for drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The speech’s goal was to convince UN member states to vote for the declaration and recognize the universal nature of human rights. Roosevelt targeted the Soviet Union, which possessed very different ideas about what human rights were. In this quote, the First Lady warns that to serve their own purposes, nations will try to twist the debate to redefine what human rights are. We can see that happening to this day.

#3. “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed — we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.” – Martin Luther King Jr., at the 1963 March on Washington, in his speech “I Have A Dream”

In 1963, around 250,000 people gathered in front of the Washington Lincoln Memorial to call out for the rights of African-Americans. There, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have A Dream” speech. All of it is memorable, but this excerpt in particular sums up the essence of his message. He quotes from the US Constitution itself, expressing hope that one day, America will be able to make it a reality. While progress has been made since the 1960’s, Dr. King’s dream has yet to be fully realized.

#4. “We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become irrelevant.” – Elie Wiesel giving his acceptance speech for the 1986 Nobel Peace Prize

Author and activist Elie Wiesel survived the Holocaust and spent his life advocating for human rights all over the world. In this now-iconic quote from his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, Wiesel expresses the importance of taking a stand when human rights are violated. Because human rights are universal, it doesn’t matter where the violations and abuses occur.

#5. “We understand it still that there is no easy road to freedom. We know it well that none of us acting alone can achieve success. We must therefore act together as a united people, for national reconciliation, for nation building, for the birth of a new world.” – Nelson Mandela giving his inaugural speech in 1994

From 1948 into the early 1990’s, the system of apartheid – racial segregation – ruled South Africa. The African National Congress, led by Nelson Mandela, fought against the system. Mandela was arrested and spent almost 30 years in prison. Upon his release, efforts to negotiate a peaceful end to apartheid began, and in 1994, the first multiracial general election took place. Mandela was elected president. In this excerpt from his inaugural speech, he emphasizes the importance of uniting for the sake of a better future.

#6. “If there is one message that echoes forth from this conference, let it be that human rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights, once and for all.” – Hillary Clinton at the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995

In 1995, the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women was held in Beijing, China. The issue of women’s rights was sensitive given China’s one-child policy frequently led to the abandonment of baby girls. Clinton was actually pressured to soften her remarks, but instead, she doubled down without naming names. The conference kicked off a more intentional effort toward achieving gender equality and respecting the rights of women, while Clinton’s speech is considered one of the modern era’s most influential speeches.

#7. “As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience’s sake.” – President Barack Obama at his 2009 inauguration

In 2009, Barack Obama became the first black president of the United States. At his inauguration, he touched on one of the biggest challenges in human rights: the balance between security and holding to our ideals. So many times in history, human rights have been “put on hold” for the sake of national security or safety. While the Obama administration certainly doesn’t have a perfect record on human rights, this quote is still an important reminder.

#8. “We must work for a world where people of all cultures and beliefs live together in mutual respect and full equality. Non-violence does not mean non-action. It takes courage to stand up to those who use violence to enforce their will or beliefs. It requires resolve to face down injustice, discrimination and brutality.” – Ban Ki-moon in 2013, “Remarks on the International Day of Non-Violence”

Ban Ki-moon served as Secretary-General of the United Nations from 2007-2016. The International Day of Non-Violence is on October 2, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. In his 2013 remarks, on the 144th anniversary Gandhi’s birth, Ban Ki-moon makes the important clarification that practicing non-violence doesn’t mean not doing anything. This is similar to what Elie Wiesel said about how silence encourages the tormentor. Defending human rights takes work.

#9. “I barely have the energy to campaign these days, and I’m no longer scared of dying. But at the same time I realise that it’s our duty as survivors to carry on for as long as possible, to honour the memory of those who are no longer with us.” – Hiroko Hatakeyama in 2015, the 70th-anniversary of Hiroshima

The bombing of Hiroshima killed 140,000 by the end of 1945. Radiation caused diseases which claimed many more lives years after. Hiroko Hatakeyama was only six years old in 1945, but she’s spent her whole life speaking out about the bombing. This quote represents the burden that survivors of events like Hiroshima (which many consider to be a war crime) feel they must carry.

#10. “It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves. Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization’s oldest institutions. They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.” – Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, in his majority opinion for the 2015 Supreme Court case that legalized gay marriage in all 50 states

In 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States handed down a 5-4 decision in Obergefell V Hodges that made federal gay marriage legal. While individual states like Pennsylvania, Maine, and Washington recognized same-sex marriage, the Supreme Court had put off taking a stand for a long time. The 2015 decision represented a huge victory for the LGBTQ+ community and in his opinion, Justice Anthony Kennedy acknowledges its significance.

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Conflict Studies and Human Rights (Utrecht University)

Utrecht University in Netherlands offers a Master of Arts degree in Conflict Studies and Human Rights. The program requires one-year of full-time study on campus to complete. All students take the following classes: Conflict, Policies And Politics; In-depth Case-study Analysis; Theories Of Violent Conflict; Literature Review & Research Proposal; Preparing Social Research; and The Conflict-human Rights Nexus. Students then have the opportunity to complete one of two master’s thesis options. To fulfill this requirement, students can either conduct research in the field and then compose a paper summarizing their findings or participate in a work internship and write about the experience.

Human Rights and International Conflict (London Metropolitan University)

London Metropolitan University in England, United Kingdom, offers a Master of Arts degree in Human Rights and International Conflict. Students have the option to complete the program with full-time or part-time study. Most students can complete all of the course requirements in one year full time or within two years part time. Every student in the program takes the following classes: History and Theory of Human Rights; Human Rights and International Conflict Dissertation; Human Rights and the International Order; International Conflict Resolution; American Foreign Policy in the 21st Century; and Citizenship and Social Justice. In addition, students receive instruction in research methods and write a 12,000-15,000 word dissertation on an area of interest.

Gender, Conflict and Human Rights (Ulster University)

Ulster University in Coleraine, England, United Kingdom, offers a Master of Laws degree in Gender, Conflict and Human Rights. This program is intended for students who already hold an undergraduate law degree and wish to specialize in human rights law. With full-time study, the degree requirements can typically be completed in one full calendar year. Students are required to take three modules: Gender and Human Rights; Gender and Transition; and Using Film for Human Rights Research and Advocacy. Additionally, every student takes a research methods class and then completes independent research, culminating in a master’s thesis.

Human Rights, Conflict and Justice (SOAS University)

SOAS University of London in London, England, United Kingdom, offers a Master of Laws degree in Human Rights, Conflict and Justice. The program prepares those who have undergraduate law degrees to specialize in human rights law. To meet the needs of working adults, the program is offered in four formats: one-year full-time, two-year part-time, three-year part-time and four-year part-time daylight only. Five courses are required for the degree: Human Rights and Islamic Law; Human Rights in the Developing World; Human Rights of Women; International Protection of Human Rights; and Justice, Reconciliation and Reconstruction in Post Conflict Societies. Students are also required to participate in an international human rights law clinic.

Globalisation-Politics, Conflict and Human Rights (University of Brighton)

The University of Brighton in England, United Kingdom, offers a Master of Arts degree in Globalisation-Politics, Conflict and Human Rights. Students can choose to study full time for one year or part time for two years. Every student in the program completes either a field placement and an extended essay or a master’s dissertation. In addition, students choose courses from a number of options, including: Globalisation and Global Politics; Conflict, Security and Human Rights; Peacemaking and the Conflicted Past; Legacies of Warfare and Violent Conduct; Forms of Warfare and Violent Conduct; Holocaust Memory; and Learning and Teaching in Higher Education.

Explore more Master’s Degrees in Human Rights

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In 1948, Australia was one the countries that were part of the Drafting Committee of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). At home, however, the nation’s history of human rights has been spotty at best. Thankfully, that hasn’t stopped people from engaging with the problems and developing programs at many universities and university law schools. Here are five Australian universities offering human rights master’s degrees. More masters in human rights are available on our dedicated page.

Curtin University

This Master of Human Rights is available at Curtin University, which is located in Perth, Australia. It is taught by the School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry. You will also have access to the Centre for Human Rights Education, which was established in 2003. Curtin was the first Australian university to select a Chair in human rights education. The Master degree and courses are for those planning on a career field in human rights, or who already working there and looking to learn more about a specific area.

The courses encompass theoretical and practical learning methods, as well as multicultural, multidisciplinary, and multi-religious viewpoints. Applicants must have a Bachelor degree in Arts/Humanities, Social Work, Law, Journalism, Health, Education, or Psychology. If your degree is in another field, you must have one year of paid or unpaid work experience. The course is 300 credits, and lasts 1 year and 6 months. Curtin University is also offering a Micromasters in Human Rights that counts towards the Master degree.

The University of Sydney

The Master of Human Rights at the University of Sydney is designed to give students a deeper understanding of how human rights fits into political, economic, social, and environmental areas. Courses will explore both international and regional systems of human rights, and encompass sociology, social policy, and more. Students will get the chance to perform independent research on human rights issues and participate in an internship with an Australian or international organization. The degree is offered by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. It takes 1-1.5 years, depending on if you’re part-time or full-time. International students must be full-time. Within the program, you select one of three specialisations: Global Migrations; International Relations; or Social Research.

To apply for the 1.5-year program, you must have a bachelor’s degree with a 65% average from the University of Sydney, with a major in humanities and social sciences; or a Bachelor of Laws degree with a 65% average. For full-time and international students, you must have completed the embedded Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Human Rights (with a 65% grade average) or an Honours degree in a related field.  If you have a bachelor’s degree with that same average and relevant work experience, you may also apply.

University of South New Wales

At UNSW Law, a Human Rights Law and Policy Master’s degree is available to students, full time (1 year) or part time (2 years). The aim of this degree program is to train and support future professionals and scholars as leaders in the exciting, dynamic and expanding field of international human rights law and policy.  All students must complete the International Human Rights course within their first year, while non-law graduates must complete Legal Concepts, Research & Writing for Human Rights, with the remaining credits selected from human rights law and policy elective courses.

To be eligible, you must have an undergraduate degree in law, the social sciences, or humanities with a minimum credit average of 65% or higher. Alternately, you must have an undergrad degree in law, social sciences, or humanities with two years’ professional experience in a related field.

The University of Auckland

You can find the Master degree (which is an LL.M.) at the University of Auckland’s law school, where the New Zealand Centre for Human Rights, Policy, and Practice is based. This Master’s is designed for full-time students, legal practitioners, or others in full-time or part-time employment. It can be completed through research, coursework, or a combination of both. To specialize in human rights, you will choose a Human Rights Law concentration. It lasts 12 months. Courses vary by year, but could include classes like “Comparative Indigenous Rights Law” and “Human Rights in Mental Health Law.”

Entry is available throughout the year. To be eligible, you must meet certain grade point averages and have a Bachelor of Laws degree. If you don’t meet the grade requirements, you may apply for the Postgraduate Certificate in Law pathway. There, you must complete at least 60 points of postgrad law courses with a B-grade average, and then you’ll be able to gain admission into the LL.M. program.

Monash University

At Monash University, those interested in human rights can pursue a Master of Legal Studies degree with a concentration in Global Society and Human Rights. It is a 12-month program, if it’s full-time. Part-time is scheduled for two years. The concentration teaches students both the theory and practice of human rights law. If you are working towards a career in the government or a human rights NGO, this is a good fit. Units within the concentration include family violence, gender, and law; sentencing; and international refugee law and practice.

To be eligible for the one-year schedule, a student must have a juris doctor or bachelor’s degree in law or its equivalent. You can also apply if you meet that first qualification, and then have either a graduate diploma in law, certificate, or equivalent; or work-based experience or learning; or admission to practice as a lawyer in Australia. For a two-year, you must have a bachelor degree in law from a non-Australian jurisdiction and a letter from the Victorian Legal Admissions Board explaining which areas of law are “necessary to meet academic eligibility requirements for admission to practice in Victoria.” It needs to be dated within a year of applying for the Monash LLM.

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Like many countries, South Africa has a turbulent history when it comes to human rights. During the apartheid era, which lasted from 1948-1991, a system of segregation and discrimination against the black population reigned. In 1994, a few years after apartheid legislation was repealed, the South African Constitution laid out strong protections for human rights. Its effectiveness, however, is often thrown into question. According to the Human Rights Watch page on the country, South Africa’s dedication to human rights, specifically regarding its foreign policy practice, is unclear. Issues like police brutality, the treatment of refugees and migrants, and xenophobic violence remain prevalent, while the protection of LGBTQ+ rights is also inconsistent. All that said, human rights activists are doing good work in South Africa. Here are five local organizations:

People Against Suffering, Oppression and Poverty (PASSOP)

This grassroots non-profit works in Cape Town, South Africa, and focuses on the rights of refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers. Founded in 2007 by Zimbabweans living in South Africa, the organisation was a response to asylum seekers fleeing Robert Mugabe and the xenophobia these vulnerable people encountered. In the years since, PASSOP became one of the first organisations in the Western Cape to research and respond to anti-immigrant violence in Du Noon, Imizamo Yethu, and other areas.

Their projects include LGBTQ+ refugee advocacy, gender rights, disabled children support, and more. PASSOP fights for the rights of all immigrants, including undocumented ones who lack reliable access to essentials like healthcare and shelter. PASSOP frequently protests current South African foreign policies regarding immigration, and advocates for change in the Department of Home Affairs.

Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR)

Founded in 1979, the Pretoria-based Lawyers for Human Rights began as an organization fighting human rights abuse and oppression under apartheid. When South Africa repealed the system, LHR helped with voter education and election monitoring, so democracy could be successfully established in 1994. According to their website, they have three main purposes: to be a human rights advocate and constitutional watchdog; to be an international force in developing human rights; and to contribute to improved policies on rights for the disadvantaged.

LHR’s primary work is providing free legal services to both non-national and South African victims of human rights abuses. On their site, they have a list of programs, which include the Mozambican Mineworkers Project; a Penal Reform Programme; Security of Farm Workers Project; and Strategic Litigation Unit.

Centre for Human Rights

In 1986, the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Law established the Centre for Human Rights. It serves as an academic department and an NGO focused on human rights education. It was one of the few institutions within South Africa to speak against apartheid abuses, and in 1994, it served as a technical adviser during the writing of the Constitution. In 2006, it was awarded the UNESCO Prize for Human Rights Education.

As an academic org, most of its work centers on research and education. The centre has developed influential literature on issues such as the rights of women; people with HIV; indigenous people; and other vulnerable groups in South Africa and Africa at large. It’s also well-known for its African Human Rights Moot Simulation Competition. The centre connects lawyers, civil servants, and others thanks to its LLM postgraduate law degree in human rights and democratisation in Africa.

Dullah Omah Institute for Constitutional Law, Governance, and Human Rights

Founded in 1990 by Dullah Omar, this institute was originally called the Community Law Centre. It was a major player in negotiations between the National Party government and democratic parties as apartheid came to an end. In 2015, the name was changed to honor Dullah Omar. It remains an important contributor and advisor on policies regarding human rights. It currently operates under the University of the Western Cape’s Faculty of Law.

The Institute’s work includes publishing articles, books and reports, and holding workshops and conferences. It focuses on issues like children’s rights, criminal justice reform, and women’s rights. At the time of this article, there are 30 doctoral and post-doctoral researchers working there.

The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission)

This independent chapter nine institution was formed in 2002 under the South African Constitution. Its mandate is to “promote respect” and guard the rights of cultural, religious, and linguistic communities. These communities are vulnerable and have faced oppression, so the CRL Rights Commission’s job is to protect them by receiving and investigating complaints.

The CRL Rights Commission is comprised of two main programs: research & development policy; and public education & engagement. The research & development unit’s job is to work with the communities and build up a knowledge base. The public education and engagement unit is to “promote community participation.”

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MSc Human Rights (University of Dublin)

The University of Dublin in Dublin, Ireland, offers a Master of Science degree in Human Rights. The program lasts for one year and is highly intensive. All students must complete the following courses to qualify for the degree: Law of the ECHR; International Human Rights; Politics of Human Rights; and Theory of Human Rights. Students then have the choice to either complete a full-length research dissertation on a topic of interest or to participate in a monitored internship. Graduates of the program have received employment with a number of organizations, including: Front Line Defenders; United Nations, New York and Geneva; Amnesty International; Médecins sans Frontières; PLAN Ireland; Irish Aid; and Oxfam.

International Human Rights Law (University of Ireland)

The National University of Ireland, Galway, in Galway, Ireland, offers a Master of Laws degree in International Human Rights Law. To receive the degree, students must create a series of classes, choosing offerings from courses like: Business and Human Rights; Children’s Rights; Conflict and Post-Conflict; Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights; Economic, Social & Cultural Rights; European Convention on Human Rights; European Union and Human Rights; Gender and Human Rights; Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity; Human Rights Field Work: Law and Practice; Islam and Human Rights; International Criminal Law; International Criminal Procedure; International Humanitarian Law; Introduction to Human Rights Law; Minority Rights; and Peace Support Operations.

LLM International Human Rights Law (University College Dublin)

The University College Dublin, Ireland, offers a Master of Laws degree in International Human Rights Law. Students have the option to complete the program full time over the course of one year or part time in roughly two years. To receive the degree, all students must pass the following courses: International Human Rights, Law of the ECHR, Politics of Human Rights, Theory of Human Rights, Data Protection and Privacy, Development and Global Justice, Human Rights Law and Equality, and International Aviation Law. Law career fairs are held throughout the year to assist students with finding employment after graduation.

Human Rights in Criminal Justice (University of Limerick)

The University of Limerick in Limerick, Ireland, offers two degree programs in Human Rights in Criminal Justice. The first program is a Master of Laws degree intended for applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree in law, while the second is a Master of Arts degree for individuals who hold bachelor’s degrees in other fields. Students pick and choose courses that relate to their areas of interest from a broad field of classes that includes: Advanced Legal Research Skills, Comparative International Protection of Human Rights Law, Criminal Justice Processes and Sentencing, Law of the European Convention of Human Rights, Penology and Victimology, International Criminal Law, Policing and Human Rights, Criminology, and Comparative and European Criminal Justice.

Global Women’s Studies (Gender, Globalisation and Rights)

National University of Ireland, Galway in Galway, Ireland, offers a Master of Arts degree in Global Women’s Studies (Gender, Globalisation and Rights). All students in the program are provided with an opportunity to complete a two-month work placement in order to gain real-world experience working in the field of human rights. Every student in the program must take a course on research methods and then complete a full-length dissertation. Among the classes offered to fulfill course requirements are: History and Narrative in Gender Research; Engaged Research Practice: Women in Agriculture; Women, Conflict and Human Security; Applied Gender Analyses; and Gender, Sexuality and Global Health.

Human Rights Masters in other locations.

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Ecology, its actualization, development, and importance in contemporary socio-political and economic processes have caused the need of enrichment of the existing human rights pallet with independent research of ecological rights and before all, a right to a healthy environment. From its very beginning, this right faced different controversies and was often studied within other branches of law. It was often understood as a luxurious right conferred to countries who have reached a certain level of economic development and can take ecological measures at the expense of profit in order to protect its citizens. But, even though this statement is not far from the present truth, governments worldwide are becoming more aware of this issue and international organization are working hard in order to provide everyone on this planet with the right of a healthy environment which is inseparable from other fundamental rights we are all entitled to, a right to life and a right to health. If your goal is to work on protection of human rights regarding ecology rights we have selected some human rights masters with an environmental focus which can be just a step forward towards your human rights career.

LLM Human Rights and the Environment, Lancaster University, United Kingdom 

England is well-known for reputable universities and top quality education and Lancaster University, a public research university in England offers the LLM in Human Rights and the Environment. This Master’s will provide you with a deeper understanding of political, legal and human rights issues, environmental protection and its regulation. It is a joint program of the Lancaster University Law School and the Lancaster Environment Centre where you will have access to the top expertise of academic working. The program encourages you to build a broad network of academics, peers, and alumni which is the most valuable asset you can gain during your university years and opens the door to exciting careers. It is possible to attend it as a one-year full-time Master’s or if you wish to adjust it to your work life you can choose a two-year part-time course.

LLM International Human Rights Law and Protection of Environment, Charles University, Czech Republic

In a charming city of Prague, the oldest and the largest university in the Czech Republic offers international LLM programs where you can choose between various specialization and one of them is an exciting LLM focusing on an interdisciplinary approach in the fields of human rights and environment protection. It is organized as 18 months three-semester course with two semesters of on-site study and one additional semester of distance study used for writing a thesis and its defense. The interdisciplinary approach combines International, European and Environmental Law, constitutional and administrative aspects of law but also the legal history of environmental protection to gain a better understanding of its historical evolution.  Pre-requisite for attending this LLM is a solid understanding of the issues of contemporary International Law as a large part of the program is devoted to studying international treaties, liability and enforcement mechanisms on an international level.

Master in International and Comparative Environmental Law, University of Limoges, France

If you are a French speaker currently working and unable to relocate to France but you have always wanted to study at a French University, then look no more. We found a distance learning master program in International and Comparative Environmental Law that can suit your needs. This master is organized together with AUF, Francophone University Agency that promotes education in the French language worldwide.

The Master is aimed at civil servants and lawyers from NGOs, consulting firms, industrial or commercial companies, holding various positions in local, national or international bodies, in the legal profession (lawyers, magistrates, experts …) wishing to be trained in environmental law, to teachers and trainers, and to everyone interested in training in this field in order to take up responsibilities in the field of environmental law or to pursue a doctoral thesis. This Master aims to integrate students in diverse sectors at the local, regional, national and international levels. The degree of International and Comparative Law of the Environment includes a common core, an international environmental law option, a comparative right option of the environment. When choosing a common core you have the option of studying Environmental Law within the European Convention of Human Rights and ECHR case law while at the same time studying different matters of environmental law on an international level and through comparative research.

LLM in Human Rights Law, Middlesex University, United Kingdom

Middlesex University in London is highly ranked in the area of human rights law with eminent experts teaching at the university. The LLM Human Rights Law provides specialization in human rights law on an international and regional level while encouraging students to address current human rights issues. Studying at this university, you will get the chance to learn directly from some of the world’s foremost figures in the fields of human rights law such as Professor Philip Leach, the Director of the European Human Rights Advocacy Centre who was named the Law Society’s Human Rights Lawyer of the Year. You have the opportunity to choose between four core and two optional modules and one of the optional modules includes Environmental Law and Governance.

Master in Environmental Law and Sustainable Development, SOAS University of London, United Kingdom

At the leading Higher Education institution in Europe, SOAS University of London, specializing in the study of Asia, Africa, and the Near and Middle East, you can get the full or part-time master program on the topic of environmental law and sustainable development. It provides a unique and attractive program not only on nature preservation but rational usage of natural resources as well. In order to provide equal chances for further development, for developing and developed countries, the program highlights links between environmental regulation and other related fields of law. It is needed to emphasise and broaden the scope of law matters, such as human rights, trade or intellectual property rights. Students can attend mix modules covering international and national environmental issues In order to be fully trained in dealing with the arising issues.

Also, University offers membership at the Law, Environment and Development Centre where students can upgrade their research skills and get advanced knowledge of the disciplines that cover the sustainable development and natural resource use.

Not many programs offer a full specialization in Human Rights Law and Environment, most of them are focused either on Environmental law with optional modules of human rights law vice versa. We hope that the academic institutions will follow the evolution of the right to a healthy environment and that we can expect more specialized human rights courses with environmental law focus in the future.

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If you are pursuing a career in human rights, it’s well-worth your time to consider a fellowship. These paid programs, which usually last for a duration of a few months or a few years, give you opportunities to build skills, network with experts in the field and gain valuable experience. Here are several human rights fellowships that are offered every year.

If you are pursuing a career in human rights, consider getting our e-book.

Human Rights LL. M. Fellowship (Columbia Law School)

This fellowship is coordinated with Columbia Law School’s Human Rights Institute and the Office of Graduate Legal Studies. Together, they offer a program that will allow students to build skills and receive career mentoring. Fellows are also given special consideration when applying to Columbia’s Human Rights Clinic. Fellowships provide partial or full tuition waivers, and, depending on the applicant’s need, a living stipend. If accepted, fellows should spend a big chunk of their time studying human rights and being part of the human rights community at the law school.

To be eligible, you must have a first degree in law. According to the description of the LL.M, a first degree in anything other than law, even if you have a master’s in law, may not be enough. You also are not eligible if your law degree was obtained through correspondence course work or distance learning. If you have at least a year of full-time work after your first law degree, your chances of getting accepted are much better. You can apply if you’re still in your final year of your first law degree, but you have to be really impressive.

To apply, candidates will need to submit an application through LSAC; an essay describing their qualifications and previous human rights experiences; letters of recommendation; and application for financial assistance.

The Pozen Human Rights Doctoral Fellows Program

The Pozen Family Center For Human Rights, found at the University of Chicago, is a place of interdisciplinary teaching, research, practice-oriented training, summer internships, and collaboration with human rights scholars and activists around the world. The fellows program is a year long, and consists of writing and gaining experience with doctoral students focusing on human rights. Fellows meet every other week to discuss what they’re working on.

If accepted, a fellow receives up to $1,000 in reimbursements for the costs that come with presenting a paper through the Human Rights Doctoral Fellows Program at a conference. If a fellow is international, they may request more financial support for travel.

There is also a Pozen Human Rights Dissertation Completion Fellowship, which is awarded to a doctoral student who has made a significant contribution to human rights scholarship. The fellowship includes tuition, student health insurance, a $27,000 stipend, and student life fee. Applicants must be ABD (“all but dissertation”) by the time the application is due.

Henigson Human Rights Fellowship (Harvard Law School)

Named in honor of Robert and Phyliss Henigson, this fellowship is for Harvard Law Students and recent graduates dedicated to international human rights. The fellowship covers 12 months working with an NGO in the developing world. To be eligible, you must be expected to receive your degree in 2020 (most likely June of that year; at the time of this writing, exact dates have not been released yet). If you are a graduate, you must have been in full-time public interest work since your graduation, or active in public interest work and human rights while a student.The fellowship gives out $27,000 for the year, and up to $1,500 for international health insurance. If accepted, you may supplement with outside grants and awards, up to $18,000.

Fellowships are only given out if your project is located in a low or middle-income country in the developing world. Your project will be considered if the work connects developed world orgs with developing countries, as long as you plan on spending most of the lime in that developing country. You must have an organization sponsoring you for your project.

Alan R. and Barbara D. Finberg Fellowship (Human Rights Watch)

Established in memory of early Human Rights Watch supporters, the fellowship involves working full-time for one year in HRW’s Washington, D.C. office or the New York office. Responsibilities include monitoring human rights in countries around the world; doing on-site investigations; reporting on human rights conditions; and participating in advocacy and media outreach. Salary is $60,000 for the per, plus employer-paid benefits. All nationalities are encouraged to apply. Deadline for 20/21 is October 11, 2019.

To be considered, you must have either an advanced graduate degree or will have one by June 2020. Relevant fields are law, journalism, area studies, and international relations. You may also be considered if you have an LL.B degree. Research experience, including interview experience, is required, as well as a background in international human rights. Speaking another language is encouraged, while interpersonal skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to multitask are required.

George N. Lindsay Fellowship

This fellowship is one-year and gives recent law school graduates an opportunity to practice civil rights with experts at the Lawyers’ Committee in Washington, D.C. Fellows participate in legal activities, including co-counseled litigation and non-litigation, such as public policy advocacy and public education. Fields include employment discrimination, voting rights, fair housing, and more. Stipend is $57,000 for the year, as well as a $2,000 loan forgiveness.

To be eligible, you must have past experience working with low-income communities of color. Other qualifications include exceptional research and writing skills; ability to work with others; and at most, two years of practice, not counting clerkships. Preference is given to applicants who have been admitted to the bar, or are scheduled to take the exam by summer 2020. If you can show an involvement in scholarship or employment involving racial, gender, economic, and national origin justice, you’re also given preference.

Open Society Foundations Fellowships

The Open Society Fellowship is designed to fund work of individuals who are pursuing innovative and unconventional approaches to fundamental open society challenges. Open Society Foundations invites proposals corresponding to a specific proposition or issue relevant to ongoing work at the organization. As opportunities open up to specific topics and fellowship opportunities, Open Society Foundations updates the information specific to the fellowship on their site. Open positions are posted under the Grants section.

Global Health Corps Fellowships

Global Health Corps offers a range of paid fellowships with various health organizations in Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, the United States, and Zambia, giving participants the chance to become leaders in the health equity movement. To be eligible, applicants must be 30 years or younger, have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and be proficient in English. Check the website for application guidelines and deadlines.

Humanity in Action, Humanity in Action Fellowship

This fellowship program is available to students and recent graduates from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, Ukraine, and the United States, as well as students of other nationalities are enrolled or graduated from universities in those countries. This fellowship is designed to bring together a group of international students to explore issues surrounding discrimination, resistance, and minority groups. Application instructions and deadlines for each fellowship cohort year can be found on the website.

Yale Law School, Kirby Simon Summer Fellowship

Yale’s Schell Center for International Human Rights offers this summer fellowship to fund at least six weeks of human rights work throughout the summer. The program gives students the opportunity to work on a variety of human rights issues with non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and international courts. The fellowship helps pay for living and travel expenses throughout the summer. Any Yale student can apply for this fellowship, but only law students are eligible for living costs to be covered. Instructions on how to apply and deadlines are available through the website.

APWLD Feminist Development Justice Media Fellowship

Offered by the Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development, this fellowship provides six months of funding for journalists who wish to work on media projects in Asia Pacific countries. Four years of work experience are required as well as proven commitment to furthering human rights and women’s equality. Applicants must also be fluent in English and a second language of an Asia Pacific nation.

BRAC Social Innovation Fellowship

The largest NGO in the world, BRAC offers a fellowship program for individuals aged 18 to 35 who are interested in working with the organization. During the one-year fellowship, the selected individual will have the opportunity to address a human right’s problem and have access to mentors and resources from the organization to put their plan into action. The fellow is given a monthly stipend, office space and money for travel to their assigned area.

Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship

This program provides funding for women journalists who specialize in social justice and human rights. Those selected for the program have an opportunity to study at the Center for International Studies at MIT in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. In addition, fellows complete internships at The Boston Globe and The New York Times. Applicants are accepted from around the world. Three years of work experience is required. Fellows will receive a stipend to cover the cost of their transportation, housing and meals.

Fellowships at CHRM2

The Centre for Human Rights, Multiculturalism, and Migration (CHRM2) at the University of Jember in East Java, Indonesia, offers a number of fellowships for individuals who are interested in working in human rights. Participants spend at least three months working as a research assistant, field researcher, English teacher, outreach coordinator or in other positions. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree or work history related to migration, multiculturalism or human rights.

Franklin Fellows Program

Through this program, individuals who are interested in human rights will have an opportunity to perform public service and gain valuable work experience. To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must have five years of relevant work experience and be U.S. citizens. Fellows will have a chance to work with the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Agency for International Development on a broad range of issues, including environment; counterterrorism; human rights; consular matters; HIV/AIDS and other trans-national diseases; and trade, energy and financial policy.

Global Citizenship Fellows Program

The U.S. Fund for UNICEF offers this highly competitive fellowship program. Fellows spend two years working as grassroots organizers and spokesmen in different locations in the United States. Qualified applicants will have previous work experience or education related to children’s rights and previous volunteer management experience. In addition, applicants must be U.S. citizens or have U.S. work authorization.

Helton Fellowship Program

Through this program, law students who wish to work in human rights or international law can receive a mini grant of $2,000. Applicants can come from any country but must currently be enrolled in law school and have a verifiable interest or project related to human rights for which they wish to use the funds.

Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship

Two times each year, a select group of college graduates are given the opportunity to participate in this fellowship program. Fellows live in Washington, D.C., for six to nine months and have the opportunity to work at a participating organization of their own choosing. In addition, fellows have the chance to engage in regular meetings with policy experts to further their professional development.

Information Controls Fellowship Program (ICFP)

Sponsored by the Open Technology Fund, this fellowship provides funding for individuals who are interested in promoting the free flow of information around the world. Applicants must have a project that relates to this are of interest. The program awards fellowships ranging from three months to one year in duration. Most often, postdoctoral students are selected, but doctoral candidates and other researchers from around the world may also apply.

Leadership and Advocacy for Women in Africa (LAWA) Fellowship Program

Fellows in this program receive full funding to complete a 14-month Master of Law Degree program at the Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., United States. The program is open to women from Africa who hold law degrees and currently work in human rights. All fellows must agree to return to their home countries and continue their work upon graduation.

Logan Nonfiction Fellowship

The Carey Institute in Rensselaerville, New York, United States, offers this fellowship program to nonfiction writers and reporters who are interested in politics, health, environmental science, social issues, human rights or justice. Fellows spend four to 12 weeks at the institute and are given lodging, technological support and meals. Individuals from around the world are invited to apply, but fluency in English is mandatory.

Professional Fellows Program (PFP) for Economic Empowerment, Middle East and North Africa

Employees of NGO, CSOs and associations in Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Libya or Lebanon between the ages of 25 and 40 are invited to apply for this fellowship program. Individuals must be committed to promoting civil society through their work at their respective organizations. The fellowship lasts for one month and gives fellows the opportunity to work with a service organization, advocacy group, grassroots organization, federal agency or congressional office to gain experience that they can use when they return home.

Roddenberry Fellowship

Each year, 20 fellows receive funding in the amount of $50,000 to launch projects that relate to human rights. Specifically, projects must relate to civil rights, climate change and environmental justice, immigration and refugee rights or LGBTQIA and women’s rights. In addition to the funding, fellows receive one-on-one mentoring.

Victory Congressional Fellowship

Every year, one LGBTQ professional is given a chance to work in the office of the co-chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus in Washington, D.C., United States, to gain work experience in the legislative projects policy making. The fellowship lasts for one year and pays $30,000 plus healthcare reimbursements and airfare. Qualified applicants will be 21 years of age and hold either a master’s or a bachelor’s degree.

Young Professionals Program for Legal Empowerment

This fellowship aims to help recent law school graduates and young lawyers gain work experience to help them drive social change. Lasting for two years, the fellowship includes a paid placement at a human rights organization and opportunities to conduct field research.

The Resilience Fellowship

The fellowship seeks to support journalists, artists, community organizers, activists, scholars, policy makers, and others who are responding to organized criminality in their communities. The theme for 2020 is: “Disappearances related to organized crime” — extrajudicial killings, kidnappings for ransom, arbitrary detentions, human trafficking, organ harvesting, missing migrants and refugees, among other similar issues. Fellows will receive our support via: 1) a stipend for the year (US$15,000) to help their individual work; 2) opportunities to disseminate their ideas and work through various avenues (conferences, forums, summits, literary festivals, publishers, etc) with whom we’ll partner on their behalf; and 3) collaborative opportunities with each other along with mentors from our network of more than 400 experts from the Resilience Fund’s parent NGO, The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.  

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The United States may be called the “land of the free and home of the brave,” but there are injustices in every facet of society. In recent years, social justice issues related to class, race, gender, sexuality, and more have become more well-known as people seek to educate themselves and others. Books are one of the best resources. Where should you start? Here are 15 books about social justice in the United States:

#1. A People’s History of the United States
#2. An Indigenious Peoples’ History of the United States
#3. A Queer History of the United States for Young People
#4. Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches
#5. Bad Feminist: Essays
#6. You’re the Only One I’ve Told: The Stories Behind Abortion
#7. Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption
#8. Let the Lord Sort Them: The Rise and Fall of the Death Penalty
#9. The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness
#10. A Terrible Thing To Waste: Environmental Racism and Its Assault on the American Mind
#11. Dirty Work: Essential Jobs and the Hidden Toll of Inequality in America
#12. One Fair Wage: Ending Subminimum Pay in America
#13. Big Hunger: The Unholy Alliance between Corporate America and Anti-Hunger Groups
#14. Twitter and Tear Gas: The Power and Fragility of Networked Protest
#15. How We Show Up: Reclaiming Family, Friendship, and Community

#1. A People’s History of the United States (1980)

Howard Zinn

Originally published in 1980, this book is now considered a classic. A People’s History looks at American history from Columbus to President Clinton’s first term through the perspective of groups overlooked in classrooms: women, African-Americans, Native Americans, immigrants, and others. Zinn rightly shows how many of America’s greatest victories such as the women’s right to vote, fair wages, and the 8-hour workday only came about because of the persistence of these communities. In light of new information and perspectives, A People’s History has been revised frequently throughout the years.

#2. An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States (2015)

Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

A recipient of the American Book Award, this is the first book to explore the history of the United States from the perspective of the continent’s indigenous peoples. Dr. Dunbar-Ortiz, a New York Times best-selling author and lifelong activist, examines how Native Americans have resisted the bloody expansion of the United States for centuries. While most American classrooms gloss over the genocidal policies of the US toward indigenous people, this book educates readers on the history many would like to forget. An Indigenous Peoples’ History is part of Beacon Press’ “ReVisioning American History” series.

#3. A Queer History of the United States For Young People (2019)

Michael Bronski & Richie Chevat

Adapted from the original A Queer History of the United States, this version written for young readers was named one of the Best Nonfiction Books of 2019 by the School Library Journal. It explores how LGBTQ+ people have shaped the United States for 400 years, covering iconic figures such as poet Emily Dickinson, Civil Rights activist Bayard Rustin, and others. Readers will experience queer history through stories, letters, drawings, poems, and more. As far-right activists fight to eliminate queer history and books from American schools, this book is more important than ever.

#4. Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches (2007)

Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde died in 1992, but her legacy has endured. This landmark collection of the Black lesbian poet and feminist’s essays and speeches covers topics like racism, homophobia, class, sexism, ageism, and more. It was originally published in 1984, but this 2007 edition contains a foreword by Cheryl Clarke, a poet and scholar of Audre Lorde. The words in this book will resonate with anyone interested in social justice. As the introduction by Nancy K. Bereano says of Lorde, “She is at the cutting edge of consciousness.”

#5. Bad Feminist: Essays (2014)

Roxane Gay

Roxane Gay’s collection of essays proves that both seriousness and humor have a place in the social justice movement. Through razor-sharp writing, Gay takes readers on a journey through womanhood, culture, and modern feminism. In a 2014 interview with Time, Gay explained “In each of these essays, I’m very much trying to show how feminism influences my life for better or worse.” Bad Feminist was on multiple best book of the year lists.

#6. You’re the Only One I’ve Told: The Stories Behind Abortion (2020)

Meera Shah

Dr. Meera Shah worked as the chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic, but for a while, she would simply tell people she was a doctor. In recent years, she became more direct and said, “I’m an abortion provider.” People started sharing their stories, often ending them with the phrase, “You’re the only one I’ve told.” In this book, Shah collects their stories to humanize abortion and push back against the many myths about it. In light of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, these types of stories are vital in the fight for reproductive rights.

#7. Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption (2015)

Bryan Stevenson

As a young lawyer heading up the Equal Justice Initiative in 1988, Bryan Stevenson took on the case of Water McMillian, a man on death row for a crime he didn’t commit. This book chronicles Stevenson’s work to free McMillian, his perspective as a lawyer defending death row inmates, and insights into the deep racism of the criminal justice system. The book won a slew of awards including the Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction. It was made into a 2019 film starring Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx.

#8. Let the Lord Sort Them: The Rise and Fall of the Death Penalty (2021)

Maurice Chammah

In 1972, the US Supreme Court ruled that the federal death penalty was unconstitutional. In 1988, Congress reinstated it. For decades, Texas led the nation in its number of executions. However, criminal justice reform and cultural shifts have seen the death penalty decline, even in Texas. In this book, which won the J. Anthony Lukas Award, author Maurice Chammah follows the rise and fall of the death penalty through the stories of those it affected, such as death row prisoners, the families of victims, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and others.

#9. The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness (2010)

Michelle Alexander

How much has the United States changed since the days of slavery and Jim Crow Laws? This book challenges the idea that America became a colorblind society when it elected Barack Obama as president. Civil Rights lawyer and legal scholar Michelle Alexanders posits that the “racial caste” in America has not ended, but merely changed shape. The War on Drugs targeted Black men, harmed communities of color, and weaponized the American criminal justice system into a racial control system. The tenth anniversary edition from 2020 features a new preface by author Michelle Alexander. In the decade since its publication, The New Jim Crow has received many accolades and is considered one of the most important nonfiction books of the 21st century.

#10. A Terrible Thing To Waste: Environmental Racism and Its Assault on the American Mind (2019)

Harriet Washington

Re-released in 2020 with a new preface in light of COVID-19, this book examines the devastating effects of environmental racism. What is environmental racism? It’s the fact that middle-class Black Americans earning between $50,000-$60,000 live in more polluted areas than white households earning less than $10,000. Lead poisoning, atmospheric pollution, industrial waste, and disease are part of the environmental racism harming communities. Author Harriet Washington also discusses intelligence, arguing that it’s not an inherited trait, but something deeply impacted by toxic waste, pollution, and more. Washington is an acclaimed researcher whose books have won awards like the Pen/Oakland Award and the American Library Association Black Caucus Nonfiction Award.

#11. Dirty Work: Essential Jobs and the Hidden Toll of Inequality in America (2021)

Eyal Press

What is “dirty work?” It’s work performed by drone pilots, undocumented immigrants on “kill floors” at slaughterhouses, and guards at the most brutal prisons in the country. Most Americans are protected from these types of morally troubling, but “essential” jobs. The less privileged people doing the work have to deal with occupational hazards and psychological burdens like stigma, PTSD, and moral injury. This book turns a close eye on these jobs and who society decides must fill them. Dirty Work won the 2022 Hillman Prize for Book Journalism.

#12. One Fair Wage: Ending Subminimum Pay in America (2021)

Saru Jayaraman

Before COVID-19, more than six million worked as tipped workers in the service industry. In some places, they were earning just $2.13 an hour, which is the federal tipped minimum wage that hasn’t changed since 1991. During the pandemic, these workers were among the most vulnerable as cafes, restaurants, and other service industries shut down or laid off workers. Saru Jayaraman, a restaurant activist and a 2014 White House Champion of Change, explores how tipped workers have been left out of the fair minimum wage fight. The book covers the history of subminimum wage and the stories of workers like restaurant servers, nail salon technicians, airport attendants, delivery workers, and others.

#13. Big Hunger: The Unholy Alliance Between Corporate America and Anti-Hunger Groups (2018)

Andrew Fisher

Since the recession in the 1980s and President Reagan’s federal program cuts, food charity has grown significantly. Originally intended as an emergency response to a failing economy, the “emergency” has become permanent and industrialized. Food charities rely heavily on corporate donations, which has led to a lack of accountability for those same corporations as they cut jobs, exploit workers and rural communities, and keep wages low. Big Hunger examines the business of hunger and how anti-hunger efforts need to focus on the root causes of food insecurity, like income inequality. Author Andrew Fisher presents a new vision for fighting hunger, which includes more grassroots organizations, a focus on public health, and economic justice.

#14. Twitter and Tear Gas: The Power and Fragility of Networked Protest (2017)

Zeynep Tufecki

New technologies have played a big role in mobilizing people for protests. In this book, New York Times opinion columnist Zeynep Tufecki explores how modern protests form, how they’re different from their predecessors and why it’s so hard for them to persist and create real change. Through on-the-ground interviews and analysis, Tufecki covers topics like the internet’s power for organizing, platforms and algorithms as tools, how governments have responded, and more. By the book’s end, readers will have a deeper understanding of social media’s role in modern protest and what the future could look like.

#15. How We Show Up: Reclaiming Family, Friendship, and Community (2020)

Mia Birdsong

Social justice movements have become increasingly visible and powerful over the last ten years. How do people sustain these movements and turn them into genuine, thriving communities? Mia Birdsong, an activist and community organizer, presents a visionary idea of what authentic family and community look like beyond the 2-parent, 2-children household. Birdsong covers topics like safe, inclusive spaces, creativity in community, how to raise kids in community, and more.

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If you want to practice human rights law, you need to attend a good law school. The right schools for a human rights career will offer a wide range of classes dedicated to issues like refugee law, criminal justice reform, women’s rights, and more, as well as opportunities for hands-on work. Also consider checking our page on masters in human rights.

Here are 9 exciting opportunities to learn more about human rights law:

University of Bristol, UK

Found in the UK at the Clifton Campus of the University of Bristol, students can pursue a Master of Laws degree in Human Rights. You have two options: study full-time and finish in 1 year, or free up your evenings with part-time study for 2 years. To earn the degree, students must write a dissertation.

Columbia University’s Law School, USA

If you go to Columbia University, you have access to the Human Rights Institute. You won’t be earning an LLM. specifically in human rights there, but it does offer incentives for those interested in pursuing a human rights degree, like the Human Rights LLM Fellowship. Receiving this fellowship can result in tuition waivers and/or a living stipend. The university also offers a human rights clinic and other opportunities.

Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, Switzerland

A relatively young institute (founded in 2007 by the University of Geneva), the academy runs an LLM. in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, as well as a master’s degree in Transitional Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law. LLM students take courses that educate them on a wide range of international law, such as refugee law, criminal law, and more. They will also participate in moot courts, including the Nuremberg Moot Court Competition. To get accepted, a student must either have a full degree in law, or another degree where they took a lot of courses related to the Academy’s program.

Leiden University Law School, Netherlands

Students pursuing this school’s European and International Human Rights Law LLM will be well-equipped for law in Europe and internationally. There’s even a study trip to Geneva and Strasbourg to provide students with more hands-on experience. If you want to specialize, the school also offers LLM programs in International Criminal Law and International Children’s Rights.

European University Viadrina Faculty of Law, Germany

This university offers an LLM in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law. It consists of three semesters of study over 1 ½ years. Courses consist of a group of cores including general human rights and civil rights, while students choose electives based on what they want to specialize in. To earn the LLM, students must write a master’s thesis and complete an internship.

Charles University’s Faculty of Law, Czech Republic

At the Faculty of Law with Charles University, LLM students earn a unique degree that combines human rights law and environmental protection. This LLM explores how the two are connected with courses in public international law, human rights protection, and environmental law. Students choose electives based on what they are passionate about. The program consists of three semesters, ending with a thesis.

United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, Italy

The United Nations has five research and training institutes around the world, including one in Turin, Italy. In cooperation with the University for Peace, the UNICRI offers students an LLM in Transnational Crime and Justice. In addition to normal course work, there’s a series of sessions on professional development in the UN system.

Istanbul Bilgi University Faculty of Law, Turkey

When you pursue an LLM in Human Rights Law at this university, you can choose between these specializations: discrimination against minorities, human rights in criminal justice, theoretical foundations of human rights, or monitoring mechanisms of human rights. To graduate, you have the option of completing a formal master’s thesis or a more independent research project. Both will take 1 year of full-time study.

The University of Alcala Faculty of Law, Spain

This university offers a master’s in International Protection of Human rights, and it’s designed for students already working as lawyers, public officials, or specifically human rights lawyers. It’s a great choice for those wanting to deepen their understanding of human rights. The program consists of three modules, including human rights in international systems, and ends with a research thesis.

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Yes, of course, the name Atticus Finch sounds familiar. He is a lawyer, one of the protagonists in Harper Lee’s classical masterpiece of modern American literature “To Kill A Mockingbird”. This book is the “Tom Sawyer” for lawyers; many claim that after reading it they knew what they wanted to do-be a lawyer. This book is always a good read, especially when our human rights career compass seems to stray a bit from the original direction, when we are facing challenges, dilemmas or simply when we need a reminder why did we choose this call at the first place. Also, if you are starting your career as a human rights lawyer without having read this book here are five of the timeless lessons from a book character living in a fictional town in Alabama in the thirties.

Don’t be quick to judge. Learn to recognize an honest mistake. If you are the one making it – mend it!

Scout, the daughter of Mr. Finch got into trouble when she tried to explain to her teacher, who was new in the town, some of the basics about the ways in which people there lived. The teacher was trying to lend some lunch money to a student who seemed to forget his lunch but he wouldn’t accept it. So, Scout took the role of a mediator, explained that he won’t be able to give the money back, thus offending both her classmate and the teacher. After school, Mr. Finch explained that what the teacher did was an honest mistake and that instead of being angry at her, Scout should consider things from the teacher’s point of view if she truly wants to understand her. She should “climb into her skin and walk around in it”. The teacher had no intention of embarrassing the student, she wanted to help. Scout’s intentions were also pure, but the outcome was something else.

Trying to defend someone, you will make mistakes, even with the best intentions. Therefore, when speaking from someone’s behalf, representing his interests, don’t forget to “climb into his skin” first. Moreover, there is always a way to mend the mistake. In Scout’s case, she invited her classmate over for dinner, where he enjoyed the meal and the conversations with Mr. Finch about things he knew well and felt appreciated and confident.

Don’t chase after money or expect to get rich. People/life will find a way to compensate

One of Mr. Finch’s clients was Mr. Cunningham, a farmer who was severely struck by the Great Depression. The only way he could pay Mr. Finch was with his produce on monthly basis. Another example is the case of Tom Robinson, a black man who was wrongfully convicted of raping a white woman and who was a client of Mr. Finch. After the trial, his family and friends brought “enough food to bury the family” as a token of their appreciation for Mr. Finch’s efforts. He was grateful and moved, especially because he knew the hardship everybody living in that time was facing.

Likewise, when advocating for people who have been marginalized without their fault or due to an event beyond their control, and are in need of help, money should be at the very end of your priority list. Often times, you will not be paid immediately, but the pleasure of helping someone when he needs it the most is priceless. Don’t worry, their gratefulness will find its way to you. Sometimes it will be in a sort of compensation, often it will be paid in installments, or latter than the set date, from another indirect source, such as a donation for example, but in any way it will come as a gift from the universe and you will like it.

Respect people’s privacy

Mr. Boo Radley was the reclusive neighbor of the Finches. Scout, her brother Jem and their friend Dill were terrified from him and yet they were intrigued and wanted to get him out of the house. At the same time they felt sorry for him and in different indirect ways invited him to get outside. On one such occasion, when Mr. Finch caught them by the side window of Radley’s house, he gave the children a valuable lesson about privacy and violation of privacy. He said that “What Mr. Radley did was his own business. If he wanted to come out, he would. If he wanted to stay inside his own house he had the right to stay inside free from the attentions of inquisitive children”. He also advised the children that they are to stay away from Mr. Radley’s house unless they were invited, meaning to respect the right to privacy of the home as well.

In other words, what may seem peculiar for most people may be totally normal for others (of course as long as nobody is harmed). Some scholars refer to the right to privacy as “the right to be left alone” and I think Mr. Finch wanted this exact thing from the children- to leave Mr. Radley alone.

Oftentimes, you will find yourself in the position that you need to “save” somebody and realize he doesn’t want to be saved, maybe it is not the right time or maybe he doesn’t need saving at all as you first thought. You might feel frustrated, so use that energy for advocacy towards improving the system, so people are not even put into that kind of position in the first place.

Always be prepared

Some people in the town were not happy that Mr. Finch was lawyer of a black man, Mr. Robinson. They came to his door to intimidate him, but he was not afraid because at the same time these people were his neighbors and friends. However, when Mr. Robinson, was transferred to the town’s jail, Mr. Finch went there for the night because he knew that the same group of people, the town’s mob, would come to lynch his client and threaten him. Foreseeing what could happen, he also had his friend prepared on the nearby balcony just in case. But a peculiar thing happened. The children followed him without his knowledge and when they saw the “mobsters” making their move, Scout ran to the rescue. She simply greeted their leader and started a conversation with him about his son, who was her classmate. This means, as Mr. Finch later concluded “that a gang of wild animals can be stopped, simply because they’re still human”. Scout reminded him that although he and Mr. Finch have opposing views, at the end of the day they are both fathers and have children that depend on them.

When the trial was finished, although the black man was found guilty for a crime he didn’t commit, the people of the town understood what has really happened, thanks to Mr. Finch. Mr. Bob Ewell, the father of the girl who claimed that she was raped, didn’t like this, so the morning after the trial, he “stopped Atticus on the post office corner, spat in his face, and told him he’d get him if it took the rest of his life”. Mr. Finch miscalculated the risk of this threat, thinking that it wasn’t serious. However, Mr. Ewell went after the Finches children and even broke Jem’s arm. Although experienced, Mr. Finch was surprised from that attack and couldn’t believe that the target were his children, and not him.

Certain structures who usually hold some sort of power will not like what you do. Especially nowadays when we are still witnessing human rights defenders being detained, imprisoned, or worse…Prepare to be threatened, and learn how to distinguish a real threat from a mere intimidation and have a backup plan if needed. Most importantly, always make clear that your intentions are pure and show your human side that most people can relate to.

Keep your integrity

Mrs. Maude, one of the neighbors Scout looked up to, once stated that Mr. Finch was the same in the courtroom as he was on the public streets. What she wanted to say was that it is important people are honest and keep their integrity in order to be considered trustworthy. Another example of this virtue was Mr. Finch being respectful to everyone that came to the stand during the trial in contrast to the prosecutor who was rude to the defendant. Humiliating somebody will not make you win the case. Don’t lose your temper; focus on the facts, the effects and the violations of the rights. Don’t let the comments of the other provoke you. In any case, respect other’s right to an opinion, even when it contradicts yours. When holding a public office, be prepared for insults and pick up a way of coping with it. Mr. Finch’s way was “holding the head high and keeping the fists down”. People will always talk and judge, however, as Mr. Finch said: “They’re certainly entitled to think that, and they’re entitled to full respect for their opinions, but before I can live with other folks I’ve got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.” We hold a responsibility first of all, towards ourselves to do what’s right, what our morality tells us is an imperative. At the end of the day, no one can carry our burden of guilty conciseness.

On a similar note, Mr. Finch knew that there was a great chance he will lose this case, although all the facts were on his side. However, this didn’t stop him from giving his best no matter the result, or in his words: “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.” Knowing you’ll lose and still fighting with all your efforts- means you have integrity, higher goal and ideal for the future, paving the path for the generations to come.

In dubio pro libertate

When Mr. Finch was discussing the case with his son, Jem, he stated that when charging somebody with murder, especially when there is a death penalty, there should be at least one or two eye-witnesses and it requires a certainty beyond all reasonable doubt as to the guilt of the defendant. He added that” in the absence of eye- witnesses there’s always a doubt, sometimes only the shadow of a doubt. The law says ’reasonable doubt, but I think a defendant’s entitled to the shadow of a doubt. There’s always the possibility, no matter how improbable, that he’s innocent.”

We can trace the roots of this reasoning in the Roman law principle “in dubio pro libertate”, also applicable today, which means that when there is still doubt about the guilt of the defendant, it is better to rule in his favor. In other words, in this kind of situations it is better to risk a guilty man to be freed, than an innocent man to be charged (even sentenced to death) for something he didn’t do.

As a human rights lawyer, one must keep in mind that this guiding principle can be applied not only in criminal proceedings, but in a broader sense to other proceedings as well. For example, when giving the benefit of the doubt to the asylum seeker in the refugee status determination procedure; when in doubt, It is better to grant the asylum seeker the international protection, than to leave him without any.

Protecting human rights is a constant struggle

On one occasion Mr. Finch mentions that “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.” This quote teaches us to take a historical perspective on the human rights struggle when our chances to win are slim and our morals are low. It means that we must give our best in the historical moment we live in. Even if now it may seem that we haven’t accomplished much, or that the change we made is so small, or unnoticeable, or ineffective, it is always better than doing nothing and its effects will probably be more visible in the future.

It’s like Mr. Finch’s neighbor, Ms. Maude concluded after the trial of Mr. Robinson: “Atticus Finch won’t win, he can’t win, but he’s the only man in these parts who can keep a jury out so long in a case like that. And I thought to myself, well, we’re making a step — it’s just a baby- step, but it’s a step.”

In other words, if it were any other lawyer, the jury would reach its decision much faster, but Mr. Finch’s defense sparked a serious and long debate in the jury, opinions were exchanged, and attitudes were changed. If Mr. Finch managed to persuade only one juror with his closing argument, that is success, no matter that he didn’t won the case. Even though it seems that the battle has been lost, the struggle continues, one step at a time.

Arms

Mr. Finch was the best shooter in town. The interesting thing about it is that he was not carrying a gun and from what we know, he didn’t even own one. Actually, he believed, as he told his son Jem, that having a gun around is an invitation to somebody to shoot you.

This seemingly simple view of Mr. Finch, when translated into a perspective of international relations represents the theory of arms races which holds that when a state is building up arms, it is increasing the chances of war-an armed conflict. In short, if state A is building up arms, without being under the threat of being attacked, then there is great probability that state B would see state A as a threat, arm up and maybe even attack first under the fear of being attacked.

On dealing with guns, when his children got air-rifles as a present, Mr. Finch warned them that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird and that they should never shoot one. Afterwards, Ms. Maude, their neighbor explained to the children why they were forbidden to do so: “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”

There is a deeper meaning behind this ban and it is the essential point of the entire book, as we can see from its very title. To kill a mockingbird is equal to killing an innocent being, that does not harm anyone or anything and even gives its best for our enjoyment. Therefore, sentencing an innocent man that was only trying to help is not only a severe violation of the basic human rights, but according to Mr.Finch, a sin as well (and that was the only time he referred to something as sinful).

Break the stereotypes

In his closing statement at the trial of an innocent African American, Mr. Finch underlined the following: “You know the truth, and the truth is this: some Negroes lie, some Negroes are immoral, some Negro men are not to be trusted around women — black or white. But this is a truth that applies to the human race and to no particular race of men. There is not a person in this courtroom who has never told a lie, who has never done an immoral thing, and there is no man living who has never looked upon a woman without desire. “During the trial and examination of the witnesses, Mr.Finch made the innocence of his client obvious, by presenting what has actually happened and that his client couldn’t have physically done the deed he was accused of. However, without any substantial evidence, the jury found the defendant guilty, only because of the color of his skin.

In our everyday life we are still witnessing stereotyping all the time, sometimes we don’t even notice it, sometimes we are the ones making it, sometimes we are the victims of it. However, as human rights lawyers we must learn to recognize it, to do everything to prevent it in the future and to raise awareness on its harmful consequences. Using the abovementioned example of the truth that applies to all humans is the first step towards convincing the other party that people are individuals first. Moreover, most importantly, we must always emphasize the need of an individual assessment of the person’s actions or situation, regardless of race, gender, ethnic background, nationality, disability, social status, marital status, religion, political belief etc. Otherwise, we risk falling further into the trap of discrimination.

In addition, stereotyping sometimes has the effect that the stereotyped person begins to fit in that frame because no one believes the opposite. This is the deeper danger. And maybe this was the reason why Mr.Robinson tried to escape the prison after his conviction, although he knew that most likely the guards would shoot and kill him (as they did) and didn’t take into consideration the fact that Mr. Finch was ready to submit an appeal.

Equality before the law

As an important human rights lawyer’s trait, Mr. Finch manages once again to sum up an important legal principle in one sentence: “But there is one way in this country in which all men are created equal — there is one human institution that makes a pauper the equal of a Rockefeller, the stupid man the equal of an Einstein, and the ignorant man the equal of any college president. That institution, gentlemen, is a court.” With these words, Mr. Finch was stressing out the importance of the impartiality of the court.

This universal principle found in many international documents is part of the right to a fair trial. The legal egalitarianism is closely connected to the prohibition of discrimination. Every lawyer must make sure its client is getting a fair trial and if necessary, remind the court that everyone is entitled to equal protection of the law, without any discrimination. There is a reason why Justitia, Lady Justice is depicted blindfolded, it is because she doesn’t see wealth, power, or other status, she is without prejudice.

Believe that most people are good

The end of the book, the dialogue between Mr.Finch and his daughter, Scout, leaves us with the belief that people are nice in general. What we need to do is to “see” them. This is a process that can mean walking a mile in their shoes, understanding where they are coming from and what kind of challenges are they facing. By connecting the reasons for their actions with their responses and the results, we will finally see them in a true light and help the others see it as well.

The post 10 Lessons for Human Rights Lawyers from Atticus Finch appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Obtaining a Master’s degree in Human Rights or a related subject is frequently a necessary qualification for many amazing human rights and humanitarian jobs. In most cases, such programs are expensive and can even have different rates for those who come from abroad. For this reason, interested candidates can feel discouraged to pursue their dreams study.

Still, there are ways to get a high-quality Human Rights degree without any costs. With these five fully-funded programs in Europe and Australia, studying Human Rights and Human Rights Law at a Masters-level is accessible to all.

Human Rights MA and LLM (Central European University, Hungary)

Central European University (CEU) is the pearl of education in Central Europe. Located in the beautiful Budapest, this university offers an array of Master’s and Ph.D. courses. Students from all over the globe study Human Rights at Legal Studies Department at CEU through two courses – a Master’s of Arts degree for those candidates without an undergraduate degree in Law, and an LLM degree for those with a legal background.

MA and LLM students essentially study together with very few different lectures. This means that students who have never studied law have an incredible opportunity to master human rights law and international law as well as human rights advocacy and research, while law students have the opportunity to approach human rights from a multidisciplinary perspective. The programs run for 10 months after which candidates have some extra time to write a Master’s thesis on a relevant, under-researched topic. Students also have an opportunity to complete an internship at one of the national and international human rights organizations in Budapest, such as Terre des hommes.

Perhaps the best thing about CEU is how much funding it offers to its students. Prospective candidates from any country in the world who hold an acceptance letter for Human Rights MA or LLM programs are eligible for financial aid, provided that they have submitted a separate financial aid application. Financial aid packages vary – some, such as CEU Master’s Tuition Award, cover tuition costs (amounting to 13,000 EUR per year) only, while CEU Master’s Scholarship also includes a stipend for living costs, accommodation in CEU Residence Center, and health insurance. Admitted students also qualify for a range of other scholarships and awards, such as the one given by CEU alumni. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit without any distinction between different countries of origin.

Other relevant information about how to fund your Human Rights studies at Central European University is available on the website.

European Regional Master’s in Democracy and Human Rights in South East Europe (University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina and University of Bologna, Italy)

ERMA, the European Regional Master’s Program in Democracy and Human Rights in South East Europe is a part of the Global Campus of Human Rights co-financed by the European Union and managed by the European University Centre for Human Rights and Democratization. It is a year-long, interdisciplinary program after which successful candidates receive diplomas from both University of Sarajevo and University of Bologna.

The program has a mission to combine practical knowledge and field research experience on a variety of human rights issues. Consequently, in addition to completing courses on human rights law, refugee law, transitional justice and other topics, students also do mandatory internships in another country in Southeastern Europe, such as Croatia or Serbia.

In addition to having a unique structure, ERMA studies are also affordable and frequently fully covered by a generous scholarship. Each year, 36 students are admitted to the program. The majority (25) come from Southeast European countries; however, 5 places are reserved for candidates coming from the European Union countries, Russia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. All admitted students from these countries receive study grants to cover their costs of living (4,500 euros) until July, costs of living for the period they will spend in Italy, and health insurance. Additionally, another 6 places are for citizens of all other countries who have to pay tuition costs amounting to 2,000 euros.

More information about applying for ERMA is available on the official website.

Erasmus Mundus Human Rights Policy and Practice (The UK, Sweden and Spain)

Three European universities have come together to create a unique Master’s program on Human Rights Policy and Practice. The Erasmus Mundus program, run by the University of Roehampton in the UK, the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, and the University of Deusto in Spain, provides a two-year study to candidates who aspire to work in civil society as well as for governments and businesses. Successful candidates receive certificates from all three universities upon completion.

In addition, three partner universities from outside Europe – the University of Balamand in Lebanon, the University of Calcutta in India, and the University of Botswana in Botswana – allow students to get hands-on experience related to the rights of indigenous people and globalization.

During the course, students participate in several modules, learning about politics, ethics and law, ethno-cultural diversity, social structures, as well as gaining more practical knowledge about how to lead and manage in the human rights sphere. Additionally, all Master’s students are required to write a dissertation and take a course on research methods prior to it.

To be a fully-funded student of this joint Human Rights program, candidates will have to apply for a scholarship via the program’s website. In addition to a relevant undergraduate degree and a proof of an appropriate English language level, candidates should demonstrate some human rights-related work experience. The universities are interested in admitting professionals who can show how their interests and ambitions are put into action, so every volunteering engagement and internship counts.

Students from all over the world are encouraged to apply, however, to promote geographical diversity, the European Union allows for up to two applicants per country to be admitted. Those residing in one of the 28 European Union member states, Norway, Iceland, Turkey, Liechtenstein, or the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia qualify for Erasmus+ Program country scholarships, while all others should apply for Erasmus+ Partner country scholarships.

Master’s in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law (Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights)

The Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights is a leading academic institution which has trained a great number of world-renowned academics and practitioners in the field of human rights.

Qualified international students come to Geneva to complete either the LLM program in International Humanitarian Law and Humanitarian Law or Master of Advances Studies program in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law. Both programs combine high-level theoretical education with fieldwork and practice. As a part of their programs, many students do internships for one of the institutions present in Geneva, including the International Committee of the Red Cross and UNICEF. The Geneva Academy has been labeled as having one of the best human rights programs in the world and has served as a gateway to successful and impactful international careers for many.

The Geneva Academy programs are not only famous for their excellence, but also for their funding opportunities. To selected candidates admitted to attend one of these two programs, the Geneva Academy offers partial and full scholarships. While partial scholarships cover only tuition fees (amounting to 18,000 Swiss francs), full scholarships provide students with a tuition waiver and a generous stipend for living expenses. Both programs last for one year.

These limited scholarships are extremely competitive and are awarded both on the basis of merit and the student’s financial need. As a rule, candidates coming from the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Western Europe qualify for partial scholarships only.

More information about these scholarships is available here.

Master of Human Rights Law University of Melbourne, Australia

The University of Melbourne’s Human Rights Law program trains students with both legal and non-legal backgrounds. The program targets future human rights lawyers as well as professionals working in development agencies and human rights organizations. Over the course of nearly one year, students take eight subjects, including International Human Rights Law, which is a core course, and a variety of electives such as Women, Peace and Security and International Refugee Law. Those with a non-legal background will have a chance to attend a course of the Fundamentals of the Common Law at the beginning of their studies. In that way, students gain an advanced knowledge of both international and domestic human rights frameworks. There is also an opportunity to undertake an international legal internship during the study.

There are several ways to fund your human rights study at the University of Melbourne. International students are eligible for the Melbourne Graduate Scholarship which can offer up to 100% tuition waivers. That way, the scholarship fully covers the tuition fees determined for this program, which amount to $41,024. Furthermore, for citizens of selected countries outside Europe and North America, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade administers Australia Awards Scholarships. These scholarships not only fully covers students’ tuition fees, but they also include a stipend for living expenses, health insurance cover, and establishment and travel allowances. In addition, the Endeavour Leadership Program, run by the Australian government, offers successful international candidates funding to cover their tuition fees, travel allowances, establishment allowances, health insurance, and living costs.

Finally, the University of Melbourne also gives Human Rights Scholarship to students who are undertaking graduate research on a human rights topic. The total value of the scholarship can be up to $94,200 and is designed to offer a living allowance, relocation grant, and a student health insurance cover to all successful candidates. This scholarship can be combined with another award listed above.

More information about entry requirements and course subjects is available here.

The post 5 Human Rights Studies with Fully-funded Scholarships appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

A master’s degree in human rights will equip you with the attitudes, knowledge, and skills to work for the defense, promotion, and protection of human rights. You will learn about human rights laws and protection mechanisms, standards, and instruments, and you will develop practical skills in education, research, campaigning, advocacy, policy, and activism. You will examine the rights of specific groups such as women, children, and refugees, and you will learn about specific rights such as the right to life, the right to freedom of expression and the right to freedom from torture. After completing a masters in human rights, you can work for the United Nations, international NGOs such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, governments, or corporates to have a tangible positive impact on people’s lives.

Intro | What you’ll learn | What you can do | Where you can work | Funding | Salary | Types of Masters | Help me choose | Pros & Cons

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Master of Arts in Human Rights

University of Connecticut

 United States

 24 months

Full-time

On-Campus

Apply by February 1, 2026

The Gladstein Family Human Rights Institute at the University of Connecticut offers a two-year Master of Arts in Human Rights to advance students’ knowledge of human rights from both academic and professional perspectives; training them to become competitive candidates for positions in a variety of sectors, including industry, government, education, and advo...

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Masters in Human Rights and Diplomacy (MSc, LL.M)

University of Stirling

 Scotland

 12 months

Full-time

On-Campus

Apply by November 15, 2025

Applications are now open for the MSc/LL.M in Human Rights and Diplomacy, a one-year full-time Master’s programme delivered in person at the University of Stirling in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). Partial scholarship opportunities are available....

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Master of Science in Human Rights

Binghamton University

 United States

 18 months

Full-time, Part-time

On-Campus

Apply by July 31, 2026

The Master of Science in Human Rights at Binghamton University offers human rights approaches to a variety of issues including education, health, violence, children, family, poverty, incarceration, immigration, and the political economy. ...

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MA Human Rights Studies

Columbia University

 United States

 12 months

Full-time, Part-time

On-Campus

Apply by March 10, 2024

The Human Rights MA offered by the Columbia University was established in 1998 by the Liberal Studies MA program was transferred to the Institute for the Study of Human Rights (ISHR) in 2011. This master program, held at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, has an interdisciplinary nature and focuses on the academic study of human rights practice and th...

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MSt in International Human Rights Law

University of Oxford

 United Kingdom

 24 months

Part-time

Blended

Apply by December 1, 2024

This part-time master’s program is designed for human rights advocates and lawyers who want to advance their education in the area of international human rights law, but still need to do so alongside work responsibilities....

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MA Human Rights, Globalisation and Justice

Keele University

 United Kingdom

 12 months

Full-time, Part-time

On-Campus

Apply by November 30, 2024

The MA Human Rights, Globalisation and Justice offers students an opportunity to learn about human rights through an interdisciplinary approach and in the context of law, politics and philosophy. The program is designed for those working in related areas, such as law, government and public sector, social services, human resource management, and human rights ...

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MA in Development and Human Rights

Swansea University

 United Kingdom

 12 months

Full-time, Part-time

On-Campus

Apply by November 25, 2024

This master program is taught by some of the leading experts who apply political perspectives, legal theory and research development in the analysis of human rights and human development. The courses examine some of the most critical global issues in the current century through a combination of insights of international law, politics, and development studies...

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Master in European Union Studies and Human Rights

Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia

 Spain

 12 months

Full-time

On-Campus

Apply by November 30, 2024

The Master program in Social Justice and Human Rights deals with emerging social issues such as human security, labor, children, family, education, migration and the environment. It is a rigorous theoretical and methodological program that tackles the social issues defined by gender, race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, and nationality....

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Master of Human Rights

Auckland University of Technology

 New Zealand

 12 months

Full-time, Part-time

On-Campus

Apply by December 1, 2024

The Master of Human Rights offered by Auckland University of Technology is a unique program that attracts students from different backgrounds, such as communications, social sciences, and law. The program is interdisciplinary in nature and can open doors for future careers in international human rights organizations, policy agencies, non-governmental organiz...

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Master of Arts in Law with Specialization in Human Rights and Transitional Law

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

 Israel

 12 months

Full-time

On-Campus

Apply by November 19, 2024

This program offers 20-25 academic courses taught and led by legal experts from Europe, North America and Israel. The courses mainly deal with international humanitarian law, counter terrorism law, international courts and tribunals, transitional justice, the law of the United Nations, legal aspects of the Middle East conflict, international criminal law, in...

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Master of Arts in International Human Rights

University of Denver

 United States

 24 months

Full-time, Part-time

On-Campus

Apply by December 15, 2024

The MA in International Human Rights provided by the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver teaches students to explore issues affecting human dignity while critically assessing institutions, norms, and processes designed to promote and protect human rights. This interdisciplinary program aims to connect human rights to secu...

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European Regional Master’s Programme in Democracy and Human Rights in South East Europe

University of Sarajevo

 Bosnia and Herzegovina

 12 months

Full-time

On-Campus

Apply by September 1, 2024

The European Regional Master’s Programme in Democracy and Human Rights in South East Europe (ERMA) is an interdisciplinary program coordinated by the University of Sarajevo, Center for Interdisciplinary Studies and the University of Bologna. Students attending this program have an opportunity to study in an international environment...

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Master of Human Rights

University of Minnesota

 United States

 24 months

Full-time

On-Campus

Apply by September 1, 2024

The Master of Human Rights offered by the University of Minnesota is an interdisciplinary program supported by the Humphrey School of Public Affairs and the College of Liberal Arts. It prepares students to tackle global human rights challenges through policy analysis, research, and advocacy....

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Master in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action

Paris School of International Affairs

 France

 24 months

Full-time

On-Campus

Apply by September 1, 2024

The Master in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action is an innovative master program that intertwines human rights and humanitarian action. It combines a blend of core social science practical and theoretical approaches and includes disciplines such as anthropology, history, sociology, and philosophy to human rights and humanitarians with ‘’an intent to decons...

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Master of Human Rights

University of Manitoba

 Canada

 16 months

Full-time

On-Campus

Apply by September 22, 2024

The Master of Human Rights is an interdisciplinary program that trains students academically and practically for future careers in the area of human rights. The program was launched in 2019 and it is the first of this kind in Canada. It is executed in collaboration with multiple University of Manitoba faculties, including social work, arts and education, as ...

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Master of Arts in Governance and Human Rights

Leuphana University Luneburg

 Germany

 24 months

Part-time

Blended

Apply by May 31, 2024

The master program in Governance and Human Rights connects the practical application with the theory of science. During seven modules, the students engage in analysis of political and legal theories of governance and regional and international human rights systems and their interconnectedness. The master is designed for students with professional experience ...

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Master’s Degree in Human Rights, Interculturality and Development

Universidad Internacional de Andalucía UNIA

 Spain

 12 months

Full-time

On-Campus

Apply by May 31, 2024

In collaboration with the Pablo de Olavide Univeristy, Universidad Internacional de Andalucía launched a master program in Human Rights, Interculturality and Development, which sets out a comprehensive picture of the concept of human rights in Europe. The goal of the program is to connect international standards to international jurisprudence on human rights...

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Master’s Degree Programme in International Law and Human Rights

Åbo Akademi University

 Finland

 24 months

Full-time

On-Campus

Apply by January 19, 2024

Designed to prepare students for successful and challenging careers in international organizations, non-governmental organizations, legal practice, or public administration, this master program provides an in-depth understanding and knowledge of international and human rights law....

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Master Social Work as a Human Rights Profession

Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences Berlin

 Germany

 24 months

Full-time

Blended

Apply by March 1, 2024

Through a combination of research and practice, this master program offers an in-depth understanding on implementation of the idea of human rights in theory and practice of social work. This interdisciplinary program combines social sciences with standards and instruments of international human rights with a focus on the triple mandate of social work: world ...

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MSc Human Rights

The London School of Economics and Political Science

 United Kingdom

 12 months

Full-time, Part-time

On-Campus

Apply by December 1, 2024

The MSc in Human Rights offered by the London School of Economics and Political Sciences is a multidisciplinary master program that connects theory and practice and teaches students about important philosophical, legal, and sociological issues linked to human rights....

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MA in Human Rights

University of London

 United Kingdom

 24 months

Part-time

Online

Apply by January 13, 2024

This master program was designed and developed by the University of London in cooperation with leading human rights activists to produce and empower new generations of human rights professionals. The program is intended for those who wish to develop or enhance their careers in a range of professional settings within the human rights or humanitarian fields. ...

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Master’s in Human Rights Education

University of San Francisco

 United States

 24 months

Full-time, Part-time

On-Campus

Apply by March 1, 2024

Master’s in Human Rights Education is a program that offers a rigorous human rights education in the community and classroom while being grounded in positive action and critical thinking. It aims to prepare graduates to teach about and tackle issues related of race, class, gender, religion, sexual identity, and nation....

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Master in Conflict Studies and Human Rights

Utrecht University

 Netherlands

 12 months

Full-time

On-Campus

Apply by April 1, 2024

Master in Conflict Studies and Human Rights is an international graduate selective program that combines the learning of theory with an in-depth case study analysis. During the courses, students learn about both the dynamics of violent armed conflicts and the problems linked to international and national humanitarian or military intervention by organizations...

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MSc in Human Rights and Data Science

The American University of Paris

 France

 18 months

Full-time

On-Campus

Apply by February 1, 2024

This master program aims to prepare students to be able to tackle ethical questions with are at the forefront of today’s high-tech industries like artificial intelligence and data protection, while ensuring that developments in this area rather complement than impinge human rights protections....

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Master’s Program in Human Rights and Democracy

University College Stockholm

 Sweden

 24 months

Full-time

On-Campus

Apply by January 22, 2024

The Master’s Program in Human Rights and Democracy is a two-year course that provides students with knowledge and equips them with skills in interdisciplinary human rights studies, with a special focus on correlation between democracy and human rights....

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Human Rights MA

University College London

 United Kingdom

 12 months

Full-time, Part-time

On-Campus

Apply by March 31, 2024

The Human Rights MA offered by the University College London is a program that provides students with the necessary skills to carry out human rights research. This is achieved through introducing students to policy, legal and philosophical issues and through encouraging them to engage in a critical way....

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Theory and Practice of Human Rights

University of Oslo

 Norway

 24 months

Full-time

On-Campus

Apply by March 1, 2024

This programme focuses on human rights in both theory and practice from legal, historical, philosophical, political and social science-based perspectives. Students are provided with specialised knowledge about human rights law, including the relationship between that law and other types of human rights initiatives and activities....

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Master of Arts in Law: International Law and Human Rights

University of Tartu

 Estonia

 24 months

Full-time

On-Campus

Apply by March 15, 2024

The School of Law at the University of Tartu offers a master’s program in International Law and Human Rights with provides comprehensive knowledge of regulations, principles, subjects and practice in the area of international law and human rights. The goal of the program is to provide a comparative perspective on the issues of international law and human rig...

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Human Rights Studies

Lund University

 Sweden

 24 months

Full-time

On-Campus

Apply by January 15, 2024

Our multidisciplinary research environment studies human rights in all their complexity, from historical, philosophical, ethical, political, and legal perspectives. We are particularly interested in human rights in society, their role in democratic and non-democratic political systems, and what it means for institutions to respect and promote human rights. ...

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What is a human rights masters?

A human rights masters is most commonly a one or two year academic program that awards an accredited degree upon successful completion. Human rights masters tend to be interdisciplinary and draw on the expertise from multiple other disciplines such as law, philosophy, anthropology, history, sociology, psychology and religion. A masters requires the study of a bachelors degree first. Human rights masters can be offered on a full-time or part-time basis and are available in English and multiple other languages including Spanish and French. For many human rights jobs a master’s degree is a requirement. Examples of human rights masters:

• Master of Arts in Applied Human Rights
• Master of Laws in International Human Rights Law
• Master of Philosophy in Theory and Practice of Human Rights
• Master of Science in Human Rights and Data Science

What you will learn in a human rights masters

A master in human rights will equip you with foundational knowledge and skills to promote, defend and protect human rights. You will learn about the theory of human rights from a multidisciplinary perspective and develop practical skills for their application. While some masters are highly specialized on topics such as Child Rights, Women’s Rights or Refugee Rights, others provide a more holistic perspective. In a human rights masters you will learn how to critically engage in current human rights issues and develop the tools and strategies to have a tangible positive impact on people’s lives. This includes studying human rights laws, documents and protection mechanisms, and developing hands-on, practical skills to research human rights violations, analyze human rights cases and advocate for human rights.

Examples of topics a human rights master covers:

– The history, origin and evolution of human rights in theory and practice as well as human rights principles, standards and instruments.

-Scope and application of specific human rights such as the right to life, the right to liberty and security, the right to freedom of expression or the right to freedom from torture.

– Mandate and functioning of the International Human Rights Protection Mechanisms such as the UN Human Rights Council, UN Special Rapporteurs, UN Treaty Bodies and regional protection mechanisms such as the European Court of Human Rights, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

– Practical skills for Human Rights Education, Research, Campaigning, Advocacy, Policy, and Activism.

– The structure, management, methods, tools and strategies of human rights organizations.

– Scholarly values and the rules of scientific working and academic research.

Examples of skills you will learn and train in a human rights masters:

– investigate, analyze and apply human rights to cases of human rights violations.

– research and critically discuss current human rights issues such as climate change, refugee and asylum rights, gender-based violence or hate crimes.

– plan, develop, manage, launch and evaluate a human rights campaign for LGBTQ rights, gender, inclusion and diversity.

– mobilize others to advocate for the release of political prisoners and individuals at risk.

– develop a learning experience to equip people with the skills to take action for human rights.

What you can do with a human rights masters

A masters in human rights opens up a variety of career paths. Most commonly people work in advocacy, activism, campaigning, research, policy, education and law for intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, governments and social enterprises. Beyond the tangible career benefits, a masters in human rights will change how you analyze and see the world. Examples of what you can do with a human rights masters:

• equip people with the knowledge and skills to claim and defend human rights.
• advocate on behalf of victims of hate crimes, discrimination and torture.
• fight for equality and justice for refugees and migrants.
• investigate human rights violations in a specific country or region.
• mobilize and engage supporters for a cause.

Where you can work with a human rights masters

Human rights graduates often work for intergovernmental organizations (United Nations, Council of Europe, ASEAN, OSCE), international NGOs (Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Save the Children, International Committee of the Red Cross), governmental entities (UK Mission to the United Nations, Permanent Missions to the United Nations) or social enterprises. More recently also companies such as Facebook and Google employ human rights professionals. Examples of employers for human rights graduates:

• Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
• Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
• Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) or Council of Europe (CoE)
• Amnesty International or Human Rights Watch or Save the Children

How you can fund your human rights masters

Most human rights masters offer a limited amount of scholarships for international applicants. These scholarships will cover the entirety or parts of the tuition fees. Scholarships can either be merit-based (e.g. good marks in your bachelor), which is more frequent in the United States or needs-based (e.g. financial aid). Because masters have limited scholarships available, you may want to consider applying for a scholarship offered by the government. A third option to obtain scholarships for a human rights masters are individual grants from organizations. We have compiled a list of a variety of scholarships here.

What you will earn with a human rights masters

Salaries of human rights graduates vary strongly. However, the general consensus is that human rights professionals earn less than their business counterparts. Recent graduates will normally earn between USD 30,000 and 50,000. Salaries of USD 45,000 to USD 70,000 are common for mid-career positions. With increasing seniority, and depending on the size and location of the organization, salaries can reach low to mid six figure compensation. Examples of salaries in the human rights sector:

• Secretary-General, Amnesty International (≈ USD 190,000)
• UN Entry Level Jobs (≈ USD 70,000 – 120,000)
• Save the Children median pay ( ≈ USD 55,000)
• Human Rights Watch Associate positions (≈ USD 52,000)

What types of human rights masters exist

Human rights masters award a variety of degrees. Most frequently Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), Master of Science (M.Sc.) and less frequently Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.), Master of Research (M.Res.), Master of Education (M.Ed.). Masters are offered as full-time, part-time degrees or both. Whilst most masters take 1-2 years to complete, part-time masters can take up to five years to finish. Human Rights Masters can be offered fully online, on-campus or in a blended mode. Examples of degrees that human rights masters provide:

• LLM in Human Rights Law (Master of Laws)
• MA in Human Rights and Democratization (Master of Arts)
• MSc in Human Rights (Master of Science)
• MPhil in Human Rights (Master of Philosophy)

How to choose a human rights masters

With the broad variety of masters available, it can be difficult to choose. The first and most important decision is whether you study a LL.M or any other human rights masters. An LL.M will be required for a legal career. If you want to become a human rights lawyer you first have to become a lawyer and then specialize in human rights. All other human rights masters (M.A., M.Sc. M.Phil., M.Res.) will set you up for any other career path in campaigning, education, advocacy, research and activism. There are other aspects of a human rights master that you can include in your decision, such as the country where you study, the language in which you study, etc.

Country: Studying in particular country can give you access to organizations, courts, culture, language and extra-curricular activities.

Pace: Depending on your current schedule a full- or part-time masters will be the better choice.

Regional Specialization: Masters with a regional specialization can give you an edge when you want to work in that region.

Mode: Online masters are more flexible but on-campus masters enable you to build deeper relationships with your classmates.

Internships: Some masters maintain relationships to human rights organizations making it easier to get internships.

Field Trips: Occasionally, masters offer field trips to post-conflict countries or courts, which can be a very valuable experience.

Legal Clinic: In a legal clinic students support on real cases and gain hands-on experience.

Moot Courts: Some masters offer Moot courts that are simulated court or arbitration proceedings.

Focus: Some masters are broad, others very specific. Choose the masters that suits your interests best.

Pros and Cons of a human rights masters

While studying a human rights master has many advantages, there are also some disadvantages you should be aware of before you make your decision. The biggest advantage of a human rights masters is that it qualifies you to work for a variety of intergovernmental organizations, international NGOs and government positions. Beyond the improved career prospects, a human rights masters will likely shift and disrupt your worldview. Pros of studying a human rights masters:

• equips you with tools and skills to change the world
• opens career paths in campaigning, education, advocacy, policy, law, activism etc.
• enables you to meet educational requirements of human rights jobs
• may disrupt your worldview and influences your own behaviors

Cons of studying a human rights masters

• lower pay than in a comparable position in the for-profit sector
• many jobs require the ability to work under high pressure
• costs of human rights masters can be high
• exposes you to cases of immense human suffering and cruelty

Human Rights Masters in the United States

Master of Human Rights (MHR), University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, MN

The University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs offers a Master of Human Rights program. This program is an interdisciplinary degree, allowing students to take courses through a variety of departments and schools. Students learn theory and skills and gain practical experience through an internship program and a capstone project. Students also have opportunities to participate in workshops, attend conferences, and engage with research centers. Through classes, seminars, conferences, workshops, and more, students learn from and engage with leaders, scholars, and activists in the field.

This 2-year program costs $18,182 for in-state residents and $27,530 for out-of-state residents. The university offers a variety of merit-based and need-based financial aid programs, including multiple graduate fellowships, loans, work-study programs, and more.

MA in Social Justice and Human Rights, Arizona State University – Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences offers a Master of Arts in Social Justice and Human Rights program. Students in this degree program can choose to follow a course track of research, advocacy, or critical trauma studies and social work. The courses in each track teach students theory and method relating to issues such as human security, labor, migration, children, family, education, and environment. Students also have the opportunity to obtain an accelerated bachelor’s degree, in addition to their master’s degree, through a 5-year program. To complete the degree program, students must take the required courses, including a research class and either a thesis or an applied project.
For the 2-year master’s program, tuition is $12,134 for in-state students, $23,372 for out-of-state students, and $25,046 for international students. These costs do not include additional fees and expenses for living and supplies. ASU states that more than 80% of their students receive some type of financial aid. On their site, they have a link to search for various scholarships, as well as information about university fellowships, on-campus employment, and loans.

LLM in International Human Rights, Northwestern University – Chicago, IL

The LLM in International Human Rights at Northwestern University’s Pritzker School of Law is specifically designed for JD and LLB students to gain an in-depth knowledge of theories, methods, and issues relating to international human rights. Taught by scholars with hands-on law practice experience, students have access to several resources, including the Center for International Human Rights and various seminars. Students are encouraged to look at relevant issues and situations in their home countries from the perspective the international human rights law theories they learn. In addition to the core courses, students must also take electives and complete a graduate thesis. Any applicants without a law degree who have significant relevant work experience can be accepted into the Master of Legal Studies in International Human Rights program, which is identical in content to the LLM program.

For this 2-year degree, tuition is $67,066 per year. The law school and the university offer a variety of scholarships for students that they can be considered for upon applying to the program. Students who receive a scholarship will continue to receive that scholarship for their additional years of study, as long as they keep good academic standing.

MA in International Human Rights, University of Denver – Denver, CO

The University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School of International Studies offers an MA in International Human Rights. As an interdisciplinary program, the courses aim to bring human rights together with development, health, security, and humanitarian assistance through both theory and practical skills. To complete their degree, students take a variety of theory and method courses, as well as participate in an internship. Students can choose a specialization from a large selection of topic areas. The program also encourages students to gain proficiency in a foreign language. The Josef Korbel school also offers students the opportunity to get involved with academic groups, research centers, and more.
This master’s program is designed to be a 2-year degree. Tuition is charged per term and costs $17,112 each term without fees or living expenses for a total of $51,336 if your year consists of fall, winter, and spring term courses. The University of Denver offers some financial aid for students, including assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, and loans. The Josef Korbel school also offers scholarships and fellowships to its students, including a few full-tuition fellowships.MA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Social Justice and Human Rights,

George Mason University – Fairfax, VA

George Mason University, through its College of Humanities and Social Sciences, offers a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Social Justice and Human Rights. This program is specifically designed to give students a multi-perspective approach to issues of social justice and human rights, allowing flexibility in which topic areas the students choose to study and focus on. Students are taught by faculty who are engaged in a wide variety of social justice issues around the world, teaching them theory, methods, and practical skills, all just outside of the hub of politics and activism—Washington, DC. The program requires students to take a small number of core courses, in addition to taking courses centered around a focus area, as well as electives. To complete the degree, students must complete a research methods class, proposal class, and thesis or project.

This 2-year master’s program costs about $12,402 per year for in-state students and $27,841 for out-of-state students. GMU offers several scholarship and fellowship options for graduate students, as well as grants and loans.

LLM in Human Rights & Social Justice, University of Connecticut – Hartford, CT

The University of Connecticut (UCONN)’s School of Law offers an LLM in Human Rights & Social Justice. This program is designed for students with a previous law degree to gain knowledge and experience that will allow them to work on a domestic or global level with legal issues relating to business, social policy, civil rights, and more. In addition to interdisciplinary courses teaching theory and practice in law, students will also have the chance to take classes through the Human Rights Institute at UCONN, a research center focused specifically on human rights issues. Students may also have the opportunity to participate in the Asylum and Human Rights Clinic to gain practical experience. They can also obtain a certificate in a specific law focus area through the completion of 9-12 additional credits.

The 2-year law program costs $28,560 for US students and $22,976 per year for international students. UCONN offers law scholarships and also has a list of both internal and external scholarships students may be eligible to apply for.

LLM with a concentration in Human Rights Law, Yale University – New Haven, Connecticut

Yale Law School offers an LLM degree for which students can obtain a concentration in Human Rights Law. This program, accepting a limited number of students, is designed for those who wish to teach law academically. LLM students choose their courses from a variety of elective classes and are encouraged to participate in a number of extracurricular opportunities such as presenting at national conferences, participating in student organizations, and attending events offered by the law school, such as their Works in Progress Symposium, workshops, luncheons, and field trips. With the Human Rights Law concentration, students can learn about human rights issues and contribute to research and discussion around the world. They also have the opportunity to participate in a legal clinic specifically focusing on human rights cases.

This 2-year degree program costs $62,017, not including other fees and expenses. The law school offers financial aid scholarships based solely on need, giving some level of aid to about 70% of students at the university. Those studying human rights also have a chance to obtain one of several fellowship opportunities offered.

LLM in International Human Rights Law, University of Notre Dame – Notre Dame, IN

The University of Notre Dame Law School has an LLM in International Human Rights Law. The program is designed to give students theoretical and practical experience in international human rights law, preparing them to work in the field anywhere in the world. While not ideal for students looking to begin practicing law, the curriculum is created to support practicing lawyers already in the field with additional knowledge and skills to bring to the field. In addition to a few required courses, students choose from a variety of electives to create their own concentration. If desired, students may apply for additional funding after completion of their courses to participate in an internship relevant to their degree.

This program is a 1-year program that costs $60,240 per year for all students. All applicants are considered for a scholarship and stipend upon submission of their academic application. Students can apply for additional internal and external scholarships, loans, and employment opportunities to finance their studies.

LLM with a concentration in Human Rights, New York University – New York City, NY

NYU’s law school offers an LLM degree in which you can obtain a concentration in Human Rights. Students may also choose to pursue an LLM in International Legal Studies and gain specialization in Human Rights & International Criminal Law. Through the general LLM program, students can choose courses that best fit their interests in the area of law. The Human Rights concentration offers a variety of courses designed to provide an interdisciplinary approach to students interested in this subject area. Students may participate in legal clinics that focus on human rights cases and seminars that give an in-depth study to specific human rights issues. Students can also choose to pursue a thesis or research project to complete their degree.

This 1-year program costs around $31,901 for tuition, not including fees and expenses. NYU offers some financial aid in the form of scholarship, grants, and loans. Students can also obtain external scholarships to cover expenses.

Human Rights Masters in Europe

Abo Akademi University – Institute for Human Rights, Turku

The Master of Social Sciences degree in the International Human Rights Law program requires 2 years of full-time study at the university’s campus in Turku, Finland. Students complete 85 credits of coursework related specifically to human rights law and 35 credits of electives in subjects of interest to them. Successful completion of the master’s program involves completing a research seminar and writing a master’s thesis. A bachelor’s degree in law or a related field is required for admission.

Central European University – Legal Studies Department, Budapest

This 10-month full-time course of study at Central European University awards a Master of Arts in Human Rights degree upon completion. This interdisciplinary master’s degree program examines human rights and allows students to focus their research on a number of different topics, including criminal justice, minority protection, freedom of religion, political rights and non-discrimination. Often, internships with the Open Society Foundation and other non-government organizations are a part of the master’s degree program.

Charles University – Faculty of Law, Prague

Charles University offers a Master of Laws degree program with a concentration in human rights law and protection of the environment. This course of study examines how protecting human rights and the planet are interconnected and includes course work in public international law, environmental law, international human rights law, human rights protection and environmental law in Czech Republic. Optional courses tailored to students’ interests and the completion of a thesis round up the requirements of the 3-semester program.

Global Campus of Human Rights, Venice

The European Master’s Programme in Human Rights and Democratisation is a unique program offered in cooperation with 41 universities located across Europe. Students spend the first semester of the year-long course of study in Venice taking core courses related to human rights and participating in a field experience in Kosovo. The second semester takes place at one of the partner schools with additional coursework and research for a mandatory master’s thesis that must be defended during the final semester of study.

European University Viadrina – Faculty of Law, Frankfurt am Oder

The Master of International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law results in a Master of Laws degree with 1.5 years of study spanning three semesters. All students in the program take a set of core courses in general human rights, civil rights and the rights of special groups. Electives are used to round out the coursework and allow students to gain a deeper breadth of knowledge in their research areas. A master’s thesis and an internship are required.

Interfaculty Centre for Children’s Rights (formerly Inter-University Institute Kurt Bosch), University of Geneva, Geneva

A full-time interdisciplinary master’s degree program, this 3-semester long course of study is taught in French and examines the rights of minors and issues related to protecting those rights from legal, psychological, sociological and educational standpoints. All students spend the first semester completing foundation coursework and then participate in a group project and elective seminars during the second semester. The final semester is spent completing a research paper and participating in an internship work placement.

Istanbul Bilgi University – Faculty of Law

The Master of Laws in Human Rights Law program at this Turkish university allows students to focus on one of four areas: the theoretical foundations of human rights, monitoring mechanisms or human rights, discrimination against minorities and human rights in criminal justice. For further flexibility, students have their studies culminate with either a formal master’s thesis or to complete a research project. Both tracks typically require 1 year of full-time study to complete.

Leiden University – Faculty of Law

An Advanced Master of Laws program, the European and International Human Rights Law focuses on regional and global human rights and how the two are interrelated. Admission to this program is highly competitive and those admitted have the opportunity to learn firsthand from renowned human rights experts who visit the university for lectures and seminars. All students complete an internship or study experience with a human rights organization in Geneva, Switzerland, or Strasbourg, France, as a part of the curriculum.

Leuphana University of Lüneburg – Digital School

The Master’s program in Governance and Human Rights is a very unique graduate program in human rights in that portions of the curriculum is presented online. Open to students from the EU and beyond, the distance education program allows for remote study for many courses with the rest of the classes being completed at the university’s campus in Lüne-burg, Germany. The program is geared toward professionals who want to further their education in human rights as it relates to political science and public policy.

London School of Economics and Political Science – Department of Law – Human Rights Law

The Centre for the Study of Human Rights partners with the London School of Economics and Political Science to offer an interdisciplinary master’s degree program in human rights law. Students in the program take courses in a wide range of subjects, including law, sociology, criminal justice, public policy and anthropology. Course requirements vary from year to year, but students are required to complete independent research and write a master’s thesis on an aspect of human rights law of interest to them.

University of Vienna, Postgraduate Center

The Vienna Master of Arts in Human Rights is a two-year master’s program that takes a well-rounded approach to human rights, examining it from every possible angle. Examining the subject on both a regional and an international level, the program includes an internship or work experience during the third semester. All students also participate in a field experience in Kosovo and have a chance to see human rights organizations at work. A master’s thesis is a final mandatory requirement.

Middlesex University – Department of Law, London

Middlesex University allows students with bachelor’s degrees in law to pursue a certificate, a diploma or a Masters of Laws degree in Human Rights Law. Very flexible to meet the needs of both recent graduates and professionals returning to school, the master’s degree program can be completed within 1 year with full-time study or within 2 years with part-time study. The multi-disciplinary program takes on the subject of human rights law from social, cultural, ethical, political, economic and legal viewpoints.

Mykolas Romeris University – Faculty of Law, Vilnius

In cooperation with the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kiev, Ukraine, Mykolas Romeris University offers a Master of Laws degree in the Legal Regulation of Public Administration and Human Rights. The program lasts for 2 years and is intended for individuals who wish to work in the public sector after graduation. Students alternate between the campuses in Kiev and Vilnius each semester, completing course work and a research thesis on an area of interest.

National University of Ireland, Galway – Irish Centre for Human Rights

At the National University of Ireland, Galway, students with bachelor’s degrees in law or related fields can pursue either a Master of Laws degree in International Human Rights Law or a Masters of Laws degree in Peace Operations, Humanitarian Law and Conflict. Both programs prepare students for further study at the doctoral level or for careers in the private or public sectors. An internship is a mandatory part of the program; working professionals may receive course credit for their jobs.

Queen Mary, University of London – School of Law

The Master of Laws degree program in Human Rights Law at Queen Mary University of London is offered as both a 1-year full-time program and a 2-year part-time program. No matter which option students choose, the program provides an in-depth look at human rights issues in the UK, Europe and on a global scale. Students are also responsible for completing a 15,000-word dissertation. Opportunities for internships, field experiences and work placements are available for those in the program.

Queens University Belfast – Human Rights Centre

A Masters of Laws degree program at Queens University Belfast requires three semesters of full-time study and the completion of a dissertation and a specialized project in an area of interest. Students spend one semester studying international human rights law and human rights law practice. Then, they have the option to focus on areas of interest, such as equality, human rights in conflict zones, counter-terrorism, migration and human rights protections in various regions of the world.

School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London – School of Law

The University of London offers the Human Rights, Conflict and Justice Master of Laws program in a number of formats, as it is meant to be flexible for both recent baccalaureate degree recipients and adults returning to graduate school. With full-time study, the requirements for the degree can be completed within one year. Part-time programs with two, three and four-year curriculum plans are also offered. Students must complete a dissertation in one of seven areas of concentration with any of the program options.

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid – Instituto de Derechos Humanos ‘Bartolomé de las Casas’

Open to Spanish speaking students, the Graduate School of Law offers a Master’s degree in Advanced Studies in Human Rights. Students who hold bachelor’s-level degrees in law receive the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of human rights issues and how laws are used to both defend and limit human rights. Research is an integral part of the program with students expected to pursue independent study and complete a lengthy dissertation prior to completing the 90-credit program.

Universidad de Alcalá – Faculty of Law, Alcalá de Henares

The Master in International Protection of Human Rights is a program that is intended for individuals who are already working as public officials, lawyers or human rights lawyers and wish to further their studies of human rights-related issues. A full-time course of study, the curriculum includes three modules: human rights in international systems, practices and institutions and research. The final module culminates with the completion of a research thesis. Courses are offered in English and in Spanish.

University College London – Institute for Human Rights

The UCL Institute for Human Rights offers two different master’s levels of programs in the field of human rights. The Master of Laws in Human Rights is intended for students who hold law degrees and are interested in children’s rights, comparative human rights, human rights in the workplace and European and international human rights law. Open to students who hold bachelor’s degrees in other fields, the Master of Arts in Human Rights includes the study of human rights theory, human rights standards and institutions, research and legal analysis and international human rights laws.

University of Bristol – Law School

At the Clifton Campus of the University of Bristol, students who have a bachelor’s degree in law may pursue a Master of Laws degree in Human Rights Law. The program can be completed in 1 year with full-time study or within two years with daytime only part-time study. Open to UK and international students, the program allows students to focus on many aspects of international law and requires the completion of a dissertation based on independent research.

University of Edinburgh – School of Law

The University of Edinburgh offers a Master of Laws degree and a Master of Arts degree in Human Rights. Both programs provide the flexibility to take classes full-time for one year or part-time for two years. With the ability to focus on human rights law, crime and criminal justice or other areas of interest, the programs are suitable for students with a broad range of interests. A dissertation or a work-based placement are required for graduation.

University of Essex – Human Rights Centre, Colchester

The Human Rights Centre offers a number of degrees related to human rights. Students with a background in law can work toward a Master of Laws degree in International Human Rights Laws, International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law or Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Those with bachelor’s degrees in other fields may pursue a Master of Arts degree in Theory and Practice of Human Rights or Human Rights and Cultural Diversity. All programs are offered as full and part-time courses of study.

University of Geneva – Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights

The Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights provides students with the opportunity to pursue one of three degrees related to human rights. To continue studies after earning a law degree, students may opt for the Masters of Laws in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. Students from other backgrounds who are interested in transitional justice can pursue a master’s degree in Transitional Justice. A more general Executive Master program is offered for students who are interested in other fields related to human rights.

University of Glasgow – College of Social Sciences

The University of Glasgow offers full and part-time Master of Science degree programs in Human Rights & International Politics that last for 1 and 2 years, respectively. Students take mandatory courses in human rights perspectives, international law, global politics and statistics or research methods plus one elective course in political science and one elective course in law. The final requirement for the degree program is the completion of a thesis program on a topic of interest to each student.

University of Gothenburg – Department of Social Work

The University of Gothenburg in Sweden offers a Master’s of Social Work degree in Social Work and Human Rights. Open to students who hold a bachelor’s degree in social work or a baccalaureate degree in a related field, the program includes mandatory coursework in social work and welfare systems, interdisciplinary approaches to human rights, research method, social work practice, social work organization and international social work. A dissertation is required.

University of Latvia – Riga Graduate School of Law

Open to students with a bachelor’s degree in law, this program awards a Master of Laws degree in Public International Law and Human Rights. The program requires 1 year to complete with full-time study. Students may be admitted for part-time study on a case by case basis. All students in the program complete a thesis and courses in human rights law theory, conflict resolution in international humanitarian law, international criminal law, human rights and business law and human rights law in Europe.

University of Leeds – School of Law

The Master of Laws program in International and European Human Rights Law is open to students with a bachelor’s degree in social science or law. Students can choose to complete the program full-time within 1 year or part-time within 2 years. Students complete modules related to political philosophy, global and local human rights and domestic and international human rights laws. A dissertation is required for completion of the program and most classes require students to complete a paper, making the program very writing intensive.

University of London – School of Advanced Study – Institute of Commonwealth Studies

The Human Rights Consortium sponsors a Master of Arts in Understanding and Securing Human Rights program that includes two different courses of study. Students may focus on general human rights or focus their studies on human rights in Latin America. Those who choose the latter will have the opportunity to study abroad in a Latin American country through cooperation with the Institute of Latin American Studies. Students in the general program may also complete internships as a part of their coursework.

University of Lund – Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

Highly competitive, the International Human Rights Law Master’s Program is a rigorous course of study that encourages students from developing nations and those from the European Union to apply. To prepare students for work in the private, public and nonprofit sectors, the program includes an internship placement. Research and a master’s thesis are also required for graduation. The multi-disciplinary required coursework examines human rights from legal, sociological, economical and other contexts.

University of Malta – Faculty of Laws, Msida

The University of Malta offers a Master of Arts degree in Human Rights & Democratization of Governance that focuses on the subject of human rights as it relates to public policy and political science. Students spend one full year in the program taking courses in human rights practices, human rights in context, human rights law and human rights protections. A master’s thesis is required.

University of Nottingham – School of Law – Human Rights Law Centre

The University of Nottingham offers full-time Master of Laws degree program in Human Rights Law that requires 1 year to complete. Admission to the program is competitive with only those who received undergraduate degrees with honors eligible for admission. Some students may be permitted to take the coursework on a part-time basis over a 2-year period. The rigorous curriculum includes 90 credits of coursework in law and 30 credits of coursework in elective areas of interest. A dissertation is mandatory.

University of Oslo – Faculty of Law

The Master of Arts degree in Theory and Practice of Human Rights requires two years of full-time study to complete. All students in the program must complete coursework in human rights metholodology, human rights in practice, international and national human rights, human rights law in context and human rights in philosophy, history and politics. Four elective courses and a master’s thesis are additional requirements.

University of Oxford – Faculty of Law

The University of Oxford offers a prestigious Master of Science program in International Human Rights Laws that is intended for students who show a great potential for being leaders of tomorrow in the public, private or nonprofit spheres. To allow students to work while completing the program, the course of study is offered only on a part-time basis and requires a 2-year commitment.

University of Ulster – Transitional Justice Institute, Newtownabbey/ Londonderry

The Transitional Justice Institute at Ulster University offers two human rights-related degree programs. For individuals who wish to work in areas related to women’s rights, the Master of Laws in Gender, Conflict and Human Rights is an ideal fit. The Master of Laws degree in Human Rights Law in Transitional Justice is geared toward those with a general interest in transitional justice. All applicants must have an honors bachelor’s degree in law, humanities or social sciences.

University of Warwick – School of Law, Stratford

The University of Warwick’s Master of Laws degree program in International Development Law and Human Rights is offered on a 1-year full-time or 2-year part-time basis. During the first two terms, students complete a required module and then choose three electives related to their specific interests. The final semester is devoted to the completion of a master’s thesis. A 7-month diploma program is also offered in International Development Law and Human Rights.

University of York – Centre for Applied Human Rights

The Centre for Applied Human Rights offers two graduate degree programs at the master’s level. Students with a legal background can opt for the Master of Laws in International Human Rights Law and Practice, while all others should apply for the Master of Arts in Applied Human Rights. All students are required to complete a fieldwork experience in the UK or abroad in South Africa or Malaysia and to complete a master’s thesis.

Université Panthéon-Assas – Paris II

The Université Panthéon-Assas offers a Master of Laws degree in Human Rights Law that is open to French-speaking students only. A full-time course of study, the program is open to those who hold bachelor’s degrees in law or a closely related field and requires 9 months of coursework to complete.

Université Saint-Louis, Bruxelles, Université catholique de Louvain, Université de Namur

This intensive multidisciplinary graduate program awards an Advanced Master degree in human rights. All students complete 300 hours of instructions with courses taught almost exclusively in French. A total of 120 hours of credit coursework is devoted to classes that examine human rights from a legal perspective, while another 90 credits deals with the social science-related aspects of human rights. Students then complete electives and a 30-credit dissertation.

Université de Strasbourg – Faculté de Droit

Taught in French, this full-time program awards of Master of Human Rights degree and is intended for students who have an interest in working for non-government organizations or in humanitarian relief. To qualify for admission, students must have a master’s degree in law or a related field. Along with coursework, students complete a thesis study and a field or work placement. Individuals currently working for NGOs or in humanitarian relief are preferred.

The post Masters Programs in Human Rights appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Interview with Helen Sullivan-Looney, Senior Legal Consultant for a defence team at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

What does your role involve? What is a typical day for you?

The case in which I’m currently involved is in the investigation stage, so my day-to-day work involves a lot of review and analysis of witness statements and other documents, and drafting motions to protect our client’s procedural and substantive fair trial rights. I assist the lead lawyers in developing defence strategies and tactics, at the instruction of our client. I also supervise junior consultants and interns.

What was your route to your current role?

I started out as a public defender in the United States, but had always been interested in ICL and international human rights. After a few years as a public defender, in 2011 I moved to The Netherlands to do an LLM degree in ICL at Utrecht University. While getting my LLM, I did an externship with a defence team at the ICTY in The Hague. The lead lawyer in that case also represented one of the alleged senior leaders of the Democratic Kampuchea government (also known as the Khmer Rouge) in Case 002 at the ECCC in Cambodia. When I graduated from the LLM program, he offered me an internship with his team in that case. A few months after my internship ended, a consultancy job opened up on his team. I applied for it and was hired in 2012, and have been working at the ECCC more or less since then. When our client in Case 002 passed away in 2013, I worked for about a year and a half in Myanmar at a commercial law firm doing a wide range of transactional work, and then I was contacted about a senior consultant position at the ECCC in Case 003 (involving the alleged commander of the Khmer Rouge navy). I was hired in 2015 and have been back at the ECCC since then.

What do you enjoy most about your job? What are the challenges?

What I enjoy most about my job is the litigation on substantive legal and procedural issues. Since the Democratic Kampuchea regime existed from April 1975-January 1979, the ECCC can only apply domestic and international criminal laws that existed at that time. This legal requirement has resulted in a lot of interesting litigation about, for example, the definition of crimes against humanity in the 1970s or whether rape was recognized as a crime against humanity in the 1970s. Much of this litigation represents the first time these questions have been addressed by an international or hybrid international tribunal, so it’s been exciting to be part of that process. I also really enjoy the people I work with. Our team is Cambodian, American, French, you name it, and it’s great to work with people from different cultural and legal backgrounds. It gives me a deeper perspective on my own work.

The challenges of my job relate to what I enjoy most about it, which is that it can be difficult to find the relevant documents that allow you to examine a treaty’s legislative history or a State’s practice in the 1970s regarding a particular international crime. Sometimes it can feel a bit like you’re a private investigator trying to hunt down a piece of evidence, which is both challenging and fun!

Do you have any words of advice for aspiring human rights professionals who want to pursue a similar career path?

If you want to practice ICL, I think it’s important to practice domestically for a few years before moving into the international arena. Domestic practice gives you advocacy and client representation experience and research and writing skills that are of huge value in a case. You’re better able to strategize about a case, recognize fair trial issues, and help advise a client if you’ve had experience strategizing and managing your own cases and clients. I also think networking with people in the ICL world is very important. The ICL community is quite small and most people I know got their jobs through other people they knew. So, as difficult as it can be, networking is invaluable.

Do you have any other comments or words of advice?

Take advantage of as many seminars, trainings, or meet-ups as are available in your area. They’re a great way to learn more about ICL and to meet people engaged in the work.

The post Human Rights Career Paths: Senior Legal Consultant (International Criminal Law) appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Humanitarian action is about saving lives and alleviating suffering caused by conflict and natural disasters. We have compiled 17 Master degrees in Humanitarian Action around the world. The programs listed below are based in the United States, Tanzania, South Africa, United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, United Arab Emirates, France and others. At the end of the article we list degrees available online.

#1 Master Programme in Humanitarian Action and Conflict (Uppsala University – Uppsala, Sweden)

Uppsala University in Sweden offers a Master of Theology degree in Humanitarian Action and Conflicts. Students spend one year on campus completing the necessary course requirements and conducting independent research that culminates in a master’s dissertation. Required courses for the program include Introduction to Humanitarian Action, Anthropology in Humanitarian Action, International Law in Humanitarian Assistance, Geopolitics, Public Health in Humanitarian Action, Management and Conflict and Peace-Building. To qualify for admission, students must show demonstrated fluency in English and have a bachelor’s degree. A statement of purpose is also required for admission to the program.

#2 Humanitarian Action (Ruhr University Bochum – Bochum, Germany)

Ruhr University of Bochum in Germany offers a Master of Arts degree in Humanitarian Action through a partnership with the Network on Humanitarian Action (NOHA). This intensive multi-disciplinary program requires 24 months to complete. Students are free to specialize in one of the following fields: Humanitarian action management; Humanitarian international law; International relations in humanitarian action; Public health/medicine in humanitarian action; Anthropology in humanitarian action; or International organizations in humanitarian emergencies. A master’s degree dissertation based on independent research is required for each concentration. To be considered for admission, students must hold a bachelor’s degree in law, medicine, international relations, political science, sociology, anthropology, psychology, management, economics, geography, communications, or a closely related field.

#3 The Master of Arts in Humanitarian Action & Development (Anwar Gargwash Diplomatic Academy – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)  

The Master of Arts in Humanitarian Action & Development (MAHAD) is a full-time program launched in 2021, aimed at individuals who are committed to the principles of humanitarianism and wish to pursue careers in humanitarian aid. This one-year program focuses on enhancing decision-making skills and broadening students’ understanding of global trends in humanitarian action and development. Graduates of the MAHAD program will acquire specialized knowledge in international development and humanitarian action, including its historical evolution. The program also provides a comprehensive understanding of development studies within the context of international relations, law, diplomacy, and relevant United Nations agendas. Emphasizing practical application, the program prepares students to manage humanitarian programs and navigate the challenges they may face in the field. In addition, it equips students with the cognitive and leadership skills needed to become ethically motivated professionals capable of leading multicultural teams and making both short- and long-term decisions effectively.

Courses in the program include 12 credits of core subjects such as humanitarian action principles, development project management, international humanitarian law, and international development economics. Students also complete 12 elective credits, with options like women and development, human rights, crisis communication, and regional studies.

#3 MSc in Humanitarian Studies with a concentration in Human Rights (Fordham University – New York, USA)

Fordham University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) offers an MSc in Humanitarian Studies. This program is designed for recent undergraduates and young professionals with less than five years of experience in the field of humanitarian work. Students gain an interdisciplinary perspective on relevant issues and take evening classes to complete their degree, allowing time to work in the professional field or take on an internship while completing their degree. Students can choose to concentrate in one of three focus areas, including Human Rights, in which they will take a variety of specialized courses. They also must complete an internship and a thesis to complete their degree.

Tuition rates for this 30-credit program are $1486 per credit. GSAS offers several scholarships and fellowships to students. Students may also apply for external financial aid to pay for the cost of their studies.

#4 LLM International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights in Military Operations (University of Pretoria – Pretoria, South Africa)

#5 Masters in Humanitarian Action, Cooperation and Development (Open University of Tanzania – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) 

The Master in Humanitarian Action, Cooperation, and Development (MHACD) program provides a comprehensive understanding of humanitarian issues and research methodologies. It is supported by a qualified team of lecturers specializing in various fields, including NGO management, project design for humanitarian action, international economics, political science, international security, and international humanitarian law.  To qualify for admission at The Open University of Tanzania, candidates must hold a degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 or an equivalent qualification. Candidates with a pass degree may also be considered if they have demonstrated strong academic potential through relevant fieldwork, research experience, or additional training.

The MHACD program addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals in disaster relief and development within governmental and non-governmental agencies. Graduates must complete 18 units, which equip them with essential skills such as understanding humanitarian action patterns, assessing complex crises, applying relevant tools and theories, making ethical decisions, conducting independent research, and managing international development efforts effectively.

#6 Master of Advanced Studies in Humanitarian Action (University of Geneva – Geneva, Switzerland)

This unique Master’s program is a collaboration between the university and partner organizations The International Committee of the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders. Students receive interdisciplinary, evidence-based education in humanitarian action, gaining both theoretical, practical, and managerial skills. Students will learn to deconstruct the humanitarian system, learn about its frameworks, and reflect on its power dynamics.

The program, which is a modular executive training, consists of 60 ECTS spread across four parts. The first part is a residential term in Geneva while the other three are online. In total, the program takes about 1500 hours to complete. There are two fee options. The first (completing the program in 14 months) costs CHF 15,000. Option II (completing the program in 2-3 academic years) is CHF 17,000. The university offers partial and full scholarships. The university admits 30 students per year for this program. Applicants must have a university qualification (bachelor’s or equivalent), at least three years of relevant professional experience, excellent English skills, and a passion for the humanitarian field.

#7 MA in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action (SciencesPo Paris School of International Affairs – Paris, France)

SciencesPo’s Paris School of International Affairs offers an MA in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action. This program blends philosophy, history, sociology, and anthropology to help students connect the fields of humanitarianism and human rights. The program also aims to take a unique “French” approach to these issues. In addition to classes, students also complete an internship and a thesis and may also have the option to study abroad.

Fees for this 2-year program vary based on place of residence. Students in the EEA area pay on a sliding scale based on annual income. For graduate students outside of the EEA area, annual tuition is €14,500. The school states that one in three students receives a full-fee scholarship to attend. They offer various scholarship and aid programs for French students, EEA students, and non-European students, as well as income-based grants and scholarships.

#8 MPA or MIA with a concentration in Human Rights and Humanitarian Policy (Columbia University – New York, USA)

Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs offers a concentration in Human Rights and Humanitarian Policy for its Master of Public Administration and Master of International Affairs programs. This concentration creates a more focused course load and experience for students interested in these particular areas of study. Students can choose to focus on either Human Rights or Humanitarian Policy through the curriculum, in addition to taking a few elective courses. Students can take courses from a variety of schools and institutes at Columbia within the subject areas of human rights and humanitarian policy, including the Law School, Mailman School of Public Health, and the Institute for the Study of Human Rights.

The 2-year MPA and MIA programs cost $57,576 in tuition per year. The School of International and Public Affairs offers scholarships and assistantships for students that can help finance their studies. Columbia also has several fellowships and scholarships available for students to apply for.

#9 Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Programme in International Humanitarian Action (Multiple universities – Multiple locations)

The Network on Humanitarian Action International Association of Universities offers the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Programme in International Humanitarian Action through multiple universities throughout Europe. This program provides a theoretical, analytical, and practical approach to issues of humanitarian action, taught by experts in-house and in the field. The program is offered in English, French, and Spanish. In addition to taking courses at the Uniwersytet Warszawski and the student’s home university of choice, they also have the opportunity to get regional training at one of the partner universities around the world and participate in a research project to complete their degree.

This 2-year program costs a total of €12,000 for the entire duration. This does not include expenses and fees, especially for the regional training semester. Students may be able to seek out financial aid and scholarships through their host university. This program is offered by the following universities: Aix-Marseille Universite (France), University of Malta (Malta), Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (the Netherlands), Ruhr-Universitat Bochum (Germany), Universidad de Deusto (Spain), University College Dublin (Ireland), Uniwersytet Warszawski (Poland), Uppsala Universitet (Sweden).

#10 MA in Humanitarian Assistance (Tufts University – Boston, USA)

Tufts University Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy offers an MA in Humanitarian Assistance. This program prepares professionals in the humanitarian field for future challenges and a changing landscape. In addition to core classes and electives, students must also complete a capstone project and pass a foreign language proficiency test to graduate. Students must also pass an online test in research ethics.

This 1-year program costs $43,144 in tuition. Some scholarships and assistantships may be available. This program is also designed for current professionals to be able to continue to work during the day, so employment is another option for financing the degree. Students may also be able to apply for graduate loans.

#11 MA of Humanitarian and Development Studies (Western Sydney University – Sydney, Australia)

This degree program is the only one of its kind in Australia. It’s designed for students interested in the aid and health sectors with a focus on rehabilitation and development. Students explore topics through a practical and theoretical learning lens. With the skills and knowledge gained through this program, students are equipped to work in complex emergencies.

A few study modes are available. The program can be completed in two years full-time or four years part-time. 1.5 years full-time (three years part-time) or one year full-time (two years part-time) modes are also available. Entry pathways also vary based on a student’s prior learning and/or experience. For example, applicants for entry pathway 1 (80 credit points) must have completed a bachelor honours in a related discipline; a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and two years of relevant work experience; or a graduate certificate/diploma in a related discipline. For a domestic student, the fees for the full-time study load of the program (80 credit points) per annum are AUD 23,240 while international students pay AUD 28,080.

#12 MSc in International Development with Conflict and Humanitarian Action (University of Bath – Bath, United Kingdom)

Using innovative learning approaches, this 1-year course equips students to address the challenges of conflict and humanitarian crises. Students will gain an interdisciplinary understanding of modern humanitarian action and conflict response, as well as peace-building and development policy and practice. They’ll also gain practical skills in research, analysis, and communication. The taught-stage consists of 60 credits; most units are 12 credits. The dissertation or work-based project (an 8-week project with an organization working in international development) is 30 credits.

Students with degrees in relevant subjects (politics, economics, anthropology, African studies, environmental studies, etc) are encouraged to apply. Students with professional experience in international development are also welcome. Tuition depends on whether you’re a Home, Island or Overseas student. Recently, Home students taking the full-time taught program paid £10,700 while Overseas students paid £23,000.

#13 Online program: MS in Humanitarian Action (University of San Diego – San Diego, USA)

Note: U.S. Department of Education regulations don’t allow students living in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia to enroll in University of San Diego online programs.

Offered completely online, this Master of Science in Humanitarian Action (MS-HA) is designed for working professionals already working in (or hoping to work) in the humanitarian field. Students are trained to assess humanitarian needs; work in complex local, national, and international landscapes; and develop innovative solutions to humanitarian crises. Graduates work in areas like international development, human rights, environmental policy, and peace and security.

All courses are asynchronous and instructor-led, so you have the flexibility to work on assignments on your own schedule. You’ll take two courses during each 14-week semester, focusing on one seven-week course at a time. Six units focus on humanitarian foundations; nine focus on skills and methods; 12 units cover core themes; and three units cover the final capstone humanitarian crisis simulation. To graduate, students must complete 30 credits (10 three-unit courses). The MS program can be completed in 5 semesters over 20 months and costs $710 per credit. Scholarships and grants may be available to students.

#14 Online program: MSc Humanitarian Action (SOAS University of London – London, United Kingdom)

This 2-year MSc in Humanitarian Action explores the history, politics, and practice of humanitarian action. To graduate, students must take 180 credits, including one core module and three elective modules. Students must also take four supporting mini-modules and a 60-credit dissertation. The program is completely online with anytime access to learning materials and course resources. Each module has a dedicated Associate Tutor and a study timetable. The program is divided into two study sessions per year; each subject module takes 16 weeks with research mini-modules (8 weeks) afterward. Following each module, students are assessed with five written online assessments and an essay.

Students can pay in full at the time of enrollment (£12,000) or pay as they learn (£3,000 per module). If a student has lived in England for three years, they may be eligible for postgraduate loans. Most program applicants have worked in development and/or conflict before, but any students (with a first degree) who show a passion for humanitarianism are encouraged to apply.

#15 Online program: MSc International Humanitarian Affairs (University of York – York, United Kingdom)

This program teaches students to understand and respond to humanitarian needs in complex situations like natural hazards, political crises, and violent conflict. Students will explore modern challenges through social, political, cultural, economic, and environmental lenses. With experts from Asia, Latin America, and Sub-Saharan and West Africa, the program harnesses a variety of online learning techniques like interactive discussions, webinars, case study materials, collaborative exercises, and more. The program is divided into three main stages over two years, the third of which is a 15,000-word dissertation based on an original research project.

The program uses a part-time, distance-learning study mode that takes two years. The year one fee is £5,570; fees are subject to change no more than 2% each year. Fees also depend on whether you’re a UK or international student. To apply, you’ll need a 2:1 or equivalent in a relevant subject. The program also considers applicants with work experience in the development and/or the humanitarian field.

#16 Online program: Humanitarian Action and Peacebuilding MA (Oxford Brookes University – Oxford, United Kingdom)

Designed with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, this program gives students access to support and resources from the institute and Oxford Brookes University. Students will explore issues in the field and current practices. They’ll also propose their own ideas for tools and develop hard and soft skills with the guidance of academic experts, field experts, and practitioners. The program is a combination of compulsory and optional modules. The final project is a 50-credit practice-based study/dissertation.

Because this program is designed for students working in the field, it’s part-time and takes 30 months. Students can also extend their studies up to 5 years if needed. Each module takes around 200 hours. Fees vary, though for the 2023/24 session, distance learning for the UK costs £5,000. The program is open to all candidates who have an approved honours degree (2:1 or above) in a relevant field and some experience in humanitarian or peace-building. It’s also open for students with at least 10 years of experience in humanitarian action, peace-building, or a related field, as well as those with a relevant recognized diploma/certified professional qualification and 3-5 years of experience.

Interested in other issues? Check out our page on human rights masters!

The post 17 Master Degrees in Humanitarian Action appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Interview with Leo Twiggs, Programme Development Officer with IDLO in The Hague

“IDLO is the only intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law. Governments, multilateral organizations, private foundations and the private sector support our work. We are headquartered in Rome, where we were first founded, and where we continue to enjoy strong support from the Italian government. We are present in The Hague, a city whose hospitality connects us with an unrivaled legal tradition. And we are represented at the United Nations in New York and Geneva, where we help shape the debate about human rights and development.”

(Source: idlo.int)

What does your role involve? What is a typical day for you?

I work for the International Development Law Organisation (IDLO) as a Programme Development Officer. As a Programme Development Officer, I am responsible for creating and articulating current and future rule of law programming for the organisation, which means developing programming both in locations where IDLO is already working, and also in locations where IDLO hopes to expand operations. In a typical day, a Programme Development Officer might undertake needs assessments and scoping missions with the aim to design new projects for IDLO. Other tasks include designing country, regional or thematic results-based project proposals in line with IDLO’s strategic plan. I work with team members in diverse locations across the globe to ensure that programmes include results-based monitoring and evaluation of project activities and I provide guidance and recommendations for improvement of current rule of law programmes. I carry out contextual research on potential areas of programmatic expansion, and work with people around the world to design and draft proposals for rule of law programming.

What was your route to your current role?

Before law school, I worked as a Grant Writer and Development Officer in a Washington, D.C. based educational non-profit organisation. There, I learned how the world of proposal-based fundraising works, and learned how to draft project proposals. After I went to law school, where I specialised in international human rights law and was a research assistant for a former UN Special Rapporteur, I took a fellowship as a legal researcher in Geneva, where I learned about international human rights law and standards in practice and how they are applied (or not applied) in the real world. After my fellowship, I worked as a Programme Development Officer drafting competitive project proposals for rule of law funding. During my time in Geneva, I completed an LLM focused on international humanitarian law and human rights at the Geneva Academy Graduate Institute. From Geneva, I took a job as a United Nations Volunteer (UNV) working for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Myanmar as a Rule of Law Officer. In Myanmar, I gained first-hand experience with programme implementation. This experience led me to my current job.

What do you enjoy most about your job? What are the challenges?

What I enjoy most about the job is also the greatest challenge: learning about new areas of the law and the world in a short timeframe in order to develop a well-informed proposal that can be implemented and will achieve the desired results. I am fortunate that I am able to learn a great deal about new people, places, and justice systems every day.

Do you have any words of advice for aspiring human rights professionals who want to pursue a similar career path?

If you have decided that a career in human rights or international development is your goal, then you must pursue it relentlessly. Be prepared to make sacrifices in terms of compensation, in terms of stability, and in terms of your family and community ties. Take every opportunity presented to you even if the job does not seem ideal. Each project and responsibility, no matter how small, is an opportunity to learn, perfect your skills, and make new connections. Above all, show respect for your colleagues and the people for whom you provide service. Remember that this career is essentially about the service of others. I think if you keep that mindset, and stay humble, people recognise you as someone they want to work with because they understand that you will put the results that the programme is trying to achieve before personal gain.

Do you have any other comments or words of advice?

If you’re from a developed, Western country, get experience in the developing world. It is almost impossible to design and implement quality rule of law programming without an understanding of how justice is provided in the developing world.

The post Human Rights Career Paths: Programme Development Officer appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Deciding to work in a conflict zone is a tough choice. On the one hand, recent graduates often become frustrated with office jobs, feeling like they are not making any actual changes for the betterment of the lives of those whose human rights are endangered. At the same time, organizations working in particularly unstable countries prone to civil conflict or terrorist attacks are always in need of staff members and highly skilled personell. On the other hand, those considering making such a career move expectedly worry about their safety and whether they will be able to cope with everything that living under constant threat of an attack brings. Essentially, it is a career move that affects not only you, but your family as well.

Taking these concerns into consideration, how do those who do end up doing human rights-related work in a conflict zone make their decision? What does working in a conflict zone really look like? Is it worth it? These are some of the questions we asked Julieta Nikolova, a Young Professional working for the EU Delegation in Russia, in the attempt to better understand this aspect of human rights careers.

Native to Bulgaria, Julieta decided to pursue her interest in Central Asia soon after graduating from her interdisciplinary Master of Laws (LLM) in Germany, having specialized in international security. As a result, she spent two years working in Afghanistan. She started in a law firm, and then moved to a non-governmental organization to work as a research project manager. More specifically, she was working on the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda for Afghanistan. Her work was to follow, analyze and measure how far Afghanistan is progressing with regards to the promises the government made to meet certain targets of the global agenda and women’s and human rights in general.

Living and working in the human rights sector in Afghanistan for so long was both rewarding and challenging, Julieta says. She spoke to us about how she made a decision to go, what her life in Kabul looked like, all the challenges she faces and the rewards she got out of the entire experience.

Getting ready to work in a war zone: books, blogs and emergency manuals

Preparing well for your big move is absolutely necessary, even if you are only at the applications stage. Oftentimes things will move very quickly and you might be in a position to accept an offer within several days. We wanted to know how Julieta went through this entire process.

I: What inspired you to apply for a job in Afghanistan in the first place?

J: Before Afghanistan, I worked for the UN Women in Tajikistan for a couple of months. I wrote my Master Thesis on Central Asia, so I wanted to go and experience the region myself. My experience in Tajikistan was fascinating; I could travel and communicate with the beneficiaries of the projects, women and men, who understood that they could make a change in their society.
I had to go back to Europe and finish my studies but I already knew that I liked the field experience, and I was ready to risk with something bigger, namely going to a war zone. I liked the region, the people and the culture. I started searching and applying for different positions in local and international NGOs in Afghanistan, but in the end I decided to use my legal background and go to work in the legal sector.

I: How did the application process go?

J: Of course I made all applications online. The interview for my first job was via internet as well. When I received the offer, the rest of the administration-related work started. Sometimes, visa processes for Afghanistan can take time, so be ready for that.

I: How did your family react?

J: My family knew from the very beginning that I wanted to go to Afghanistan. They couldn’t understand this decision, and they were not happy about it either. But my family never restricted me in any way. It is true they were not particularly happy that I received a job there, but they didn’t stop me from giving it a try and fulfilling my wishes.

I: How did you prepare for moving to Afghanistan?

J: While I was waiting for the visa, I read a lot of blogs online about the country, written by both locals and by expats. In addition, I read a lot of manuals about what to do in emergency situations and I watched movies about Afghanistan just to get to know the country culture-wise.

Working in a war zone: “No one can prepare you for this”

Packed with book knowledge and the essentials, Julieta flew off to Kabul. Besides the obvious cultural shock, she also had to adapt to distinct conditions applicable to both her work environment and her daily routine.

I: What was your first impression when you came to Afghanistan?

J: My first impression was that in Afghanistan everything was different. I had to change my work habits. I had to adapt myself to the working way of my colleagues, clients and partners. For this, no one can prepare you, no books or blogs. You can either observe carefully and learn, or at some point it will become evident that you don’t fit in the environment.

I: What challenges does being in a conflict zone bring?

J: Well, to be honest, there are many challenges to living and working in a conflict zone. They start from how you do your work, because you are very restricted when it comes to going out for meetings, meeting people, travelling. Of course, at all times, there is a risk that something can happen to, whether you are behind the desk, at home, or going for a meeting.

I: And, are there additional difficulties you experienced simply because you are a woman and a young professional?

J: I would not exaggerate if I said that for a female expat, it is even more uncomfortable. I am a person who likes her freedom, and in a conflict zone, I had to give up a big part of it.

I: Did your education help you prepare for the work you did? What was your work environment like?

J: Education is important. I studied about different schools of politics, war theories, psychology of war and so on. Of course I didn’t need those in Afghanistan. But my degrees were important because they taught me a specific way of thinking, and this helped me a lot in Afghanistan. It helped me cope with both of my jobs.

When it comes to the work I did, the only thing I couldn’t do, was to be among the people, among these very women that need the government, Ministries and President to know about their needs. Nevertheless, thanks to the wonderful colleagues I had, I was able to have access to every piece of information I needed, to research the topics that were important to me and to write extensive reports.

I: In your opinion, how do professionals who live in conflict zones cope with the overwhelming insecurity? Did you experience any stress?

J: I think how one copes with the stress is very personal. There were many stressful moments for me, especially when I knew that I was lucky to pass the street where a blast happened just five minutes before it happened, and that many other people were not that lucky.

After such an event, you need time, time to reflect, to rest, to recover. For me, to maintain my contacts with people was important. I am a very social person, and although in a war zone it is not easy to be social, it is important that one meets people, talks and shares.

Julieta’s advice: “Be ready to realize your limits”

Living in Afghanistan was a real rollercoaster for Julieta but, speaking to her, one realizes she thinks it was totally worth it, despite the insecurity. Why is that?

J: To my mind, Afghanistan is really a special place, with different people, traditions and customs. Indeed, I have studied about war, politics of war, history of war, strategy, but never have I studied the social aspects of war. At the university, it was always just about the numbers. In Afghanistan, I saw the social aspects of war, how war reflects on individual lives, on families, on generations. I can say that it was worth going to the war zone even only for that because I could never get this experience and knowledge in any other way.

I: What advice do you have for human rights professionals who want to relocate to conflict zones to do humanitarian or human rights work?

J: Think about it! I have always believed that if a person wants to achieve something, there is a way. I believed that I can cope with everything. In Afghanistan, I realized my limits. And this was a positive exercise for me. We are not machines, we are human beings. We need to realize when we have reached our limits and then maybe step back. Otherwise, there could be very negative physical and psychological implications.

I: Last but not least, what is the most valuable lesson you learned from your experience?

J: I have learned a lot from my stay in Afghanistan. I learned a lot about my work, about myself and people’s nature. I do not know which is the most valuable. Maybe I have learned about the value of life.

There is no greater motivation to pursue a career path than getting to adopt a whole new perspective on your own life and what it is means to you, while at the same time investing your time and resources to help people who still put their lives at great risk every single day. Julieta’s inspiring story reminds us of that, and encourages us to work in the field. Making a decision to move to Afghanistan or another unstable country to do human rights-related work shouldn’t be too easy. After all, there are all these concerns Julieta mentioned to be taken into consideration. However, it shouldn’t be too difficult either, because it is the best way to put years and years of your human rights education into practice.

The post Human rights work in a conflict zone: Julieta’s insights from Afghanistan appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Always check the information below on the official websites as the information might change.  

American University Washington College of Law – The Human Rights Essay Award

The Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, at the American University Washington College of Law, set up the Human Rights Essay Award to encourage the production of scholarly work in international human rights law. For the chance to receive this award, you must submit a legal essay which is no longer than 35 pages. You can view all the specifications for the essay on the application page of the website. Two awards will be granted each year, one for an essay in English and one for an essay in Spanish. With this award, you receive a full scholarship for the programme, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, as well as grants towards travel, housing and other expenses. Furthermore, you have the chance to be published in the American University International Law Review. The deadline for the essay submission is February every year.

Columbia Law School- Human Rights LL.M. Fellowship

For those who are looking to pursue a LL.M. degree at Columbia University, you have the opportunity to apply for a fellowship. This fellowship is for high achieving students who show the potential to use their education in human rights to become leaders in human rights practice or academia. It consists of a full tuition weaver and, in some cases, a living stipend depending on financial circumstances. Candidates need to demonstrate that they have experience in the field of human rights either in academia or practice. The application consists of a short essay of one or two pages demonstrating your experience and interest in human rights. You will also need letters of recommendation which show your experience and to complete an Application for Financial Assistance. The deadline is in December and you can find all the information about applying on the webpage.

York University – Centre for Applied Human Rights scholarships

York University offers a scholarship for the MA in Applied Human Rights programme for EU/UK students who have already received an offer of full-time study. The value of this scholarship is £2,770. There are also a number of scholarships for International students such as the Academic Excellence Scholarship which grants up to £10,000 for the first year of study. You can see all the scholarships available to both international and EU/UK students on the web page.

Lancaster University – Faculty Postgraduate Scholarships

At Lancaster University you can study a International Human Rights Law LLM and apply for an postgraduate scholarship. The scholarship is for outstanding students, national or international, who hold an offer to study at this university in 2021-2022. There are a number of scholarships available as well as a maintenance grant of £15,000.

London School of Economics – Sir Siegmund Warburg Scholarship

This scholarship, supplied by an anonymous donor, offers Palestinian and Israeli students the opportunity to study MSc Human Rights at LSE. Candidates must be residents of Israel, Palestine/occupied territories or Palestinian camps in Syria, Jordan, or Lebanon with a formal offer to study Msc Human Rights at LSE. The value of the scholarship is expected to be £28,000 which covers the tuition fee. In order to apply you must make a formal application for the programme and, on receiving the offer, eligible students will be invited to apply for the scholarship.

London School of Economics

LSE offers generous scholarships each year to its graduate students from the UK, the EU and outside the EU. Approximately 19 per cent of taught master’s offer holders are successful in obtaining some form of financial support from the School. The value of support ranges in value from 10 per cent of the tuition fee to a full fees and maintenance award.

University of Oxford – Oxford -Brunsfield ASEAN Human Rights Graduate Scholarships

Two scholarships will be awarded to students who are applying for the part-time MSt in International Human Rights Law. Candidates must be residents of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), Philippines, Singapore, Thailand or Vietnam. There is no separate application process as possible candidates just need to apply for the programme by the deadline in January and they will automatically be considered for the scholarship. The scholarship covers course fees and a study support grant which will help towards travel expenses.

University of Oxford – Alastair McBain International Human Rights Law Scholarship

This scholarship will be awarded to one student who is applying to study a MSt in International Human Rights Law and is a resident of one of the following countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia or Slovenia. This scholarship also covers course fees and a support grant, which will help towards travel expenses, and there is no separate application process. Candidates simply need to apply for the programme in accordance with the January deadline.

University of Groningen – EU Talent Grant Law

At the University of Groningen, you can study the International Human Rights Law LLM, as well as a number of other law programmes, and be eligible for the EU Talent Grant Law. Candidates must be from the EU and admitted to one of the LLM programmes. The grant amount is 500 euros and approximately 18 grants will be awarded. You will need to complete an application and provide a motivation letter as part of the application process.

Ulster University – LLM Scholarships

Ulster University offers three different scholarships to students who want to study one of their LLM programmes thanks to the Transitional Justice Institute. Particularly qualified candidates have the chance to receive the Anna Eggert bursary for Gender, Conflict and Human Rights if they are applying for the programme entitled Gender, Conflict and Human Rights LLM. The Garfield Weston trust bursary is available to students applying to any of the Human Rights LLM programmes offered at this university. And finally, the Transitional Justice Institute bursary for Human Rights and Transitional Justice is available to students who are applying to study this programme. See the website for more information on how to apply for one of these human rights courses and scholarships.

Abo Akademi University – Scholarship Programme

At this university, you can apply to study the International Law and Human Rights programme. Students from the EU will not have to pay tuition fees to study at Abo Akademi University, but for international students there is a fee. Because of this, international students will have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to cover their tuition fees. You can apply for three different scholarships depending on how much financial support you require. The first covers all tuition fees and living expenses, the second covers just tuition fees and the third covers half of the tuition fees. All scholarships are awarded for 2 years and are granted based on the academic performance of applicants as well as their answers in the application process.

Birkbeck University – Scholarships

At Birkbeck University you can apply to study either an MA or LLM in Human Rights. They also offer a number of scholarships specifically for international students. For example, the international merit scholarship is available to students from Japan, Russia, South Korea, Turkey, Latin America, South-East Asia and Taiwan and awards £2500-£5000. On receiving an offer from Birkbeck, students must email a 500-word essay with details why they should be chosen for the scholarship. Similar scholarships are offered to residents of India, Latin America and commonwealth countries. There is also a Career Experience Scholarship and World Citizen Talent Scholarship for students who can demonstrate practical experience and knowledge in the field of human rights and how they can use this experience to contribute to the classroom. You can view information about all of these scholarships on the webpage.

Lund University – Scholarships

At Lund University you can study a Master’s in International Human Rights and apply for a number of scholarships. The Lund University Global Scholarship Programme recognises top academic students form outside the EU. The Swedish Institute Scholarship also offers scholarships to international students applying to study at any level in Sweden. Furthermore, there are country-specific scholarship and funding options which have been arranged through the university’s agreements with funding bodies in countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia, Russia and Chile, as well as the US, Canada and the UK. You can see all the information about these scholarships on the webpage.

Leeds University – School of Law Liberty Scholarship

If you are looking to study the International Human Rights Law LLM at Leeds University, you can apply for this scholarship. The scholarship is offered to both EU/UK nationals and international students who hold an offer to study this programme. To apply, you must have strong academic results from your undergraduate degree and supporting documentation. The deadline will be in July 2019.

University of Edinburgh – Binks Trust Scholarships

At the University of Edinburgh, you can study an LLM in Human Rights. This programme focuses on addressing crucial global challenges spanning the ambit of civil and political, social, economic and cultural rights with a focus on Edinburgh’s varied peace and human rights initiatives.  Funding opportunities are provided by the Global Justice Academy through the generous support of the Binks Trust. A number of awards are offered to new applicants for full-time study starting in September. Each scholarship is worth £8000 and they are offered each year. Visit the website for information on how to apply.

University of Oxford – Commonwealth Scholarships

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are designed for individuals from low income Commonwealth countries who want to study a UK Master’s degree while living and working in their home country. The scholarships are funded by the UK Department for International Development which contributes to the development needs of Commonwealth countries by providing training for skilled professionals. The award is for postgraduate students who wish to access training not available in their home country, who remain in their home country while they study and who have the potential to enhance development in their home countries with the knowledge that they acquire from studying abroad. The scholarship covers course fees and reading materials for two years of the course and also provides a study grant intended to assist with travel. View the website for information on how to apply.

University of Melbourne – Australia Awards Scholarship

This award is offered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to international students. It is intended for people from developing countries, particularly located in the Indo-Pacific region, who want to undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities. You can apply for this scholarship if you are planning to study the Master of Human Rights Law programme at the University of Melbourne. The scholarship covers the full tuition fee and return air travel as well as providing a living allowance and other benefits. See the website for more details on what is included in the award and how to apply.

University of Melbourne – Endeavor Scholarship

The Australian Government Department of Education and Training provides the Endeavour Leadership programme which works to increase international research and education engagement between Australia and priority countries in key fields of education, research and innovation. It is offered to individuals from Australia and overseas who want to develop their knowledge and expertise. If you are looking to study the Master of Human Rights Law programme at the University of Melbourne, you can apply or this scholarship. Find all the information on how to apply for the course and scholarship on the website.

University of Birmingham – College of Arts and Law Scholarships

This scholarship is offered every year to students hoping to study an LLM at Birmingham Law School. Scholarships are awarded on academic merit and they cover one year’s tuition fees. Candidates must complete an online application form, supported by two references, and must have already enrolled in their intended programme. Both national and international students are eligible and you can find out more about how to apply on the website.

University of Birmingham – Kalisher Trust LLM Scholarship

This scholarship is available to students wishing to study the LLM Criminal Law and Criminal Justice programme or the LLM General programme, which gives you the opportunity to decide which areas of law you are most interested in, giving you the option to specialise in human rights law. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition as well as offering £6000 towards maintenance costs. Candidates must meet the requirements specified on the website and submit an application form which includes an 800-word statement on why you should be considered for the scholarship. You must also be a resident of the UK or EU. See the website for more information of requirements and how to apply.

Central European University – CEU Master’s Scholarship

For students interested in either the M.A. in Human Rights or the LL.M. in Human Rights offered by the department of Legal Studies at CEU, there are several scholarships that you can apply for which are available each year. The CEU Master’s scholarship covers the tuition fee, health insurance and includes a monthly stipend of HUF 50,000-HUF 96,000 to assist with living costs. You can also apply for the CEU Master’s Tuition Award which offers the same benefits. Permanent residents of Budapest are not eligible.

Central European University – Butler Scholarship

This award is specifically for Hungarian students pursuing an MA in Cultural Heritage Studies, who are committed to using their degrees to make a lasting impact in Hungary through cultural heritage management and policy. If you are interested in heritage law and the impact of destruction of heritage on human rights, then this programme might be of interest to you. You can find more information about the programme, scholarship and how to apply on the website.

Leiden University – Excellence Scholarship (LExS)

At Leiden University, you can enrol in the European and International Human Rights Law Master’s programme and apply for this scholarship which is given to excellent students from non-EU/EEA/EFTA countries who are joining an LLM Advanced Studies programme or the Master’s in International Relations and Diplomacy programme. You can find all the conditions and how to apply on the website.

Leiden University – CEU- Praesidium Libertatis Scholarship

This scholarship is offered by Leiden University to recent graduates of the Central European University (CEU) who wish to follow a Master programme in a field related to governance, sustainable development and social transformation. This includes areas of study from the Faculty of Humanities, Governance and Global Affairs, Law and Social and Behavioural Sciences and includes programmes such as European and International Human Rights Law and Public International Law. The scholarship consists of a tuition fee waver for one academic year and a monthly stipend of 1,164 euros for a 10-month period. See all the benefits and requirements as well as how to apply on the website.

Leiden University – Holland Scholarship

This scholarship is specifically for Bachelor’s students who want to follow an English-taught programme. You will not be eligible if you are from the EU/EEA or Switzerland. The programmes which you can enrol in as a Bachelor’s student include International Relations and Organisations and International Studies. The scholarship is in the amount of 5000 euros which you will receive in your first year of study. For more information on how to apply, and the programmes that you can apply for, visit the website.

Geneva Academy – Scholarships

If you are applying to study the LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights or the Master of Advanced Studies in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law at the Geneva Academy, then you can apply for partial or full scholarships. Full scholarships are only available for citizens of non-Western countries but every year partial scholarships are awarded to EU citizens. The scholarships are based on academic merit. See the website for more information on the application process and other sources of funding.

Human Rights Scholarships provided by Organizations

American Civil Liberties Union of Utah

This scholarship is available to Utah High School Seniors who have taken action to protect civil liberties. This scholarship is offered every year and 2019 will be the 12^th year in a row that this scholarship has been awarded. The scholarship grants 1500 USD to at least two scholars. To apply, you need to complete a short application from and submit a 1000-word essay on your commitment to work on behalf of civil liberties, as well as a school transcript and two recommendations from non-family members. You can view information on how to apply, and what you need to qualify, on the website.

Japanese American Citizens League – Minoru Yasui Memorial Scholarship

The Japanese American Civil League offers scholarships each year to students who are members of the JACL and memberships are open to everyone. Applicants must be planning to attend a university or higher education institution in the United States. There are a number of scholarships that you can apply for including the Minoru Yasui Memorial Scholarship for students with a strong interest in human rights and civil rights who are planning to study in the fields of sociology, law or education.

Japanese American Citizens League – Thomas T. Hayashi Memorial Scholarship

Another scholarship offered by the JACL is the Thomas T. Hayashi Memorial Scholarship which is offered in memory of a civil rights advocate and attorney in international law. If you are planning on studying international law and human rights, this scholarship would be a good option. There are also other law scholarships which you can see on the website.

American- Scandinavian Foundation – Fellowships/Grants to Study in Scandinavia

Most Norwegian institutes have various bilateral agreements with foreign institutions of higher education designed for the mutual exchange of students, research and teachers. There are also national programmes that offer scholarships for international students wishing to study in Norway, so if you are thinking of studying human rights in Norway, there are a number of funding options available which are offered every year. The American- Scandinavian Foundation offers fellowships to individuals who want to pursue research, study or creative arts in Scandinavian countries. This award programme is offered to Americans and Scandinavians who are engaged in study, research or creative arts projects. If you are American, you can find funding for research in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway or Sweden. You can also enter their translation competition if you are able to translate from Nordic languages into English. Find more information about these scholarships and awards, as well as information on how to apply, on the website.

The EEA and Norway Grants

The EEA and Norway Grants are designed to contribute to reducing economic and social disparities and strengthening bilateral relations with EU countries. Grants are available for NGOs and institutions as well as students. To see what funding is available, search for the relevant county you would like to study in on the website under How to Apply.

Government of Canada International Scholarships Programs

Whether you are a Canadian citizen looking to study internationally or a non-Canadian citizen looking to study in Canada, the Canadian government provides a number of funding opportunities. Canada is committed to participation in international study and research partnerships that build understanding among peoples, develop global citizens and leaders and contribute to the development of nations. For this reason, Global affairs Canada is responsible for the Government of Canada’s participation in major International Scholarship programmes. For non-Canadian citizens, there are opportunities, such as the Canada-CARICOM Leadership Scholarship programme, which you can apply for if you are from one of the CARICOM countries. View the website to see all the available scholarships and how to apply.

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Working in the field of human rights can be exciting and challenging, with new developments and initiatives creating a fast-paced and dynamic working environment. Keeping up to date with these developments is difficult; human rights careers are demanding and often leave little time for professional development and work-based learning. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is, in some professions, such as law and medicine, mandatory, and is designed to ensure that the services provided by professionals in these fields are high quality and based upon the most recent knowledge and innovations. Human rights professionals are, too, providing a service, whether that service is at the front line of humanitarian assistance or related to policy and programme development, and it is essential that this work is grounded in the latest developments and best practices in the profession.

Take part in Human Rights MOOCs

One of the most accessible ways to stay up to date is by participating in one or more of the many Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC), which are offered by a range of prestigious universities and international organisations, including UNICEF and Amnesty International. While some of the general human rights courses are more tailored to those who are new to the field, there are also more specialist courses and advanced topics available, such as children’s rights, international criminal law, non-profit leadership and governance and sustainable development, which offer valuable insights to those already working in the profession who are looking to expand their knowledge.

These courses are generally free of charge, with a small fee if formal certification is required. Financial help is available for those who qualify.

Sign up for specialised trainings

Many international organisations and NGOs offer specialised training in human rights related subject areas, as well as practical areas such as monitoring and evaluation and diplomacy. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies offers an Online Diploma Course in Humanitarian Diplomacy, a 12-week course covering international humanitarian law, research skills and advocacy and negotiation skills. In addition to the online modules, participants are required to complete 7-10 hours of self-study per week and a final research paper of 5000 words. The course costs €990, although some bursaries are available.

RedR UK offers an accredited five-day, face to face, Training of Trainers (ToT) course for the humanitarian sector, covering principles of adult learning and training and facilitation techniques specifically for the humanitarian context. The target audience for this course is human rights and humanitarian and development professionals who already have some experience and technical grounding in the profession, but want to be able to develop and facilitate workshops and capacity development initiatives in their subject. Course fees vary depending on the type of organisation that the prospective participant works for. Details of these and more short courses can be found at Reliefweb.

Register for a distance learning degree

For more long-term and in-depth options, universities are increasingly offering accredited courses that can be completed on-line or by distance learning, allowing professionals to continue working while enhancing their knowledge. This provides an excellent option for those who wish to combine work and study and enables professionals to gain accredited qualifications that increase employability and chances of career progression while continuing to accrue practical experience.

The University of London’s International Programmes offer post-graduate courses in human rights law, international development, international humanitarian law, global diplomacy and more. An LLM degree (specialisms include international human rights law), under the programme administered by Queen Mary and University College London, is made up of four courses, each consisting of four modules which can be studied independently or combined to make up the full LLM qualification. Each stand-alone module costs around £500 and can be counted towards a post graduate certificate in law (total cost £3,400), a post-graduate diploma in law (total cost £5,900) or a full LLM (£8,900). Other distance masters programmes offered by the University of London include an MA in Global Diplomacy with the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) which takes two years and costs £10,000, and an MA in Refugee Protection and Forced Migration with the School of Advanced Studies, which takes between two and five years to complete and costs £8,100. Full details can be found on the University of London’s International Programmes website.

Attend in-house trainings and seminars

Other more informal options are also available, and many organisations will organise in-house training and seminars; in addition, organisations might offer funding to employees to attend courses and conferences to enhance practical knowledge and professional skills, although such funding can be difficult to secure when on a fixed-term or short-term contract, as is often the case for human rights professionals. Without a mandatory CPD scheme in the human rights sector, much of the onus is upon individuals to seek out information and updates regarding best practices and legal developments in the field. To this end, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) publishes an online database of human rights jurisprudence which collates all the jurisprudence emanating from the UN mechanisms that consider individual complaints. The free database was designed and developed by the Netherlands Institute of Human Rights at Utrecht University and provides professionals with easy access to decisions of bodies such at the Committee against Torture (CAT), Committee on the Eliminations of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Human Rights Committee (CCPR), enabling human rights professionals to stay up to date with the most recent developments and interpretations of international human rights law.

Whatever form it takes, CPD is essential, both in terms of staying well informed about new developments and decisions, and to enable future career progression. From the many options available, there is a course or programme to suit a range of needs while also being compatible with the busy and demanding work schedules of human rights professionals.

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Starting a career in human rights takes a lot of courage. The work itself requires a genuine belief in humanity and is often emotionally difficult to cope with. At the same time, the international human rights job market is rather competitive, with an increasing number of extraordinary talented and qualified people becoming interested in humanitarian affairs and human rights. The job search might begin with enrolling at an university, but it certainly does not end with a diploma, at least not for most people. In order to decrease the feelings of despair among many current human rights students and recent graduates, we conducted several interviews with successful young professionals who work in a variety of sectors: international organizations, non-governmental organizations and academia. What binds all of them is the fact that they are all under 30, from non-EU countries and they are all women.

Here is what Thaís Penalber, a Reporting Associate (consultant) at the UNHCR in Geneva, Dora Bojanovska-Popovska, a PhD candidate at Central European University in Budapest working on freedom of religion, and Njomza Haxhibeqiri, a project coordinator at the Humanitarian Law Center in Kosovo have to say about education, challenges and motivation.

Choosing the right degree

Very few people study human rights at the Bachelor’s level and not many of those who currently work in the human rights field in different capacities are more narrowly educated in human rights. How decisive is the degree when it comes to carving one’s career path in the direction of human rights?

Thaís, who is the only one of the three who has a Master’s-level LLM degree specifically in Humanitarian Law and Human Rights from the Geneva Academy of Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, says that writing her Bachelor’s thesis on Refugee Law under the general Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program “has prepared” her “for the current job”.

Dora, who has consistently pursued degrees in Constitutional Law, says that her studies at home and abroad prepared her immensely for the PhD program. “However, I do believe that a more diverse educational background can also be more of an asset than a disadvantage”, she adds.

Njomza, who holds a degree in Law, disagrees. She believes that public education in Kosovo remains rather weak, and that she had to build her skills in a non-formal way. In fact, she is now coordinating a project on non-formal education on dealing with the past, and works with students of different ages to fill in the gaps that exist in formal education.

While Thaís followed her interest in refugee law in all aspects of her professional life, Dora believes that her diverse work experience of being a legal advisor for the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Skopje, as well as in a financial consulting company in fact all equipped her with skills that she can now comfortably use in her PhD studies. “Every work experience has something to bring to the table in terms of professional growth”.

Challenges and obstacles

We wanted to know what these amazing young women think were the biggest challenges they faced as young professionals. While Dora applied for PhD positions two years in a row before being accepted, Thaís sent more than 70 applications during the four months before she became a consultant at the UNHCR, receiving only about four interview invitations. “Entry level positions usually require years of experience”, Thaís reminds us. Years of unpaid work as an intern and volunteer might not suffice for certain international organizations. To this, Dora adds, that “every interim position does not pay at all, or it pays poorly”. Besides the financial aspect, Njomza raises an important concern about not having one’s voice heard as a young professional. “One of the challenges is that sometimes you are not taken seriously even when you have a valid argument”, she adds.

What further complicates things is the fact that these young professionals are non-EU citizens. “As a non-European living in Switzerland, I felt that my chances of getting a job here were close to zero”, Thaís says, explaining how the Swiss law requires organizations to first consider Swiss applications, then EU applications, and only then non-EU applications as the last resort. While she admits that female young professionals “must fight twice as hard to prove they deserve to sit at the table”, Dora also agrees that being a non-EU citizen represents a bigger challenge. “At the end of the day, I think quality, excellence and competence should be the only bases of how we are valued, and if they are not, we should fight fiercely to stand up to that”, she suggests. Njomza, who works at the local level, says the biggest obstacles arise when young professionals from NGOs have to deal with public institutions. “They do not trust young people and young women in particular, especially when it comes to advocacy”. She explains public officials will often only accept invitations or requests from people whose names sound “famous”, which further complicates the work of young professionals who are just beginning to work in the non-governmental sector.

Decisive traits

What made Dora, Thaís and Njomza different from other candidates? Thaís says, for a consultancy in the United Nations, “personal connections” are crucial. This, however, does not mean that knowing the right people will suffice, but that academic and work experience will “nonetheless be assessed”. For academia, educational background and work experiences are key factors, yet “originality, quality and sustainability of the research idea” will also be decisive, Dora claims. On a similar note, Njomza believes that the fact that she had great interest in the very specific topics her NGO deals with and extensive “knowledge about dealing with the past process in the Balkans” got her the job and the opportunity to coordinate an entire project at such young age.

The work itself

Chatting with these three young professionals was also a great opportunity to find out what working at these positions actually feels like. Before becoming a consultant, Thaís worked as an intern for the UNHCR in the USA in 2015, where she was responsible for assessing asylum requests for the Central American region, and had to deal with some urgent cases of people facing deportation. “I was surprised with the impact that my work could have in the lives of so many people and for me that was very rewarding”, she says. Her current position in the Headquarters is more administrative and offers “a great opportunity to learn about the organization as a whole”, but also offers a myriad of networking opportunities. “I do miss working with real cases of refugee status determination”, Thaís concludes. Being involved in a PhD program is “a rather lonely journey”, Dora explains, that is why daily interactions with other PhD students are above valuable. Having volunteered prior to becoming a project coordinator, Njomza says there were no surprises regarding her responsibilities and duties at work. Yet, after two years of such work, she is in fact surprised by the amount of work NGOs do vis-à-vis public institutions. “If public institutions worked just a half of what NGOs do, Kosovo would be a better place”, Njomza concludes.

Motivation

To end on a positive note, we asked our three participants to elaborate on what motivates them to do what they do and what advice they might have for any young human rights professional who aspires to hold similar positions.

“Never think you know everything”, Njomza says in a very straightforward manner. It is important to keep in mind that there is always something new to learn so that “you can be more efficient at what you do”. For Thaís, passion in your specific field is the key, buttressed by concrete relevant experiences in your CV, including your thesis and research papers. “I am passionate about refugee law so my previous academic writings were always about that field, and I have also always pursued professional experiences that could give me practical knowledge in the area, even if it was volunteering”, she explains. For a PhD program, finding a proper mentor who is an expert in your field of interest is a priority. The easiest way to do that is by looking at their previous publications and their CVs. “The decision to focus on human rights in a PhD dissertation is extremely welcome in these uncertain times”, she concludes.

What has kept them engaged despite the above-mentioned obstacles? Thaís says, it is all about setting some higher goals. “Working at the UNHCR is a great way to learn the skills that I would need to pursue a career as a refugee rights advocate”, including having the opportunity to work with some world’s most experienced professionals in the area. The overarching motivation to protect refugees is the resilience they develop “in overcoming so many predicaments and leaving everything behind to rebuild their lives”. For Dora, it is the values she holds dear that she wishes to augment through academia. “Those are the ones that prompted an open, liberal society based on constitutionalism and human rights” that motivate her to continue her work.

If you are looking for motivation to push through your studies and/or job search, or courage to firmly decide that human rights will be your career path, Dora, Thaís and Njomza’s stories show that there is always a way forward, despite any challenge you might face. Hopefully their insights might prepare you a bit better for what is about to come and help you chose in what capacity you would like to contribute to the ever-growing and most effective network of young human rights professionals.

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LL.M. Concentration in Human Rights, The Human Rights Programme at Harvard Law School

The Human Rights Programme at Harvard Law offers an academic programme centred around international human rights learning, scholarship and research. The ‘Concentration in Human Rights’ is offered by the Human Rights Programme as one of four concentrations for LL.M. students at the university. The LL.M. is a one-year degree and students are expected to take classes in ‘International Human Rights’ and ‘Human Rights in the UN Treaty Bodies’ amongst other electives as well as to submit a long paper on a subject related to human rights.

The programme also offers reading groups for students which focus on specific human rights topics and are led by experts in the concerned field. The Harvard Human Rights Programme aims to create a community of scholars and practitioners engaged in critical reflection and discussion around international human rights issues. This environment provides excellent exposure and opportunity for LL.M. students to network with a broad array of human rights thinkers.

LL.M. In Human Rights and Social Justice, University of Connecticut (UCONN)

As a relatively new programme, this LL.M offered by the UConn School of Law allows students the opportunity to pursue study that integrates the international and domestic dimensions of human rights and social justice lawyering. The programme will provide students with an in-depth study of the international human rights legal frameworks as well as the U.S civil rights movements. In this way, students will engage with how both domestic and international human rights blend within the business, non-profit and public policy sectors. The programme aims to equip students with a rigorous understanding of the norms and methods of the human rights and civil rights movements. The university prides itself on small and intimate class settings and allowing flexibility for students to design their course of study according to a full or part-time programme.

Human Rights Law as an Area of Interest at Yale Law School

The LL.M. programme at Yale Law School allows students to tailor their legal education towards their specialised area of interest. One such ‘area of interest’ is the Human Rights Law stream. As a one-year, full-time degree, students are encouraged to use the resources from the Law School to design a programme of study that will best fit their interests. The study of human rights law at Yale is centred around the Orville H. Schell. Jr. Center for International Human Rights which coordinates a diverse range of human rights programmes and activities for students, scholars and the broader community of human rights practitioners. Additionally, the Allard K. Lowenstein International Human Rights Clinic is a Law School course which allows students to engage practically with on-going projects and gain first-hand experience dealing with and on behalf of practicing human rights organisations. The structure of the LL.M. degree at Yale, and the various resources available, allow students to develop their own academic programme around International Human Rights Law.

Human Rights LL.M. Fellowship at Columbia University

The Columbia Law School has introduced a ‘Human Rights LL.M. Fellowship’ for the class of 2018-2019. This programme is targeted at individuals who have a keen interest and show great potential in the field of international human rights. The Fellowship will provide students with a tailored and rigorous programme of practical skills training, academic scholarship and career mentoring in order to produce a class of innovative and dedicated human rights leaders. Jointly coordinated by the Columbia Law School’s Human Rights Institute, this fellowship encourages students to engage with practitioners, lawyers and academics alike. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to the field of international human rights and previous experience in some form is advantageous. The university offers plenty of opportunity for students to engage with human rights issues and become active participants in the protection of human rights.

LL.M in International Human Rights Law, University of Notre Dame

The International Human Rights programme at Notre Dame Law School offers students the technical skills and theoretical grounding required for strategic human rights lawyering. Students will be trained in the substantive and procedural aspects of international human rights law with the aim of developing skills that can be applied practically in their professional pursuits. The programme is one year and requires the completion of 24 course credits which can be structured according to student’s specific interests. The university prides itself on nurturing compassionate individuals who wish to pursue a career fighting for human rights and against social injustice.

Find more masters programs in human rights on our dedicated site.

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Long distance learning offers students the flexibility to continue working while furthering their education at the same time. Such programmes are highly valuable for individuals who wish to maintain their current professional or personal occupations but still further their academic engagement. The following article outlines five L.L.M. degrees in the field of human rights offered as long distance learning programmes.

L.L.M. with Specialisation in Human Rights, University of London

The specialisation in Human Rights Law at the University of London is one of the most in-demand programmes offered by the Postgraduate Law Faculty. The programme challenges students to engage with human rights issues from the perspective of governments, international bodies, individuals and corporations. Furthermore, the programme unpacks the complexities involved in the promotion of human rights values and protection, focusing specifically on the rights of women, children and refugees. Important legal frameworks are unpacked and their effectiveness analysed. The programme content is written and delivered by individuals renowned in the field of human rights who seek to transfer both their academic and practical experience to students. The course is designed specifically to accommodate for professionals and is structured so as to allow flexibility of study-period as well as course-work submission. The programme offers the option to study from 1-5 years full or part-time.

LLM in International Human Rights Law, University of Law, UK

This LLM in International Human Rights Law focuses on building a student’s in-depth knowledge of the subject and how international law protects human rights. It covers topics like the general principles of international human rights law, the connection between humanitarian and human rights law, and the challenges and future of international and domestic human rights. Full-time, the program takes 12 months. Part-time takes 21 months. Modules are assessed by a 3-hour written exam (which must be taken at one of the UK campuses or approved overseas center) or a written coursework assignment. A 15,000-word thesis is also required. To apply, students need a UK undergraduate degree (any subject) at 2:2 or above, or an equivalent qualification. Proven English proficiency is needed, as well.

L.L.M. in International Human Rights Law, De Montfort University, Leicester

Aimed at professionals already practicing in the field of human rights, this course provides students with the opportunity to develop their academic training so as to differentiate themselves in the job market and boost employability. With the flexibility offered by the distance learning platform, students can do all this without sacrificing their current and on-going professional pursuits. The course is delivered in partnership with Informa Professional Academy, an organisation dedicated to facilitate the furthering of professionals’ postgraduate education. Over the course of two and a quarter years, students will be expected to undertake a series of modules which combine the study of the origins of international human rights law and thinking with a thorough training in the international human rights legal system. Additionally, students must submit a dissertation which critically engages with a theme related to international human rights law.

L.L.M. in Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Aberystwyth University

Allowing students a maximum of five years to complete their degree, this distance learning L.L.M. provides students with all the necessary resources to achieve high academic results in the study of human rights and humanitarian law. The flexible programme can be designed so as to suit the needs of each individual student, requiring the completion of a certain set number of module courses as well as a dissertation by the end of the five years. For the dissertation component, students are encouraged to do research on a topic that is relevant to their professional pursuits. There is a biennial residential weekend where students attend lectures and seminars which stimulate debates around the topics being covered in the distance courses. Attendance at these weekends is highly recommended as it provides the opportunity to interact with other students as well as the programme lecturers and co-ordinators.

Master’s in International Human Rights Law, Oxford University

This programme is offered jointly by the Department for Continuing Education and the Faculty of Law and takes place on a part-time basis over a period of 22 months. The programme is structured as such so as to accommodate for lawyers and others human rights practitioners who wish to further their studies while continuing their practice in the field. During the learning period, students will complete two distance-learning modules online as well as two learning periods based at the Oxford campus. The course has a focus on human rights in practice. The aim is to ensure that students not only know the law around human rights, but can use it to implement change in the real world. Furthermore, in grappling with the scope and limitations of international human rights law, students are pushed to think analytically about what further research needs there are around the subject.

Master of Laws in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, American University Washington College of Law

This hybrid programme, offered by the Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, is designed as a combination of online and residential course components so as to accommodate for human rights practitioners and advocates who wish to pursue advanced education while continuing their professional activities. The programme provides students with specialised training in the constitutional and legal frameworks that underlie international human rights law. Furthermore, the course is offered in both English and Spanish and it is the only course of its kind in the United States. The structure of the programme requires students to take two online courses and to participate in two, three-week summer session at the Washington College Law campus. Writing and externship requirements can be completed off-campus.

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The Modern Civil Rights Movement is a significant hallmark in the history of the United States.  This movement was a struggle for human rights directly challenging the nation to extend its democratic principles to African Americans and all peoples. This course sheds light on the often overlooked strategic planning that supported the direction of the events and is told by a voice intimately involved in the organization of movement—Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr. Topics include the history of the campaigns, the different coalitions and groups, philosophy and methods of nonviolent direct action, and the contemporary application of nonviolent conflict transformation. The course hosts several guest speakers, including Andrew Young, Reverend C.T. Vivian, Henry “Hank” Thomas, and Constance Curry.

This course requires a committment of 1-3 hours per week for the duration of 5 weeks. While the course is offered in English, it also provides Spanish subtitles.

What course participants have said:

“Great course! An honor to be with someone who besides being friend of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. have a biography at the height of the struggle for Civil Rights, Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr.!”

“Absolutely brilliant course. Each lesson is thoroughly enjoyable thanks to the charisma and passion of Bernard Lafayette, as well as eye-opening and educational in an astoundingly refreshing way. This course doesn’t just teach a concept, it motivates you to do something with the information and guides students towards an important method in attaining social change. The history and ongoing philosophy and campaign are nothing short of inspirational.”

“I’m learning so much, and it’s a wonderful format. We’re going to need to know these principles of Nonviolence if we’re to deal effectively with the regenerative changes needed. I’m so glad i heard about this course!”

Enroll now

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