Childhood Education International

CE International focuses on education for children, especially the most vulnerable and ages birth to 11 years. The organization works through a network of country liaisons throughout the world, volunteers often working in the fields of childhood development, education, and other aspects of the education sector. These liaisons gather information about childhood education practices and policies and share this info with CE International to help the development of programs and promote intercultural understanding. CE International also serves as a consultant to the UN on their education agenda.

CE International’s three primary programs include the Center for Education Diplomacy and Leadership, Global Schools First, and Innovation Exchange. The Center for Education Diplomacy and Leadership teaches Education Diplomacy skills to help leaders advocate for change in education policy and practices. Global Schools First is a program for primary schools around the world to use a specific curriculum and reach standardized milestones for child development and education. Innovation Exchange is an online platform for sharing creative, new, and innovative programs that are advancing education practices and access in various ways.

Plan International

Plan International is an international organization that focuses specifically on children’s rights and equality for girls, including in the area of education. They work to empower children, youth, and communities; advocate for policy change; prepare communities and children for crises situations; and support safe and successful progression of childhood from birth to adulthood.

Plan believes that every child has the right to safe, quality education. Their programs focus specifically on the most vulnerable groups, such as girls, children with disabilities, children from minority groups, and those living in areas of poverty. Plan strives to increase access to education for girls, increase inclusive education for children with disabilities, bridge the gender digital divide, and increase access to education during emergencies. In addition to focusing on in-school education and curriculum, Plan also addresses issues dealing with education out of school, early childhood care, and pre-primary education.

Save the Children

Save the Children is an international organization focusing on children’s rights and other issues related to children. One of their primary focus areas is learning and education, especially for children in emergencies and crises, children in extreme poverty, and children facing discrimination in education. Save the Children has programming focusing on early childhood, to help ensure that children were adequately prepared for schooling by providing preschool environments and in-home teaching materials.

Save the Children also partners with national and local governments to improve educational access and ensure that schools will help children develop their reading and writing skills early. Additionally, they provide education during times of conflict or natural disaster to help decrease time out of school or other educational interruptions. For older children, Save the Children hosts a Literacy Boost program to help them gain reading and writing skills they missed out on learning at a younger age.

Roma Education Fund (REF)

REF is focused on closing the gap in education for Roma children. They are represented throughout Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, and Turkey. They provide grants and scholarships to individuals and entities involved in similar work of increasing education access and quality for Roma children throughout the region. In addition to scholarships, REF also oversees several projects with partner organizations relating to Roma education, advocates for policies to improve access and quality of education for Roma, and conducts research to determine areas of needed improvement and outcomes of programs.

REF’s strategy aims to increase access to early childhood education, close the gap between Roma and non-Roma students in secondary and tertiary education levels, improving quality of education, better integration of Roma children throughout education systems, working with state and local governments to reform the education systems, and the promotion and protection of Roma interests in education.

African Education Foundation (AEF)

AEF is committed to the improvement of health and education in West Africa. They work to build schools, libraries, health clinics, and other learning centers and develop and maintain clean water supplies. AEF works alongside the Peace Corps to carry out their projects, as well as other local NGOs and community groups. Since 1986, AEF has constructed and renovated education and health facilities in Togo, Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire), Mali, Ghana, and Benin.

The Education Trust

Education Trust is a US-based organization focused on closing gaps in education for students of color and students from low-income families. Their efforts work to increase equity in education at all levels, increase college access and completion, engage diverse communities dedicated to education equity, and increase political and public will to get involved in educational equity.

Education Trust’s programs address a number of areas, including college-ready standards, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), strong teachers and leaders, Pell grant bans for incarcerated students, financial aid for higher education, and legislative advocacy, among many other issues. Education Trust also conducts research, releasing publications for educators, advocates, lawmakers, and parents to learn about ongoing problems and improvements being made through programming.

Asha for Education

Asha for Education is a volunteer-run nonprofit with over 50 chapters around the world, dedicated to creating socio-economic change in India through education of underprivileged children. Asha has dozens of programs throughout India addressing a number of issues that present barriers to education. They also have a sponsorship program, helping individual children access education, educational materials, and more. Individuals and organizations can also apply for funding through Asha, to financially support projects that fall under the objectives of Asha’s organization.

Asha’s primary objectives for their organization, funding, and chapters are to provide education to underprivileged children in India, encourage the formation of groups around the world that can spread awareness, support and work alongside groups with similar goals, to provide opportunities for individuals outside of India to participate in Asha’s activities in India, and to address a variety of issues impacting human life.

Education Development Center (EDC)

EDC is an international organization that strives to create lasting solutions to improve education, promote health, and expand economic opportunities. They work with both public and private partners to develop curricula/toolkits/courses, conduct evaluations of initiatives, advise on capacity building/professional development/training/technical assistance, advise on policy, and conduct qualitative and quantitative research.

In addition to promoting improvements in early childhood development and learning and elementary and secondary education, EDC focuses on a comprehensive approach to improving educational access and quality by developing programs that address behavioral and mental health, reproductive and sexual health, substance misuse, suicide and violence, capacity building, out-of-school learning, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), and youth and workforce development.

CARE

CARE is an international organization that focuses on a variety of issues impacting children, girls, and women around the world, including education and learning. In particular, CARE’s programs focus on girls’ education and youth empowerment. To improve access to and quality of education for girls, CARE works to remove barriers such as child marriage, early pregnancy, and poverty. In regards to youth empowerment, CARE provides job training, mentorship, and other educational services to help children towards healthy adulthood.

CARE works with communities, governments, and other partner organizations at various levels to implement their education programs. They train teachers and other school staff to improve education quality and help students access services and interventions in the areas of health, nutrition, and livelihood to lessen barriers to school attendance.

The post 9 NGOs advocating for the Right to Education appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

ECPAT International

ECPAT International is a children’s rights organization focusing exclusively on ending sexual exploitation of children. With an international secretariat based in Bangkok, ECPAT works around the world to address issues of online child exploitation, sale and trafficking of children, child sex tourism, child trafficking, education of children on their rights, and human rights reporting. ECPAT has a network of over 100 member organizations in 95 countries around the world who help carry out their mission. The organization publishes country reports on many of the countries in which their partner organizations work. The country reports are just some of the many resources ECPAT offers to help others advocate against child trafficking and sexual exploitation. ECPAT and their network of organizations advocate for protection of children and the end to child sexual exploitation through policies, reports, social media, articles, outreach, education, and more.

Take a free course on child protection (Harvard) or children’s rights (Geneva)!

Child Rights International Network (CRIN)

CRIN is a think tank focusing on children’s rights through research, artwork, and advocacy. Their goals are to have children recognized as individuals with human rights, to build a collective to protect and defend children’s rights, and to seek justice for rights violations. They work towards these goals in a variety of areas including access to justice, age assessment, assisted reproduction, bodily integrity, counter-terrorism, civil and political rights, deprivation of liberty, children’s rights in the digital age, environment, military enlistment, sexual violence, and more. CRIN provides reports, data collection, research statistics, and more to help organizations and human rights activists support their advocacy and work towards children’s rights. CRIN also hosts an online art gallery representing and advocating for the rights and individuality of children.

Defence for Children International (DCI)

DCI is a membership-based grassroots movement focused on increasing children’s rights through successful and effective implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. DCI has four main priorities: justice for children, violence against children, children on the move, and children affected by armed conflict. They also focus on three cross-cutting issues: children deprived of liberty, child participation, and gender. DCI’s international secretariat is based in Geneva, Switzerland with National Sections and Associated Members around the globe. The National Sections focus on children’s issues most relevant to the countries in which they work, advocating for transparent, accountable, sustainable, and socially transformative change. In addition to working in the field DCI also publishes reports on trends and relevant topics in the area of children’s rights and protection.

PLAN International

PLAN International is an organization that works in 76 countries to advance children’s rights. Their goals are to empower children to make changes, to drive change in practice and policy at various levels, to prepare children and communities to respond to crises and adversity, and to support safe and successful growth of children into adulthood. PLAN promotes education of children, ending violence, youth activism, sexual health and rights, as well as helping children through early childhood, advancing skills and work, and supporting children through emergencies. PLAN also hosts an online activist hub, providing resources, stories, and tools for young campaigners around the world. This platform motivates people to share stories, campaigns, and more across social media. PLAN has 50 country offices, 4 regional hubs, 4 liaison offices, and 20 national organizations separate from PLAN’s main structure.

Save the Children

Save the Children is an international organization working to protect and improve the lives of children across the globe. With staff in 120 countries, their programs focus on the goals of helping children survive, learn, and be protected. Save the Children works through programming, emergency response, and advocacy to further protection and rights for children in a variety of ways. Save the Children works to engage children about their rights, as well as families, communities, governments, and international organizations, to build on children’s rights from the ground up. They focus on keeping leaders and governments accountable for their actions towards children. The organization also publishes regular reports on various issues relating to child rights, including reports on different countries and regions. Additionally, Save the Children also has online advocacy and news, as well as an initiative called Child Writes that allows children to write about and speak about their experiences and their rights.

UNICEF

UNICEF is an international organization working in over 190 countries and territories to improve the lives of children and their families based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. UNICEF has initiatives, campaigns, and programs covering issues in the areas of child protection and inclusion, child survival, education, emergencies, gender, innovation for children, supplies and logistics, and research and analysis. UNICEF implements programs, works with local stakeholders and governments, and advocates at every level to further their goal of increasing children’s rights, safety, and protection. They also work to deliver supplies to children in areas with low access to food, medicine, etc. and in emergency situations. They do extensive research in order to create their programs, publishing research and stories on a variety of issues impacting children around the world.

World Vision

World Vision is a Christian organization focused on improving the lives of children and the communities in which they live. They work in over 100 countries to address a variety of issues in the areas of health, education, child sponsorship, child protection, poverty in America, Christian faith, gender equality, economic empowerment, disaster relief, disability inclusion, clean water, hunger and food security, and refugees and fragile states. They work out of their Christian beliefs, ensuring that their initiatives are child-focused, community-based, and measurable in terms of outcomes. World Vision’s primary initiative is their child sponsorship program, which helps provide money for nutrition, education, healthcare, clean water, and more for children around the world. They also publish a gift catalog that allows people to donate specific items to various communities, such as medicine, school supplies, livestock, water supplies, counseling, and more.

Humanium

Humanium is an international organization focused on ending violations of children’s rights globally. Their approach to their work includes raising awareness, providing legal assistance, and supporting local partners. Humanium provides workshops in the communities in which they work to help educate children and families about child rights. They have implemented projects in about a dozen countries, focusing on children’s rights to life, education, food, health, water, identity, freedom, and protection. They work to improve communities and countries in these areas by addressing problems of poverty, exploitation, violence, discrimination, harmful cultural practices, health, isolation and rootlessness, and justice for children. Humanium has a child sponsorship program to provide resources to the children they work with around the world.

International Bureau for Children’s Rights (IBCR)

IBCR is an international organization aiming to increase the promotion of children’s rights across North and South America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. They work with social workers, defense and security forces, judicial system staff, civil society groups, government agencies, and other organizations to implement child-friendly practices. They also advocate for and raise awareness about children’s rights. IBCR is committed to creating sustainable change by building capacity in communities and assessing various stakeholders dealing with children’s rights. They focus specifically on issues relating to children and emergency situations, exploitation and violence against children, and children and the justice system. IBCR also provides training and conducts research to help further their goal of increasing children’s rights. They equip local stakeholders with information, resources, and tools to build their capacity to increase and advocate for children’s rights.

WE Charity

WE Charity is a Canada-based international organization and educational partner focused on eliminating poverty and improving the lives of children around the world. They operate through WE Villages, a community development model for communities with high incidences of child labor, exploitation of children, and minimal opportunities for girls. They address these problems through education, clean water access, health, food, and opportunity. In addition to the charity, WE also has a social enterprise aspect, partnering with individuals and businesses who donate at least 50% of their profits to WE Charity. WE has also started WE Schools, an innovative approach to education that provides an experiential service-learning environment to encourage youth around the world to engage with social issues.

Explore free courses on children’s rights offered by top universities!

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Human rights professionals can learn a lot from NGO reports published by organizations to talk about their research and work. Because the nature of human rights work is constantly changing and evolving, the most relevant reports are often organizational reviews, produced yearly or every other year to highlight the impact each organization is making, to show statistics, and discuss ongoing challenges that impact all individuals and organizations involved in human rights work. The following are some of the most relevant, informative reports published by NGOs working to advance human rights around the world.

Human Rights Watch World Report

Human Rights Watch’s World Report highlights human rights challenges and progress around the world, outlining various issues relating to over 90 countries around the world. The report also features specific emerging and trending issues affecting global human rights on a large scale. Each miniature country report features the primary human rights issues impacting the culture and society in that country and has a list of key international actors influencing human rights in the nation.

This report is one of the most comprehensive human rights reports in terms of discussing human rights issues impacting over 90 countries. The information is gathered through investigative work of HRW staff, as well as individual human rights activists in each of the countries.

Avocats Sans Frontieres Annual Report

The Avocats Sans Frontieres (ASF) annual report serves as a way for the organization to highlight the challenges they faced throughout the year and the achievements they made in various areas of human rights. The report features stories and activities from a few select countries, showing the progress that ASF has helped make through the work they do. They also include a financial report, breaking down their expenditures and income streams, to increase transparency around their organization and where the money is going.

ASF has a unique perspective on various human rights issues around the globe, offering a legal-focused insight into some of the emerging trends. This report is also important because it is a multilingual report, with sections in French, English, and German–making it more accessible to people around the world. ASF is working in many countries where some of the most grievous human rights abuses are being committed, and their report highlights the progress they are helping to make in those situations.

International Service for Human Rights Annual Report

The annual report for International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) features some of their biggest achievements throughout the year. Their report highlights specific human rights topics and gives examples, anecdotes, and statistics from various countries and programs that ISHR is involved in to showcase the progress they are making in each of those areas. ISHR works closely with the UN to influence their policies and procedures, and they make sure to discuss this work throughout their report. The report also contains financial statements so that donors can see how their money is being used.

ISHR’s report is important because their primary work focuses on supporting human rights defenders through various means and working alongside the UN the shape the way that they create programs and policies. Because of the supportive and influential nature of this work, other human rights organizations and professionals can benefit from reviewing the annual reports to see where changes are being made and where human rights work is heading in the future.

Amnesty International Annual Report

Amnesty International uses their annual report as a measurement of where the global human rights are at and where they are headed. The report highlights one emerging human rights issues, overviews each global region, and then discusses individual countries. The regional overviews feature prominent human rights issues happening in those specific countries, including specific events and examples. Each country report discusses a few of the primary human rights abuses happening in the country with statistics and facts about events and situations that happened in the last year.

This report is designed to help interested individuals and organizations understand some of the trends in human rights, the challenges that each country faces, and the progress that is being made to increase protection for vulnerable and marginalized people. As Amnesty has representatives throughout much of the world, they are one of the organizations that is considered to be on the forefront of human rights and civil rights work, giving them an expert platform from which to speak.

International Committee of the Red Cross Annual Report

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) puts together an extremely comprehensive annual report, containing two volumes of information, as well as a Facts & Figures publication. The main report features two volumes, detailing the organization structure and procedures, regional reports, individual country reports, and financial statements and statistics. The Facts & Figures publication pulls some of the most important data from the main report and puts it into digestible infographics, statistics, and figures. The information in the Facts & Figures report is divided by topic area and contains financial infographics at the end.

ICRC’s work in a variety of human rights areas gives them expertise in the field that is invaluable to other organizations and human rights professionals. This report allows those interested to not only see what human rights trends are happening around the world but also how ICRC structures their organization and finances, as well as how they make decisions, policies, and programs. The report is a very useful tool for understanding what programs are effective in human rights and how to create and implement them.

Save the Children International Annual Review

Save the Children’s Annual Review offers in-depth insight into human rights issues impacting children around the world. The report highlights current issues that children around the world face, putting their safety and security at risk. It then goes more in-depth with each of these areas and discusses how Save the Children is working to increase protection and human rights for children impacted by each of those issues. The report also features some infographics with overall statistics for the organization, as well as for the financial statements. Many of Save the Children’s domestic offices have their own national annual reports, in addition to the global one.

Save the Children is known for the work they do with children’s rights around the world, and this report helps inform donors, the public, and human rights professionals about various trends and solutions to the challenges children face. The annual review itself is not very long, but Save the Children also has several annual reports focusing on one specific area of children’s rights and the work they’ve done in that area throughout the year.

Human Rights Foundation Annual Report

Human Rights Foundation (HRF) has an annual report that features their major research on various human rights issues and movements around the globe. This report summarizes research findings in a number of areas and discusses current trends and progress in human rights work, especially in terms of media and press attention. One of the major events the report talks about is the Oslo Freedom Forum, discussing the impact made at each location the forum was held. HRF also discusses cutting edge human rights work using technology, art, and fashion. The report also summarizes HRF’s financial statements, staff, and board/council.

The work that HRF is doing throughout the world is unique, cutting edge, and modern in terms of human rights progress. Their annual report can help human rights professionals and organizations understand where the world of human rights is going and how technology and culture are playing an increasingly important role in fighting for those rights on a global scale.

Care International Annual Report

Care International’s annual report highlights the work they’ve been doing throughout the year to increase rights and access for vulnerable people on a global scale. In addition to talking about what they have already done, they also set goals for the upcoming year, often based on current issues or trends happening in human rights. Care documents their approach to human rights work in their report, and discusses their impact in various human rights areas through stories and statistics. The report talks about case studies from programs that Care has implemented in countries around the world. They also give a financial overview to help donors and the public understand where their money is going.

Care’s impact throughout the world is immense, and their human rights work is often on the ground, in the field. Their anecdotes, stories, and statistics can be used to inform other organizations and professionals about programs that are proven to be effective in increasing human rights and access for people.

Other important Human Rights Reports

United Nations Human Rights Report

Although strictly speaking the UN is not an NGO, we decided to include it here in this list. The UN Human Rights Report reviews the annual work of the UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR). The report includes major highlights and achievements, statistics of staff and global presence, and summaries of achievements under various areas of the Sustainable Development Goals. The report provides stories and spotlights from various countries and program initiatives to highlight the work that OHCHR is doing in various human rights contexts around the world. The report also shares the management strategies and structures, as well as financial reports, to ensure accountability and transparency in the work they do.

In many ways, this annual report sets the tone for many other human rights organizations moving forward, as the UN is one of the leading agencies for human rights work. By highlighting their organizational structure, achievements of global targets, financial status, and other successes, they help inform other organizations about what strategies and programs can actually create progress in various issues relating to human rights.

Center for Human Rights & Humanitarian Law Annual Report

American University’s Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law produces an annual report each year that details the work they have done to promote human rights through education and service. The report highlights achievements from both the Center and individual students attending the university. Each of the primary human rights topics that the Center focuses on has a section in the report, discussing the projects and initiatives the Center has conducted to make progress in that area. The report also talks about the various programs and opportunities it offers for students on campus to engage with human rights issues, featuring stories of how students were impacted by the work they did through the Center. The end of the report highlights the Center’s faculty members and their achievements in the area of human rights.

As one of the leading research centers for human rights law, the Center’s annual report sets the tone for academic engagement. The report highlights a unique aspect of human rights work, which is education and teaching.

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1 MSc in Migration Studies – University of Oxford – Oxford, United Kingdom

The University of Oxford offers a MSc in Migration Studies, an interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of domestic and international migration through political, social, economic, legal, and other relevant lenses. Classes equip participants with theoretical knowledge, as well as analytical, research, and other practical skills. Students will learn about the dilemmas that policymakers face on the national and international level when dealing with issues of migration. In addition to 3 core courses and 2 electives, students must also complete a dissertation in order to receive their degree. Students are also given the opportunity to take an optional study visit to various locations to meet with professionals in the field, community organizations, and other key stakeholders working with migration.

This 9-month degree course costs £21,200 for UK/EU students and £26,960 for international students. Students can also expect to spend between £1,058 and £1,643 each month of their study in living expenses. Oxford offers over 1000 full graduate scholarships. Students are considered for several scholarships upon acceptance into the degree program. Students can use Oxford’s scholarship search to view all potential funding options they may be eligible to apply for, either through the normal degree application or through separate applications.

2 MA in Migration Studies – University of Essex – Colchester, United Kingdom

The University of Essex’s MA in Migration Studies is designed to combine sociology with methodology to give students a deepened understanding of migration and related issues. The courses cover a wide range of topics including human rights, welfare, human trafficking, race and ethnicity, multiculturalism, and more. Students will have a broad selection of courses to choose from to complete their degree, completing their study with a dissertation. Students are encouraged to take advantage of seminars, workshops, and research projects offered by the department.

This 1-year, full-time program costs £7,940 for UK/EU students and £17,560 for international students. The University of Essex offers a variety of master’s scholarships, but eligibility varies by program of study and country of residence. The university website offers a scholarship finder to help students search for programs that fit their needs and qualifications.

3 MA in Migration Studies – University of San Francisco – San Francisco, CA, USA

The University of San Francisco offers an MA in Migration Studies. Students will gain a multidisciplinary perspective on migration studies issues through both courses and extracurricular opportunities. In addition to 5 core courses, 4 special topics courses, and 4 research seminars, students also have the opportunity to study their second semester at Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico. The university also has summer fieldwork and immersion trips available for students to gain hands-on experience around the world.

This is a 2-year, full-time program. Tuition costs about $24,310 per year, not including living expenses. Students who choose to study in Mexico, will likely pay less in living expenses for that semester. The program offers a limited number of scholarships from $1000-$5000. Students are considered for these scholarships upon admission to the program. A limited number of students will also be offered teaching assistantships upon admission. Students can also apply for on-campus employment and outside scholarships to help fund their studies.

4 Master of Migration Studies (MMigS) – Victoria University Wellington – Wellington, New Zealand

Victoria University Wellington offers a Master of Migration Studies which offers an interdisciplinary perspective on issues of migration. Students will learn through the lenses of political science, geography, and history to explore the challenges and opportunities that migration creates. Students can choose to focus on a particular current topic to study throughout their courses and will also gain skills in critical thinking, communications and research. They will also have a chance to either participate in an internship with a migration policy organization or complete a research project. The university boasts connections with national organizations dealing with issues of migration that students have the chance to connect and network with.

The cost of this program is NZ$12,446, and it can be taken full-time for 3 trimesters or part-time for 6 trimesters. Victoria University has a scholarship search site with a large number of scholarships listed and available to graduate students. Eligibility requirements vary for each scholarship, including national origin, academic excellence, degree program, and more. Scholarship amounts vary.

5 MA in Ethnic and Migration Studies – Linkoping University – Linkoping, Sweden

Linkoping University has an MA in Ethnic and Migration Studies program, designed to provide students with interdisciplinary perspectives on issues of migration. Mandatory and elective courses focus on sociology and history to help students gain a wide knowledge on topics such as labor migration, asylum policy, citizenship, race and ethnicity, culture and art, and more. Courses are taught by international guest professors who are experts in the field. In addition to classes, students also must complete a master’s thesis and have the opportunity to participate in several seminars and tutorial meanings with faculty. Students will also have connections to obtain internships with well-known organizations dealing with migration and related issues.

Tuition for this program is free to EU/EEA students and 40,000 SEK per semester for students from all other countries. Linkoping offers several scholarship opportunities for international students who owe fees. Students can check their eligibility for scholarships on Linkoping’s website during the application period.

6 MA in International Migration Studies – City University of New York – New York, NY, USA

The City University of New York (CUNY)’s MA in International Migration Studies is a multidisciplinary program that aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to understand the political, social, cultural, and economic aspects of international migration. Students will study under leading immigration faculty with expertise in a wide range of areas relevant to migration. Students will also have access to a large number of international and national organizations working with migration and related topics. Through both core and elective courses, students can choose from the concentration areas of Comparative Immigration, Global Immigrant Cities, Assimilation and Integration, Immigration Politics and Policies, or they can design their own. Students will complete a final capstone project to finish their degree.

This program can be taken full-time or part-time and will take 1 ½ years to 2 ½ years to complete, depending on courseload. Tuition for in-state residents is $5385 per semester or $455 per credit; tuition for out-of-state students is $833 per credit. CUNY offers a Dean’s Merit Scholarship to a limited number of graduate students, covering $5000 of tuition over the course of 2 years. Their website also lists a number of outside scholarships available for students to apply for to help with the cost of their degree.

7 MSc International Migration and Public Policy – London School of Economics and Political Science – London, UK

The London School of Economics and Political Science offers an MSc in International Migration and Public Policy. Courses will help students gain insight into migration and related topics at the local, national, and global levels, specifically focusing on migration policy in Europe and its role in international migration. Students will choose a specialization, in addition to taking core courses and completing a 10,000-word research project. Students also take a professional development course, designed to help them gain skills for future careers. Courses are taught by expert professionals in migration, and students also have opportunities to participate in public lecture and seminar series organized by the LSE Migration Studies Unit.

This 1-year program costs £21,744 for all students. LSE has several merit- and need-based programs for students to help cover the cost of tuition. The school provides over £11.5 million each year in scholarships to graduate students from all over the world.

8 MA in Migration and Diaspora Studies – University of London SOAS – London, UK

The University of London SOAS offers an MA in Migration and Diaspora Studies, designed to give students in-depth knowledge of and a chance to engage with migration studies and other related topics. Students will take both mandatory and elective courses, including a research methods course. Course topics cover a variety of topics, including culture, anthropology, media and art, policy, and more. In order to finish the degree, students must complete a dissertation. All master’s level students at SOAS are also entitled to free language courses through the Language Entitlement Programme. Students can also choose to complete this degree in 2 years with an Intensive Language Study component.

This 1-year program is costs £9,685 for UK/EU students and £19,930 for international students. SOAS offer several different scholarships available to students from a variety of backgrounds. Eligibility depends on merit and country of residence; a list of possible scholarships is provided on the site with application deadlines.

9 Master in Migration Studies – Universitat Pompeu Fabra Barcelona (UPF) – Barcelona, Spain

The Universitat Pompeu Fabra has a Master in Migration Studies program, which is made for people who are interested in migration and diversity management that are seeking a theoretical and practical understanding to related issues. Students will combine compulsory courses, optional courses, and a final master’s thesis with workshops to complete their degree. The program uses research, case studies, comparative studies, and quantitative and qualitative analysis to train researchers in the field of immigration and diversity.

This program is 1 year at full-time study and 2 years at part-time study. Tuition for EU students is 3.301,8 € and for non-EU students is 5.749,8 €. UPF has several scholarships available to master’s level students, which are listed on their website. Most require a separate application, except the UPF Tuition Fee Scholarship, which students are considered for upon admission.

10 MSc in Migration and Ethnic Studies – University of Amsterdam – Amsterdam, the Netherlands

The University of Amsterdam’s Master in Migration and Ethnic Studies helps students examine migration through ethnic, economic, and cultural lenses. Both core and elective courses cover a wide range of issues such as citizenship, gender, culture and religion, refugees and asylum, labor migration and employment, and more. Students will hear from guest speakers with a variety of backgrounds and experience, as well as professionals in the field. In addition to courses, students will also complete a research thesis and can undertake an internship in place of one of their elective courses.

Tuition for this 1-year program costs € 2,083.00 for EEA and Suriname students obtaining their first master’s degree and € 16,335.00 for non-EEA students. The University of Amsterdam has several scholarships available to students, including the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship and Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship. Other country-specific scholarships are available, as well as external scholarship options.

Also consider: Masters in Human Rights

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Careers in social justice and human rights are both rewarding and competitive. We have compiled a list of common social justice and human rights career paths for your consideration.

Lawyer

Lawyers interested in human rights and social justice issues advocate on behalf of victims of abuse, persecution, civil rights violations, and other violations of people’s rights. They work at the local, national, and international level at nonprofit organizations, private law firms, international organizations, and more.  Those interested in this area of law could specialize in international human rights law or human rights and civil rights laws within their country. Social justice and human rights law covers a number of issues including gender equality, land rights, violence against women, war crimes, LGBTQ issues, freedom of press and speech, indigenous rights, and more.

Qualifications: Those wishing to pursue a career as a lawyer in human rights and social justice must obtain a law degree and a certification to practice law in the country in which they wish to work. They should also specialize in human rights, social justice, or a more specific topic under this area of work.

Salary: Salaries for lawyers in human rights and social justice vary depending on whether they are working for a nonprofit organization, private law firm, or international organization, but can range from about $45,000 to up to $200,000.

Read more: How to become a human rights lawyer

Program Officer

Program Office jobs vary but those focused on social justice will have a role in designing, implementing, and managing programs to bring about social change and equality for vulnerable and marginalized populations in the region in which they work. They should have skills in program development, management, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation, research and analysis, and more. Program Officers often work with local organizations and community partners to implement and run the programs their organization is putting in place.

Qualifications: Program Office positions typically require a master’s degree in social justice, human rights, international development, or another related field. They often have to have between 3 and 10 years work experience, depending on the management level the job requires. Program Officers should gain skills in statistics, management, budgeting, as well as program design and development.

Salary: The average Program Office salary is around $67,907 per year, according to Glassdoor.com; however, salaries can range from the low $50,000s to around $110,000.

Read more: Interview with Leo Twiggs, Programme Development Officer with IDLO in The Hague

Researcher

Researchers focused on social justice issues will focus on gathering information, statistics, and more surrounding issues like racial justice, criminal justice, poverty, LQBTQ issues, gender inequality, indigenous rights, and more. Researchers can work at nonprofits, international organizations, academic institutions, research institutes, and government organizations. They help these entities gather information and stats to support their programs, influence policy and funding, and get information to the public and other relevant stakeholders.

Qualifications: Social justice researchers are required to have at least a master’s degree, if not a PhD level education. Work experience is required for upper level positions, but research assistants may only be required to have a master’s degree or 2 years of experience. They must have strong skills in statistics, qualitative research, surveying, interviewing, writing, organization, and more.

Salary: According to Glassdoor.com, the average salary for a social justice researcher is $60,373, with salaries ranging from about $27,000 to $79,000.

Read more: How to become a human rights researcher

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts focusing on social justice issues are often concerned with local and national civil and human rights policies; however, they can work at the local, national, or international level for non-governmental organizations, government offices, international organizations, and think tanks. Policy analysts should have skills in research and analysis, as well as a working knowledge of law and policy within the region in which they work. Policy Analysts are typically responsible for keeping up with changes and trends in economics, social concerns, politics, and other relevant events so they can recommend and influence policy in the best way possible for the focus area.

Qualifications: Policy Analysts should have at least a master’s degree in political science, international affairs, public policy, or a related field. Some positions may require a doctoral degree. They should gain skills in political science, economics, statistics, and policy analysis. Focusing on a specific topic or region may be helpful in qualifying for some jobs.

Salary: Salaries for Policy Analysts vary greatly depending on the workplace, location, and level of job. Glassdoor.com reports that the average salary for a Policy Analyst is $67,691.

Social Service Worker

Social Service Workers work towards social justice and human rights in the most hands-on approach. They work directly with the people to help them connect to services they need and to help build communities through social and development programs. Social Service Workers generally work at the local or state levels with non-governmental organizations or local government agencies, but field officers in international organizations do similar work. Social Service Workers must have a passion for working directly with people and must have great communication skills.

Qualifications: Social Service jobs require a variety of education levels, depending on the job and location. Some may only require a 4-year degree, but many require a master’s degree and/or a certification. Social Service Workers must have strong communication skills, a background in sociology or human services, and a knowledge of the local systems that directly impact the people with which they work.

Salary: Social Service Workers make an average of $45,000, according to PayScale.com, but salaries range from $31,000 to about $66,000.

Learn more: Diversity and Social Justice in Social Work (Free Online Course)

Advocate/Lobbyist

Advocates work in a variety of capacities, particularly at the local and national levels. Advocates can work in roles similar to Social Service Workers, advocating on behalf of victims and marginalized populations for their rights to services and justice. At the national level, social justice advocates often act as lobbyists, pushing certain policies and laws forward that they feel will benefit human and civil rights. Advocates are not lawyers but must have a working knowledge of the law to understand the rights of the people whose rights they are advocating on behalf of.

Qualifications: Advocate qualifications vary depending on the exact nature and location of the job. Those looking to do this type of work should get a degree in sociology, social work, public policy, social justice, human rights, or another related field. Having special knowledge of law can prove very useful in this type of work. Communication skills are also an important skill for this type of work.

Salary: Reports for various types of advocate job have an average salary of about $31,000 for social advocates. Lobbyists make an average of about $72,000, depending on the location and their employer.

Read more about careers in human rights

The post Careers in Social Justice and Human Rights appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Human Rights is a broad field of study covering issues related to the “basic freedoms and rights to which every person is entitled.” Many topics fall under the realm of human rights and there are many different career paths that studying human rights can lead to. Human Rights can be a rewarding and challenging field of study, leading to a fulfilling career. Here are just some of the many reasons why one might choose to study human rights.

• Make a difference in the world

If you’re looking for a career and field of study that will lead to creating change and positive impact, human rights may be a good fit for you. Human rights is all about advocating for people’s rights and their freedoms. Human rights professionals work in social service organizations, international organizations, government agencies, law firms, and even businesses. They also work in countries all over the world, fighting for positive change towards the protection of rights for vulnerable groups and better accountability for governments. Those wishing to make an impact in the world should consider studying human rights.

• Studying human rights can lead to a variety of careers

The human rights field is vast in terms of career options. Students in this field can choose to specialize in  a number of different areas, including law, business, health, education, and even science. These jobs also require several different skills. Some careers are in social services, while others are focused on research and analysis. Adding your own strengths and skills can open up exciting and fulfilling job opportunities for you in a variety of areas and locations.

• Focus on a particular issue you’re passionate about

In many cases, it is hard to choose a field of study in a specific human rights area, especially at the undergraduate level. Through a human rights course of study, you can focus your research and work on issues you are most passionate about, gaining skills and knowledge through the broader lens of human rights. While you may not be able to gain a degree in a specific issue or topic area you’re interested in, you can get a human rights degree and gain more general knowledge and skills that you can apply to the topics you’re most passionate about.

• Find a career that offers variety and excitement

For many human rights professionals, each day on the job is never the same. Human rights careers can span issue areas, locations, local to international, grassroots organizations to government agencies. Which changing world events, human rights issues also shift and change; and even issues that you may be advocating for throughout your career will shift in their nature and progress. Your human rights classes will also provide excitement, varying in topic and giving you opportunities for field trips, meetings with experts, research projects, study abroad programs, internships, legal clinics, and more.

• Help people and work towards peace

Beyond making a difference in the world, human rights work will allow you to make a difference in individual people’s lives, as well as work towards peace. For those interested in investing in their local communities and bettering the people around them, human rights studies may be a good place for them to start. Much human rights work is at the local level and can allow those interested in helping those around them and creating peace in their home communities and nations to do just that.

Learn more about human rights masters available around the world.

The post Why Study Human Rights? appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

PhD Security, Conflict and Human Rights – University of Bath – Bath, UK

The University of Bath offers a PhD in Security, Conflict and Human rights. This program is designed for interdisciplinary research to improve policy and political action. Students can work through several different research centers and can focus on one of the five research themes: Children, young people, families; Lifelong health and wellbeing; Work, welfare, and poverty; Global transformations and poverty; Governance and policy design.

Students wishing to participate in this program should have a first degree in a related social science topic or a degree in an unrelated subject with substantial relevant work experience. The program highly recommends obtaining a Master of Research degree before attending the PhD program. Students can choose to apply for just the PhD (3 years) or the MRes and PhD combined (4 years total).

Tuition for this program is £4,400/year for EU students and £15,900 for overseas students. Several full-tuition funding options are available, including the University Research Studentship Award (URSA), funding through the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the ESRC South West Doctoral Training Partnership, as well as other opportunities for students with specific backgrounds and academic experiences.

International Joint PhD Programme in Human Rights, Society, and Multi-level Governance – Multiple universities – Multiple locations

This PhD in Human Rights, Society, and Multi-level Governance is offered as a joint program coordinated by the University of Padova in partnership with Western Sydney University in Australia, Zagreb University Faculty of Law in Croatia, Panteion University – Athens in Greece, and the University of Nicosia in Cyprus. This is an interdisciplinary program that includes teaching, research, and training in the field of human rights. In addition to conducting research and taking courses, students also undertake internships at their home university and at another partner university.

Interested students should have completed their master’s degree and must submit a research proposal upon applying for the program. Once admitted, students will work with the Doctorate’s Academic Board to choose their research topic area.

Students can find more information about this 3-year program and the application on the University of Padova’s website. Students can apply for full-tuition funding through their home university. For instance, the University of Padova offers full funding for all PhD students, with the exception of fees. Students who cannot afford the fees can apply for financial assistance or lowered fee amounts.

PhD Human Rights – University of London – London, UK

The University of London School of Advanced Study has a PhD in Human Rights. Within the realm of human rights, students can choose a variety of subjects to research. Students work with faculty to develop a research topic that best fits their interests and research goals under the umbrella of human rights. See the SAS PhD website for a faculty list, including their research specialties and interests.

Students can apply to pursue their PhD through full-time (3 years) or part-time (6 years) study. You can also submit an application to complete your PhD via distance learning. In order to apply for the PhD program, students must submit a research proposal. The site provides guidelines for writing and submitting a research proposal.

At the full-time pace, this program costs £6,010 per year for EU students and £15,200 for overseas students. EU students are eligible to apply for full-tuition funding through the Arts & Humanities Research Council-funded London Arts & Humanities Partnership program. The SAS Hardship Grant is also available to all students but may not be a full award. Other various awards are available for students based on country of origin, field of study, and more.

PhD Human Rights – University of Essex – Colchester, UK

The University of Essex has a PhD in Human Rights. Students can choose to work under a number of professors and can work through one of several research centers to conduct their research, including the Human Rights Centre. The university’s website also has a list of ongoing research projects and case studies for PhD students to get involved in.

Students can order a prospectus pack or attend an Open Day at the university to learn more about the programs and opportunities offered through the PhD program. Some students can choose to obtain their PhD at a part-time pace. In order to apply, students must have high academic qualifications or significant work experience, have necessary research skills, and adequate English to apply.

For full-time students, tuition is £4,630 per year for EU students and £14,720 for overseas students. The University of Essex offers fully-funded studentships in addition to the dozens of scholarships available for students to apply for.

PhD Human Rights and Global Politics: Legal, Philosophical and Economic Challenges – Sant’Anna Univesrity – Pisa, Italy

Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies offers a PhD in Human Rights and Global Politics: Legal, Philosophical and Economic Challenges. The degree is designed to equip students with advanced research skills and to help them gain professional experience with a number of private and public sector organizations on the local, national, and international levels. In particular, students will study human rights and global politics with focuses on the specific areas of agriculture, food and agri-environmental law; public international law; political economy; and political philosophy.

Interested candidates must submit a research proposal addressing one of the above focus areas. The university highly suggests reviewing the profiles of current students and faculty to prepare your research proposal. Students are awarded their degree after 3 years of full-time research and successful completion of a dissertation.

Calls for this program are currently open, and students admitted will receive a fully-funded studentship to complete their PhD studies. External awards and scholarships may also be available for eligible students.

The post 5 Funded PhDs in Human Rights 2019-2020 appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

LL.M. Human Rights and Migration

Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands, offers a Master’s program in Human Rights and Migration, specializing in European law. This 1-year, full-time, on-campus degree aims to train students in European policy and legislation regarding immigration and human rights issues in historical and present-day Europe. To complete the degree, students must take 6 courses, including a Master’s thesis.

Tuition is € 2,060/year for EU/EEA students and € 9,879/year for international students. Scholarships are available for both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students, many with requirements for home country and academic excellence. Applicants must have Bachelor or Master’s degree or equivalent in law to qualify for the program. Graduates of this program are equipped to be lawyers in various firms, lobbying organizations, and other legal positions. With expertise in immigration and human rights, they will be prepared for careers with nonprofits, governmental organizations, international and intergovernmental organizations, as well as court systems and various charities.

LL.M. Immigration Law

Queen Mary University of London offers an advanced law degree in Immigration Law. This program can be attended full-time (1 year) or part-time and aims to give students a multidisciplinary perspective on various levels of immigration law, including local, national, European, and international law and policy. In addition to multiple courses, students must also complete a 45-credit thesis course. Students also have the chance to gain valuable internships, practical experience, and volunteer opportunities with relevant firms, organizations, and legal professionals.

Full-time tuition costs £14,250/year for UK/EU students and £20,700/year for international students. The university offers multiple competitive scholarships, including a specific Law scholarship for both home and international students. Admission requirements include a law degree or a degree with a substantial amount of law course credits. Applicants without a law degree may qualify by taking UK standardized law tests or by having substantial legal professional experience. This program will provide graduates with the opportunities to gain careers with private law firms, international and intergovernmental organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies relating to immigration and refugee law.

M.Res. Immigration Law

Queen Mary University of London offers a Master’s in Research program in Immigration Law. This 1-year, full-time, on-campus degree is a pre-doctoral program that seeks to equip students with skills and theory to conduct in-depth qualitative and quantitative research relating to immigration law and policy. Students take a variety of research methods and law subject classes and must complete a thesis to graduate.

Tuition costs are £8,700/year for UK/EU students and £15,750/year for international students. Queen Mary offers a variety of scholarships for students, including a Law scholarship. Applicants must have a law degree and submit two letters of reference as well as a research proposal. Graduates of this program are prepared to continue their academic study with a doctoral program, as well as pursue careers in law-related opportunities with government agencies, nonprofits, private companies, and international organizations.

LL.M. International Migration and Refugee Law

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers an advanced law degree in International Migration and Refugee Law. This 1-year, full-time, on-campus program focuses on a variety of issues relating to international migration and refugees from the perspectives of both international and European law. Students will complete 8 courses, including several electives that can fit to each student’s interests and a final thesis. Students can also choose to complete an internship as part of their studies and have the opportunity to participate in cases alongside real lawyers through the Migration Law Clinic.

Tuition costs for EU/EEA is €2060 and €14,600 for international students. A variety of fellowships and scholarships are available to students for partial or full tuition coverage, along with some scholarships offered to students from specific countries of origin. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in law to qualify for the program or have completed at least 1 year’s worth of classes in law-related subjects. Other students may be admitted on a case-by-case basis, based on academic background and experience. Graduates of this program typically work for international and national organizations dealing with issues of migration, including UN organizations. Students may also pursue careers in private law firms and nonprofits.

M.A. Migration, Society, and Policy

Middlesex University’s School of Law in London, UK, offers a Master’s program in Migration, Society, and Policy. This on-campus program can be studied full-time or part-time and is designed to give students an interdisciplinary perspective on issues of migration, including law, politics, sociology. As part of the School of Law, students in this degree program learn from international experts on migration, asylum, and other related issues. To graduate, students must complete 6 course modules, as well as a thesis or World Integrated Learning experience.

Full-time tuition costs are £7,800/year for UK/EU students and £13,500/year for international students. Scholarships and loans are available to all students to cover full or partial tuition costs. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field of study. Graduates of this degree are prepared to pursue PhDs or careers in migration policy or studies with nonprofits, private sector firms, research institutes, government agencies, academic institutions, and international organizations.

Also consider: Masters in Human Rights

The post 5 European Master Programs in Migration appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Can Human Rights Bring Social Justice? 12 Essays

Technically this is a collection of 12 separate essays, but all of them address the same topic: the intersection of human rights and social justice.

Scholars from countries around the world discuss what human rights and social justice actually mean, the potential for human rights to lead to social justice (or not), and what the role of human rights organizations like Amnesty International is in the conversation and practice of human rights law and social justice. Each author offers a unique perspective, some positive and some critical, on the topic and covers a specific aspect of the topic to help create a whole picture.

Women’s Rights are Human Rights

In this publication from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the contributors explore one of the most fundamental and essential human rights: the rights of women. From the perspective of the United Nations, this publication is a comprehensive overview of the issue of human rights, including the international human rights laws and UN practices related to the topic. Additionally, it talks about specific issues relating to women’s rights, such as reproductive health, standard of living, conflict, violence against women, access to justice, and more. Through each of these specific areas, this report gives examples of the human rights framework in action through real-life cases.

Part 1: So Software Has Eaten the World: What Does It Mean for Human Rights, Security and Governance; Part 2: Digital Disruption of Human Rights

This two-part article from Eileen Donahoe, Director of Global Affairs for Human Rights Watch, discusses the intersection of technology and human rights in an increasingly digital age. Donahoe’s experiences serving with UNHCR, Human Rights Watch, International Service for Human Rights, and Stanford University’s Center for International Security and Cooperation provide a unique and informed perspective on the challenges that technology brings the progression and implementation of human rights. The first article addresses issues related to governance and globalization, and the second article talks about the disparity in human rights that technology can cause and has caused already. For human rights professionals, her articles provide important insight to consider in the implementation and practice of human rights law.

The Perils of Indifference

Although this essay was originally a speech from Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, it is important reminder of where the world has been in terms of human rights violations, as well as where we should strive to be. While the tenants of the speech are ones that most human rights professionals know, they are also tenants that can be easy to forget in the day-to-day work and the seemingly endless fight for justice. Wiesel reminds human rights professionals, along with the rest of the world, why they shouldn’t give in to indifference when the struggle for human rights is long and difficult. Beyond being an inspiring piece, this speech, and Wiesel’s writings in general, have been key pieces to human rights theory and practice, shaping the ideas and ideals we have today.

Letter from Birmingham Jail

Another important historical piece in the human and civil rights movements is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” In addition to defending the practice of nonviolent protest, the letter also serves as a call to action for people to take direct action against unjust laws rather than to rely or wait on the courts to serve justice. King’s letter is a reminder for all human rights professionals that the road to human rights practice is not easy and is not always black and white. As an essay addressing one of the most fundamental and long-standing human rights issues, racial inequality, this letter is an inspiring and historical reminder for all human rights professionals.

The post Inspiring human rights essays everybody should know appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

LL.M. Human Rights and Migration

Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands, offers a Master’s program in Human Rights and Migration, specializing in European law. This 1-year, full-time, on-campus degree aims to train students in European policy and legislation regarding immigration and human rights issues in historical and present-day Europe. To complete the degree, students must take 6 courses, including a Master’s thesis.

Tuition is € 2,060/year for EU/EEA students and € 9,879/year for international students. Scholarships are available for both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students, many with requirements for home country and academic excellence. Applicants must have Bachelor or Master’s degree or equivalent in law to qualify for the program. Graduates of this program are equipped to be lawyers in various firms, lobbying organizations, and other legal positions. With expertise in immigration and human rights, they will be prepared for careers with nonprofits, governmental organizations, international and intergovernmental organizations, as well as court systems and various charities.

LL.M. Immigration Law

Queen Mary University of London offers an advanced law degree in Immigration Law. This program can be attended full-time (1 year) or part-time and aims to give students a multidisciplinary perspective on various levels of immigration law, including local, national, European, and international law and policy. In addition to multiple courses, students must also complete a 45-credit thesis course. Students also have the chance to gain valuable internships, practical experience, and volunteer opportunities with relevant firms, organizations, and legal professionals.

Full-time tuition costs £14,250/year for UK/EU students and £20,700/year for international students. The university offers multiple competitive scholarships, including a specific Law scholarship for both home and international students. Admission requirements include a law degree or a degree with a substantial amount of law course credits. Applicants without a law degree may qualify by taking UK standardized law tests or by having substantial legal professional experience. This program will provide graduates with the opportunities to gain careers with private law firms, international and intergovernmental organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies relating to immigration and refugee law.

M.Res. Immigration Law

Queen Mary University of London offers a Master’s in Research program in Immigration Law. This 1-year, full-time, on-campus degree is a pre-doctoral program that seeks to equip students with skills and theory to conduct in-depth qualitative and quantitative research relating to immigration law and policy. Students take a variety of research methods and law subject classes and must complete a thesis to graduate.

Tuition costs are £8,700/year for UK/EU students and £15,750/year for international students. Queen Mary offers a variety of scholarships for students, including a Law scholarship. Applicants must have a law degree and submit two letters of reference as well as a research proposal. Graduates of this program are prepared to continue their academic study with a doctoral program, as well as pursue careers in law-related opportunities with government agencies, nonprofits, private companies, and international organizations.

LL.M. International Migration and Refugee Law

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers an advanced law degree in International Migration and Refugee Law. This 1-year, full-time, on-campus program focuses on a variety of issues relating to international migration and refugees from the perspectives of both international and European law. Students will complete 8 courses, including several electives that can fit to each student’s interests and a final thesis. Students can also choose to complete an internship as part of their studies and have the opportunity to participate in cases alongside real lawyers through the Migration Law Clinic.

Tuition costs for EU/EEA is €2060 and €14,600 for international students. A variety of fellowships and scholarships are available to students for partial or full tuition coverage, along with some scholarships offered to students from specific countries of origin. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in law to qualify for the program or have completed at least 1 year’s worth of classes in law-related subjects. Other students may be admitted on a case-by-case basis, based on academic background and experience. Graduates of this program typically work for international and national organizations dealing with issues of migration, including UN organizations. Students may also pursue careers in private law firms and nonprofits.

M.A. Migration, Society, and Policy

Middlesex University’s School of Law in London, UK, offers a Master’s program in Migration, Society, and Policy. This on-campus program can be studied full-time or part-time and is designed to give students an interdisciplinary perspective on issues of migration, including law, politics, sociology. As part of the School of Law, students in this degree program learn from international experts on migration, asylum, and other related issues. To graduate, students must complete 6 course modules, as well as a thesis or World Integrated Learning experience.

Full-time tuition costs are £7,800/year for UK/EU students and £13,500/year for international students. Scholarships and loans are available to all students to cover full or partial tuition costs. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field of study. Graduates of this degree are prepared to pursue PhDs or careers in migration policy or studies with nonprofits, private sector firms, research institutes, government agencies, academic institutions, and international organizations.

Also consider masters in human rights.

The post 5 Masters in Immigration Law in Europe appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

M.A. Migration and Refugee Studies

The American University in Cairo offers a Master’s in Migration and Refugee Studies with opportunities to gain a concentration in either Migration or Refugee Studies. This is a 2-year, full-time, on-campus program designed to equip students with essential knowledge, research methods, and analytical skills in multiple disciplines relating to the issues of migration and refugees. Students must complete 8 courses and a thesis in order to graduate from the program.

Program cost for Egyptian students is EGP 8,786/credit and $1213/credit for international students. Multiple need- and merit-based scholarships and fellowships are available to students. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field to qualify for the program, and applicants with prior work/field experience are given preference. This program prepares students to pursue careers in government, nonprofits, international organizations, research institutes, and more.

M.A. Refugee Protection and Forced Migration Studies

The Master’s program in Refugee Protection and Forced Migration Studies is offered through the University of London’s School of Advanced Studies. This 2-year, part-time online program helps students gain legal, practical, and theoretical understanding surrounding the issues of refugees and forced migrants, rooted in the teaching and research of the Refugee Law Initiative. To graduate from the program, students must complete 6 course modules and a dissertation.

The degree costs a total of £8220 with need-based and location-based scholarships available. Applicants must meet GPA requirements, relative to their home country, in order to be eligible for the program. Students who complete this degree often pursue careers in the humanitarian and development fields, working for nonprofits, international organizations, and governmental agencies.

M.A. Refugee Studies

The University of East London offers a Master’s in Refugee Studies. Students can choose to attend full-time or part-time. This on-campus program seeks to provide students with firsthand perspectives of refugees and highlight social, cultural, and community responses to forced migrant groups. It also equips students with an in-depth understanding of European policy towards refugees and asylum-seekers. To graduate, students must take a total of 180 credits, including a dissertation.

Full-time tuition is £8,340 for UK/EU students and £12,480 for international students. Partial scholarships are available to both UK/EU and international students. Graduates of this program will be prepared to pursue careers in human rights, legal advocacy, social work, counseling, community services, research, policy work, and more in fields relating to refugees and forced migration.

M.Sc. Refugee Studies

London South Bank University offers a Master’s program in Refugee Studies. This program can be attended full-time or part-time on campus. The degree aims to provide students with an interdisciplinary perspective on refugees and forced migration, looking at the issue from the areas of law, sociology, development, political science, psychology, and anthropology. Students will take 6 modules plus a dissertation module, which are required to complete the program.

Full time tuition costs £7500 for UK/EU students and £13125 for international students. Various scholarships are available to all students, as are loans. Students are encouraged to work voluntarily in the field while they are taking courses, helping to prepare them for careers in nonprofits, intergovernmental and international organizations, and government agencies.

LL.M. International Migration and Refugee Law

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers a advanced law degree in International Migration and Refugee Law. This 1-year, full-time, on-campus program focuses on a variety of legal issues relating to international migration and refugees from the perspective of both international and European law. Students will complete 8 courses, including several electives that can fit to each student’s interests. Students can also participate in cases alongside real lawyers through the Migration Law Clinic.

Tuition costs for EU/EEA is €2060 and €14,600 for international students. A variety of fellowships and scholarships are available to students for partial or full tuition coverage. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in law to qualify for the program or have completed at least 1 year’s worth of classes in law-related subjects. Other students may be admitted on a case-by-case basis, based on academic background and experience. Graduates of this program typically work for international and national organizations dealing with issues of migration, including UN organizations. Students may also pursue careers in private law firms and nonprofits.

M.Sc. Refugee and Forced Migration Studies

Top-ranking University of Oxford offers a Master’s program in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies. This 9-month, full-time, on-campus degree program gives students a multidisciplinary perspective on the issues of refugees and forced migration, focusing on policy, anthropology, law, and ethics. Students take courses throughout the first two terms, including a two-term research methods class. During the third term, students write a thesis to complete their degree.

Tuition costs a total of £20,387 for UK/EU students and £25,922 for international students. Over 1100 scholarships are offered for graduate students, and students automatically qualify for many of them upon application to the college. Students must have at least a 3.7 GPA from their undergraduate studies (recommended 3.8) to qualify to apply for the program. Graduates of this program have been equipped to pursue doctoral and law degrees, as well as careers with international and intergovernmental organizations, government agencies, nonprofits, and academic institutions.

M.Sc. Refugee and Forced Migration Studies

DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, USA, offers a Master’s degree in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies. Students have the option to attend this on-campus program full-time (2 years) or part-time. The first of its kind in the US, this Master’s program aims to give students practical and theoretical experience with issues surrounding refugees and forced migration, emphasizing the areas of law, history, policy, health, and international studies. In addition to 10 courses, students also complete 300 hours of internship experience through two practicum courses, one focusing on theory and another focusing on practice.

Tuition for all students is $38,410/year. DePaul offers a variety of internal, national, and featured scholarships for students, covering part and full tuition costs. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to go into careers in immigration law, nonprofits, refugee resettlement, international organizations, and government institutions.

Recommended article: 7 Crucial Things to Know About Working with Refugees

Also consider: Masters in Human Rights

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M.A. in Human Trafficking, Migration and Organized Crime

St. Mary’s University in Twickenham, London, UK, offers a Master’s program in Human Trafficking, Migration, and Organized Crime. This 12-month program is an interdisciplinary study of human trafficking, migratory flows, forced labor, and organized crime, looking at the issues from social, political, legal, and economic perspectives. Students also complete a dissertation or work-based research report. St. Mary’s also offers opportunities to work through their research center, the Centre for the Study of Modern Slavery.

Prospective students must have an undergraduate degree or equivalent in a related field. Tuition for UK/EU students is £6,000/year. Tuition for international students is £13,650/year. Funding and scholarships are available for students with need- and merit-based eligibility. This program is ideal for students wishing to pursue careers in nonprofit or government organizations working to combat human trafficking, as well as students wishing to pursue further research through a doctoral degree and those working in private, health, and social work sectors on the frontlines with potential victims.

M.A. in International Human Rights

The University of Denver Josef Korbel School of International Studies in Denver, Colorado, USA, offers a Master’s program in International Human Rights with a concentration option in Forced Labor, Human Trafficking and Human Rights. This 2-year, full time program focuses on human rights issues from a multidisciplinary perspective, covering topics of economic development, gender, security, administration, and more. As part of this program, students can apply to work with the University of Denver’s Human Trafficking Center, a research and advocacy organization that partners with organizations and lawmakers to influence policy and gather data.

Applicants of the program must have an undergraduate degree or equivalent. Tuition for all students is $28,752/year. Scholarships and fellowships are available to Master’s students, and the graduate school site provides a list of external scholarships available. Students in this degree program typically pursue careers with non-profits, advocacy organizations, government agencies, intergovernmental organizations, law firms, and academic institutions.

M.A. in International Policy and Development

The Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey in Monterey, California, USA, offers a Master’s degree in International Policy and Development with a specialization option in Migration, Trafficking, and Human Security. This 2-year program offers courses and seminars on various issues related to international development and policy, including theoretical coursework and applied research and practicum.

Prospective students must have an undergraduate degree or equivalent and must submit a resume, various essays, a letter of recommendation, and a personal scholarship statement along with other required materials and a video interview. Tuition is $39,590/year for all students. A wide variety of need- and merit-based scholarships and fellowships are available to students. Most graduates of this program work in international organizations, government agencies, intergovernmental organizations, and nonprofits. The specialization in Migration, Trafficking, and Human Security provides knowledge, research, and skills to prepare students to work with these specific issues in their future careers.

M.A. in International Development Studies / Graduate Certificate in Global Gender Policy

George Washington University Elliot School of International Affairs in Washington, DC, USA, offers a Master’s degree in International Development Studies and a graduate certificate in Global Gender Policy, which both offer opportunities for in-depth study in human trafficking and related issues. The Master’s degree is a 2-years program with an interdisciplinary approach to issues relating to international development and policy. The graduate certificate requires 15 credits to complete.

Applicants are required to a have an undergraduate degree or equivalent, as well as GRE scores. Tuition per credit is $1825 for all students, and the Elliot school requires a $900/semester fee. GWU and the Elliot School offer several merit-based fellowships and scholarships for students. The majority of graduates of this program work in nonprofits, with others working in government organizations and private sector companies.

M.A. in International Social Work and Social Development

The University of Bedfordshire in Grantham, UK, offers a Master’s program in International Social Work and Social Development that has a variety of opportunities to learn about human trafficking and related topics. This 12-month program covers a range of international policy and development issues, along with courses on practical skills and research methods. Students must complete a dissertation to complete the degree program.

Applicants must have an undergraduate program or equivalent and a professional social work qualification or comparative academic and/or volunteer work. Tuition for all students is £8,250/year. Several merit-based scholarships are available to UK/EU and international students. Program graduates often pursue careers in social work, nonprofit and humanitarian organizations, and research and advocacy institutions.

More Masters in Human Rights for your consideration.

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Note: This article was published in 2017. In the meanwhile, all universities have introduced tuition fees for international students. At some universities, students from EEA/EU may still be able to study without paying tuition. It might be a better choice to visit our more up-to-date directory of masters in human rights and explore what scholarships are available.

MSc Human Rights and Multiculturalism

At Norway’s Buskerud and Vestfold University College, students can receive an MSc in Human Rights and Multiculturalism through a 2-year, full-time master’s program at the Drammen campus. This program takes an interdisciplinary approach to prep students to work in a variety of career fields, including government, non-profit, education, research, private corporations, and media. Classes focus on human rights in regards to cultural diversity, with topics such as globalization, migration, civil wars, nation-building, and more. In addition to interdisciplinary research, students will be qualified to continue in academic research in these fields. Tuition is free but scholarships are occasionally offered to cover living expenses and travel.

MPhil Theory and Practice of Human Rights

The University of Oslo’s MPhil Theory and Practice of Human Rights is a 2-year, full-time program that gives students the opportunity to study human rights from legal, political, social science, philosophical, and historical-based perspectives. Courses all center on human rights, including various approaches, regional focuses, methodology, practice, and more. Students participate in internships, discussions, and mock trials in addition to their course work. As part of their final piece to the program, students complete a master thesis that brings together methodology and practice in human rights. Tuition to this program is free.

MSc International Human Rights Law

Abo Akademi University’s Institute for Human Rights and Department of Law offer a 2-year, full-time MSc International Human Rights Law program. Based on campus in Turku, Finland, this master’s program equips students to work in various human rights careers including public administration, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations. Course topics vary from women’s rights to refugees to war to humanitarian law. In addition to courses, students also complete a research seminar and a master thesis. Tuition for students from EU/EEA countries is free. Starting in 2017, tuition fees are 10,000€ for non-EU/EEA countries. Scholarships are available for tuition-paying students, including a full tuition scholarship plus living expenses, a full tuition scholarship, and a tuition scholarship covering half of the tuition costs.

LLM International Human Rights Law

The LLM International Human Rights Law degree at Lund University in Lund, Sweden is a 2-year, full-time program that seeks to prepare students to work in law firms, international organizations, courts, private companies, and various other sectors working within the field of human rights. Students will take several courses focusing on aspects of human rights law and hear from guest speakers and lecturers with extensive expertise and experience in human rights. Past speakers even include a former Secretary-General of the United Nations and Nobel peace prize winner Shirin Ebadi. Tuition is free for EEA students and $27,588 for non-EEA students. Lund University does offer several scholarships for international students to cover tuition fees.

LLM Public International Law

The University of Oslo in Norway offers an LLM in Public International Law, a 1 ½ year master’s program with options for four programs: Public International Law and PIL with specializations in International Criminal and Humanitarian Law; International Environmental and Energy Law; International Trade, Investment and Commercial Law; and Human Rights. This full-time, on-campus program is divided into three 30-credit semesters, with the final semester focusing specifically on a master thesis. In addition to courses, students will have opportunities to engage with issues through lunches, guest lectures, and seminars that highlights expert scholars and practitioners. Tuition is free for all applicants.

MSc Social Work and Human Rights

This two-year Social Work and Human Rights international master’s programme at the University of Gothenburg focuses on the intersection between social work and human rights. By intertwining the two fields, the aim is to provide students with a unique perspective on human rights issues and social development in all levels of society. Students with a degree in Social Work and/or Human Rights are favored in competition with students with degrees in related subjects. (This only applies to students from countries where it is possible to obtain a degree in Social Work and/or Human Rights.) Tuition to this program is free.

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When thinking of human rights career paths, often Public Administration, International Development, Advocacy/Lobbying, Policy and other similar fields come into mind but there are many other avenues into a human rights career. The unique career paths described below offer professionals in fields like law, tech, business, marketing and journalism the chance to use their skills to promote and encourage human rights.

LAW

Human rights law is typically thought of in international terms, but it can be practiced at local levels as well. Lawyers in the field of human rights can work under a variety of issues—immigration, criminal justice, labor laws, international law, etc. At the international level, organizations like the UN, International Organization for Migration, Human Rights Watch, and International Criminal Court use human rights lawyers and/or other professionals familiar with law. At more national levels, even across multiple countries, human rights lawyers can work for entities like the American Civil Liberties Union, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, the Legal Resources Centre in South Africa, and other national groups fighting for the rights of people in their countries. Even at the local level, lawyers interested in human rights can work with issues such as immigration, criminal justice, domestic violence, labor rights, and more. Lawyers in the human rights field work to enforce laws at the local, national, and international level that protect rights of people and advocate for additional protections to be put in place when gaps exist in current legislation. They can also use law to fight new legislation that may be harmful to basic human rights.

TECHNOLOGY

The tech field is becoming increasingly important in the human rights sector. Technology allows people to create powerful platforms to discuss human rights issues, spread awareness and information, expose and document human rights violations and protect themselves more effectively. Tech is also increasingly being used to promote the well-being of vulnerable populations in human rights issues—from increased use of the internet in finding human trafficking victims to apps created to prevent labor trafficking and/or assault. Tech professionals can work for a variety of companies that do everything from collecting and analyzing data to reporting and recording human rights abuses as they happen. Work places include websites like WITNESS and Citizentube that teach and empower people to live stream and record protests and human rights violations or even Ushahidi’s Crowdmap or HandheldHumanRights.org (no longer in use), which use human rights data to map and chart information on issues like rape, activism, access to internet and other types of infrastructure, etc. Even smart phone apps are increasingly being used to disperse news and information on human rights issues. App developers are working with organizations like Human Rights Watch, the Guardian Project, and even the UN. With increasing globalization and use of the internet, social media, and smart phones, tech professionals will continue to play an important role in human rights.

BUSINESS

Human rights professionals are also gaining ground in the business field, especially due to increasing awareness about labor rights and labor equality. Human rights professionals can work in corporate-social responsibility jobs, ensuring that laborers have unions and livable wages. Organizations like Made in a Free World and Free2Work are consistently putting pressure on companies to adhere to human rights standards, and human rights professionals in the field of business are helping companies meet those standards. Human rights professionals can also work in areas of anti-corruption and environmental protection/standards within businesses and corporations. In addition to organizations trying to hold businesses to human rights standards—like the UN, Human Rights Watch, and others—other organizations exist solely to research issues of business and human rights and to mediate dialogue between the two sides. Business and human rights professionals can work for organizations like the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre or the Institute for Human Rights and Business to foster dialogue between different stakeholders. Even companies such as GAP, Inc. work to make sure that their workers are represented, their labor standards and practices are fair, and their factories are ethically established in a way that gives back to the communities they are in. Human rights professionals can impact the business field by working for private companies and organizations to uphold standards that protect vulnerable people and curb corruption.

MARKETING

Marketing professionals in the human rights field can work to create awareness, promote organizations, fundraise, and more. Especially with social media, marketing is an important strategy for human rights organizations to be able to get the word out about the work their doing and the issues they are fighting for or against. Marketers set the tone for ad and awareness campaigns. They understand the target audiences and can help organizations looking to get people involved tailor their ads, social media pages, and even websites to do just that. Marketers can understand the current attitudes, wants, and needs of society in order to better communicate messages of human rights organizations. They tell the story of the people who are impacted the most by human rights violations, stirring people to act. The need for people with marketing and advertising skills in human rights organizations is prevalent—every place from the UN to Human Rights Campaign to small, local level organizations can benefit and grow with a strong marketing team.

JOURNALISM

Journalism in human rights focuses on getting information and stories to the public and mobilizing people through spreading accurate information. Journalists focusing on human rights can create awareness around specific topics, report on human rights abuses, and use their writing/news platforms to foster conversation and push for change. Journalists can work for a variety of platforms ranging from writing columns in a newspaper to writing articles for an agency newsletter to writing in-depth investigative pieces for larger news corporations. Almost every major news platform has a human rights section—New York Times, CNN, Huffington Post, to name just a few. Most non-profit organizations offer newsletters to staff, donors, and others interested in their work to keep people updated on various programs, campaigns, and news. Social media also plays a huge role for journalists looking to get stories to the public and create awareness around human rights issues. While breaking into this specific area of journalism is not easy, it can be extremely rewarding for journalists who are passionate about human rights and want to use their skills to further the cause.

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Finding books on human rights topics is not difficult for those studying and working in this field. Finding relevant, challenging, and interesting books on human rights topics, however, is not always as easy. Books like Universal Human Rights in Theory and Practice by Jack Donnelly, The Tyranny of Experts by William Easterly, Development as Freedom by Amartya Sen, Human Trafficking: Interdisciplinary Perspectives by Mary C. Burke, and Disposable People by Kevin Bales are all human rights texts that present unique perspectives and information while challenging readers to bring together knowledge and actions in effective ways. These books are useful adds to any human rights student’s or worker’s repertoire.

Jack Donnelly’s Universal Human Rights in Theory and Practice (3^rd Ed., 2013) is a fundamental text for those studying any area of human rights. Starting out by establishing a basic understanding of what “human rights” means, Donnelly leads up to his main premise that human rights are equal, inalienable, and universal, even with cross-cultural relativism considerations. He ultimately argues that human rights are not culturally relative because culture is not the cause or a factor in the development of human rights ideas and practices and is not necessarily for or against any particular human rights. Donnelly states, “No particular culture or comprehensive doctrine is by nature either compatible or incompatible with human rights. It is a matter of what particular people and societies make of and do with their cultural resources. Cultures are immensely malleable…” (p. 107). Using a variety of examples from different countries, cultures, and points in history, Donnelly proceeds to provide examples that support his argument of universal rights versus cultural relativism. Much of his book centers around the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which has functioned as an authoritative body of rights, rooted in human dignity and universality, and agreed upon by most of the modern world, regardless of how they are actually played out in society. One major strength of this book is that Donnelly updates it to keep it relevant. While the first edition focuses a lot on Cold War-era examples and issues, the third edition focuses on issues of anti-genocide attitudes, the rights of sexual minorities, and the problems of poverty and political repression as consequences of development. Donnelly’s argument does get confusing and circular at times, if not dry, but even those who disagree with his premise will not deny that he offers a good foundation to human rights theories, as well as important ways to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

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Amartya Sen is an important author, economist, and philosopher for anyone in human rights work to know, and his book Development as Freedom (1999) is a perfect example of his expertise and deep understanding of human development and the importance of human rights. Sen argues that human freedom should be both the means and the end of development, rather than a casualty of it, as is often the case. He advocates for an integrated approach to development that involves multiple institutions and creates freedoms such as economic opportunities, political freedom, social supports, transparency from authorities, and security for society. Stating that development often forsakes freedoms and opportunities in the name of economic and human development, Sen argues that freedom must be central to development in order to create sustainable and effective change. He also addresses concerns and critiques surrounding the universal human rights discussion, including arguments about legality of human rights, duties involved in fulfilling rights, and questions about cultural relativism. In particular, Sen uses his own experiences from and expertise in Asian culture to argue that human rights and freedoms are not dependent upon cultural values or morality. He writes, “The case for basic freedoms and for the associated formulations in terms of rights rests on: 1) their intrinsic importance; 2) their consequential role in providing political incentives for economic security; 3) their constructive role in the genesis of values and priorities” (p. 246). Even through the extensive sidebar on Asian values, Sen tries to make this book accessible to a broad audience by avoiding jargon and technical terms, even encouraging readers to skip through certain theories and arguments, particularly those that contain major flaws. Development as Freedom is an important theoretical text for anyone studying or working in human rights, especially for those in the development field.

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For human rights professionals looking for a major ego check, William Easterly’s Tyranny of Experts (2013) provides just that. Though many are quick to disagree with his ultimate argument that human rights experts and development experts provide temporary solutions to deep problems and ultimately increase oppression of the poor, few can deny that his passionate writing and well-documented evidence make them second guess their work in the world. Coming off of a career at the World Bank, Easterly particularly critiques large international organizations and Western-based development ideals as the problem-causers because of their strategies for economic development in countries ruled by authoritarian dictators. He argues that development ideas primarily came about with a West-centric, discriminatory foundation: “Locating the formative years of development between 1919 and 1949 highlights a critical point: development ideas took shape before there was even the most minimal respect in the West for the rights of the individuals in the Rest” (p. 44). In particular, Easterly balks against the strategies of supporting authoritarian rulers and dictators in order to increase economies and reduce poverty. His argument is that the rights of the poor, particularly economic and political rights, are ultimately more important for their wellbeing and for their development than their material wellbeing. He states, “It doesn’t mean that we care less about the material suffering; it means that we understand that the autocrats have offered a false bargain to meet material needs while we overlook their suppression of rights” (p. 339). Easterly’s book offers a unique and challenging perspective for development and human rights workers, encouraging a change in the way we think about both human freedoms and human development.

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While Mary C. Burke is lesser known outside of the Pittsburgh area, her home base for work and research, her book Human Trafficking: Interdisciplinary Studies (2013), which is vetted by other major names in human trafficking research and books, is an essential resource for anyone researching or working with this specific human rights issue. Many human trafficking books offer chapters on various aspects of human trafficking, but Burke brings in established professionals for each of those fields to add personal experience and knowledge for the readers to gain, rather than relying on her research alone. From FBI agents to lawyers to psychologists, this book covers a wide-range of topics, all centered on how these areas intersect with the problem of human trafficking and how they impact the lives of victims of trafficking. While very obviously academic in genre (complete with learning objectives, discussion questions, and a “vocab” section specific to human trafficking), the book is a broad study of the topic, looking at both the problem from both a global perspective and a US-based perspective through case studies, laws and initiatives, and even a historical overview of slavery throughout society.

This book is certainly introductory in nature, but it provides a more in-depth, expertise look at the topic than other introductory books about human trafficking. One of the major foundations of this book in comparison to others like it is that it brings the issue close to home, with a section specifically focusing on community-level responses and initiatives, which as expert Judy Hale Reed writes, “have often been more effective at providing immediate responses of prevention and service provision to victims” (p. 256). Many of the authors have first-hand knowledge of this, having worked in the field with human trafficking, particularly in Burke’s home city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The book keeps the topics concise and interesting to read, but these strengths also become its weaknesses in that the terminology and ideology behind human trafficking research is rapidly changing because of the newness of the topic and the growing literature surrounding it. In this instance, the case studies, stories, and first-hand examples offer more value than facts, figures, and definitions because they give a picture of the real problem, even in the midst of changing methodology, statistics, and estimates. Human Trafficking: Interdisciplinary Studies is a foundational text for human rights students who are specifically looking to focus on the topic of modern-day slavery.

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Kevin Bales’s Disposable People (2012) is a less academic-sounding text but contains useful and compelling information about modern-day slavery based on extensive research and experience. The book looks at specific stories from five different countries that all highlight a specific type of modern slavery. The book talks about many of the lesser mentioned types, including the antiquated slavery of Mauritania, forced labor that intersects environmental hazards in South America, and children working in brick kilns and brothels out of desperation for themselves and their families. The language in the book is emotional but supported by facts and research. The final chapter offers readers a relief to the heavy reading by providing ways to get involved and engage in the issue. The book also identifies various non-profits and international organizations that are working to help victims of various forms of trafficking. Bales own experience as co-founder of Free the Slaves contributes to both his passion and his knowledge of the subject.  Bales links America’s history with slavery to the current problem, telling a story of Frederick Douglass’s against Independence Day when slavery still existed. “If there are still slaves, how can you be proud of your freedom?” Bales concludes (p. 261). He encourages readers, “We can eradicate slavery. The laws are in place, international agencies like the UN are ready, but nothing will happen until the public demands action” (p. 262). Bales also provides credibility for his work by including an appendix with his research methodology and a second appendix with excerpts from international conventions against slavery. Of course, Disposable People is not an extensive study on these individual types of slavery, but it is an emotionally compelling and evidence-backed introductory text to any human rights student or professional interested in the topic of human trafficking.

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Whether focusing on a specific topic like human trafficking or looking for a general human rights overview, these five books present challenging and expert perspectives on their respective topics. For students, many of these books make regular appearances in human rights classes and will add important insight to other related literature. All of them would be useful for any student or professional looking to expand their knowledge and research on human rights topics.

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For many human rights professionals, their careers start at a small non-profit organization. Others intentionally choose to stay local, striving to impact their own cities, protecting and increasing human rights in their local communities. Regardless of how you get there, if you work for a small human rights NGO, it can come with plenty of challenges and rewards. But your time at a small NGO can ultimately shape your career and your outlook on human rights work, so it’s important to understand what your experience there could look like.

Challenge: With limited staff, everyone has to play multiple roles.

A smaller staff means less room for delegation and specialization. While everyone has their designated role and job description, everyone also ends up pitching in when work gets busy. That means that some weeks, your time for your actual job can be taken up by tasks done for other coworkers. Most small NGOs have the bare bones minimum staff to run their organization, or they may only have one or two people in each department. Even with a small staff, they still have to run like a larger organization would in order to keep up with clients, services, and funding needs. In some cases, burnout can happen quickly, especially working with human rights issues. Time management is important to make sure that you get your own work done, even when you’re trying to fill in other gaps and help out coworkers.

Reward: You quickly gain experience and can usually volunteer for areas of work that you’re skilled at.

Limited staff can also have its advantages for career and skill development. On the other side of everyone contributing to multiple areas of a small NGO, you quickly gain skills and experience in a wide range of areas. This can help expand your expertise for future jobs and understand how the organization functions together as a whole. Additionally, if you have skills like writing, social media, fundraising, or event planning, smaller organizations typically need staff to volunteer to run those areas and help out. Volunteering for these areas can help you use skills you have outside of your normal job and gain experience doing a variety of tasks. This can really help you develop your career and contribute to specific areas you’re passionate about, while potentially gaining other interest areas in the process.

Challenge: Funding can be limited, which can be hard on staff and services.

Funding is one of the most challenging areas for small human rights organizations. Most local NGOs struggle to obtain grants and donors, especially because they typically don’t have as much capacity for fundraising and outreach. However, donations and funding are absolutely essential to continuing their operations. When funding is limited or low, organizations can struggle to find flexibility within their programs and services, and they may even struggle to keep a solid team of staff. Individual donors are also difficult to obtain, as they require outreach and fundraising on behalf of the organization and commitment to the cause on behalf of the donors. Losing funding or lacking enough funding can bring an organization’s programs to a halt.

Reward: Small organizations are likely candidates for smaller, local niche grants and funding.

Small human rights organizations that pay attention to grants can often be great candidates to receive funding for specific programs. Especially for grants offered at the state and local levels, investing into an organization that benefits the local community is appealing for funders. For small NGOs that can show that they know what they’re doing, have success with their existing programs, and can use the grant money effectively, they have a greater chance of gaining funding to continue their programs and even start new ones. Many funders will be more interested in funding local organizations that can directly impact the community, especially when they know those organizations depend on funding to run their programs.

Challenge: You won’t have as much room to move up in your career.

One of the major problems with staff retention at small organizations is that they usually don’t have many upper level positions to move into. Local NGOs can be a great place for professionals to start, but they often can’t offer many promotions or higher-level, better-paying jobs to their employees. Some people will choose to stay with the organization for lengths of time, but anyone who wants to advance their career will not be able to stay long. This problem leaves a lot of shifting in staff, abilities/skills, and expertise depending on the background and experience of the new employees coming in. Small organizations offer great entry-level opportunities, but they often don’t have many opportunities to advance your career within the organization.

Reward: Small organizations typically offer great, team-centered environments.

A major advantage of working for a small human rights NGO is that the office environment and culture is usually team-centered, giving you a great chance to learn from your coworkers and participate. For entry-level positions, this can be an especially good experience because you learn how to work as a team and fill in for coworkers, and it also creates a good work environment, giving you a better experience overall. In general, small organizations that are team-based give employees an opportunity to have more of a say in what happens, use their individual skills to contribute, and understand how the whole organization operates. Especially in the field of human rights, working as a team can help the organization reach their goals and strengthen their outreach and credibility within the community. The team-based environments that local NGOs offer is a huge advantage to working with one.

Challenge: Small organizations typically have less resources, such as technology, etc.

Similar to funding, another problem that small NGOs face is a lack of resources (often due to a lack of funding). Many are faced with using outdated technology, lacking sufficient office space, and paying out-of-pocket for various expenses for fundraising, office supplies, etc. The lack of technology and office space can especially impact how well the organization can function, limiting outreach and possibly even programs. For human rights organizations working directly with clients, limited office space can become a major problem, and a lack of technology and even office supplies can impact the effectiveness and reach of the programs and services offered.

Rewards: You have a lot more chances to take and show initiative for the organization.

A small human rights organization means that everybody needs to and gets to play a part in what’s happening. In general, you can present your ideas to the staff and be heard. If you see a need in the organization, you can take the initiative to present an opportunity or idea to fill that gap. These types of opportunities can help you gain skills in problem-solving, creativity, and communication. When a coworker sends out an email about needing help, take the opportunity if you can. Because local NGOs have small teams and somewhat limited resources, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to gain experience, and you can take the initiative to point out gaps and offer solutions when you see them.

Working for small, local human rights organizations can definitely present some challenges, especially with limited funding, limited resources, and limited opportunities to advance. But for as many challenges as you might face, the rewards can far outweigh them. Every challenge presents an opportunity to gain experience, learn skills, and take initiatives to improve how the organization runs. Small organizations can offer amazing entry-level jobs, and they can also offer great opportunities for human rights professionals who want to invest locally, in their own communities. For those considering their career options in human rights, applying to and looking into small human rights organizations could be a great experience and a good starting point to launch your career.

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It’s generally known that a huge part of getting a job in human rights, policy, or international development is networking. Networking is also good for connecting with other individuals and organizations doing similar work who may be interested in partnering or collaborating with you. Especially in the field of human rights where collaboration among agencies and organizations is increasingly encouraged, networking can help jump start a career, connect you to others with similar passions and interests, and create a mutually beneficial relationship between professionals and/or organizations. However, networking can be tricky to navigate; you want to make a genuine connection but you also want the meeting to be beneficial and useful for both people involved. Here are some tips for effective networking for genuine connections that are also professionally beneficial.

• Finding a balance in conversation

Talking about yourself can be difficult and feel awkward, but in networking, it’s absolutely necessary that you let the other person know why they are an important connection for you and why you’re an important connection for them. Don’t brag, but do highlight some of the major achievements you’ve had in your academics and/or job. Tell them how you got interested in your field and the steps you took to get where you are. It’s important to establish credibility by showing that you share interests and that you know what you’re talking about and won’t be wasting their time. Be sure, though, that when you talk about your achievements and work you’re truthful and humble, giving credit to anyone who was involved along the way.

It’s also important that you ask questions about the other person. Show genuine interest in their work, their interests, and their backstory. Ask them questions that show that you want to learn from them and can benefit from hearing about their experience. If you’re not great at asking questions, you can simply ask them questions they ask you or questions that you would want to be asked yourself. Give them the chance to highlight their achievements and listen actively to engage with them and show you’re really listening and interested.

When you’re meeting other professionals in your field, it can be easy to do all the talking or even let them do all the talking; it often feels awkward for the first few minutes, but it’s important that you show the person that you know your field and that you also express interest in their work. A key part of effective networking is finding a balance in conversation between sharing your work and interests and asking the other person about their experience.

• Don’t go empty-handed, literally or figuratively.

Anytime you’re going to potentially be networking, make sure you have business cards on hand. If you’re looking for jobs, take business cards and resumes, just in case. Even if that person doesn’t have a direct connection to a job, they may be able to pass your information on to someone else. Plus, coming armed with your contact cards shows that you’re professional and think ahead.

Additionally, doing your research on the person you’re meeting, the organization they work for, etc. can help in being able to relate your own work to what they’re doing. It can also help you come up with specific questions ahead of time so you know where you want to direct the conversation. You don’t need to know everything about the other person, but it’s always good to know some basics about their workplace and some of their major accomplishments. In general, this information is easy to find on the internet with a simple search or by looking through the organization’s website, including their staff bios and news articles, if possible.

By going to a networking meeting with business cards, resumes, and some general information about the person you’re meeting, you can eliminate some of the awkwardness, guide the conversation, and show that you prepare well and think ahead.

• Take advantage of opportunities that can lead to networking.

Go to events; volunteer for community outreach opportunities; invite your professors and coworkers to coffee to find out about their experiences and insights. College, grad school, and entry-level jobs offer some of the best opportunities to network with other professionals, build your contacts, and learn from others in the field. Human rights organizations usually hold fundraisers, awareness events, and several other events that can be great chances to connect with people in the field, talk about your work, and learn about their experiences. Generally, these events are ideal places to exchange contact information to set up a one-on-one meeting later on (in other words, take business cards!).

Going to events for your organization or in your city can also show other professionals that you’re passionate about your work, that you want to learn more and connect with others, and that you’re willing to get involved. One of the best ways to network is to show up and be seen. Others will begin to know who you are and what you do, connecting you to more opportunities to work with the human rights issues that you’re passionate about and connecting you to more professionals in the field that can help you along the way.

Additionally, time spent traveling for work can be a great opportunity to network with other professionals in the field. If you’re attending a conference, make the effort to introduce yourself to people and find out about the work they’re doing. If you’re visiting a site, ask your employer and coworkers if they recommend meeting with anyone while you’re there, outside of that city’s office. Take advantage of opportunities outside of the office to talk to others about the work they’re doing, highlight your achievements, and make a name for yourself in your field.

• Use social media wisely and to your advantage.

Social media can be an extremely useful tool in networking, whether it’s through LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or even Twitter. Follow accounts that are related to your work, and use these sites to keep up with some of the big organizations in human rights issues. LinkedIn can be confusing to use, but one of the best ways to use it in networking is to see who your contacts’ contacts are. You can easily see who your friends and coworkers are connected to and use that information to ask them to introduce you to someone else in the field and make that networking connection.

Twitter and Instagram can also be useful for connecting to professionals and organizations in your field—simply follow their accounts, if they have them. These platforms can also be a way for people you’re networking with to get a sense of what you’re interested in, so make sure that you post interesting, relevant, and edited posts. These sites can help build a repertoire and create a “brand” for yourself, which is useful in networking, especially when you’re applying for jobs. Social media can be a good way to find out who your friends and coworkers are connected to, to show off your interests and skills, and to follow along with other professionals in your field that could be potential networks.

• Be helpful to others, rather than competitive.

Because of limited job opportunities and the difficulty of breaking into human rights careers, professionals in this field can tend towards competitiveness. However, an overlooked aspect of networking could be offering help from your own knowledge and experience, instead of holding back. This will help make you a valuable asset to those in your network, and it can lead to natural connections outside of your circle through recommendations.

Human rights is a field that tries to encourage collaboration and cooperation because they often lead to improved programming, research, and policies. By showing that you are willing to help coworkers and people in your network, you can gain a reputation for professionalism, expertise, and character, which are all useful in expanding your network, especially during job searches.

Networking has been established as an important piece in human rights careers. By networking, you can learn from others in your field, establish a good reputation for yourself, and get connected to multiple people and organizations that can help start or boost your career. Use social media wisely; don’t give into competition; make the most of opportunities; always be prepared, and learn how to find a balance between showcasing your work and learning about the other person. With networking skills, you will gain important and helpful contacts in human rights organizations and have opportunities to learn from experienced professionals.

The post 5 Tips for Networking in the Human Rights Field appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

One of the biggest challenges for students and recent graduates looking to get into the human rights field is getting the experience to be able to get that first entry-level job. Employers want to see that you have skills and experience that will be worth their time and efforts, to invest in you and make you a part of their team. Career counselors and professors will encourage you to apply for jobs, even if you don’t have the full amount of experience; and it’s true that employers are often willing to look past that 2 or 3 years’ experience qualification if you have substantial skills and credentials on your resume. There are several ways you can get this experience and gain skills while you’re in college and graduate school and during the transitional job search period.

Get into campus leadership positions
Using the time you have in college and grad school is critical to boosting your resume and getting qualifying, useful experience that can help you land an entry-level job in human rights. One option is to get a job during your time in school. Try applying for student positions that go beyond working in food or retail— e.g. the campus leadership positions. Jobs that work to engage with students, staff, and faculty give you transferable skills that are useful in jobs dealing with human rights, and you can often find a position that directly connects to issues you are passionate about. Any on-campus job that builds skills in communications, social media, event planning and programming, and fundraising will be immediately relevant to work that NGOs and international organizations do. Remember, the job you start in, doesn’t have to be a permanent position, so gaining skills that are often needed in entry-level jobs at non-profits can help with breaking into the field and getting a job that can lead to the position you want.

Get hands on experience with research
Use extra-curricular activities and clubs in college and grad school as opportunities to engage with other students interested in similar issues, get involved with human rights on campus, and get involved with human rights in the community. Most colleges have some sort of club for a human rights organization or clubs that focus on specific issues like human trafficking, AIDS, poverty, the right to water, etc. These clubs typically raise money for organizations that deal with the issues and can sometimes offer opportunities for students to travel and meet with representatives from the organization or bring them to the college. Joining these groups can help you network with other students and with professionals in the field, and they establish you as being passionate, interested, and knowledgeable about that particular topic. In grad schools, especially, research groups are often offered to students who are interested in particular topics. Students in these groups sometimes have the chance to develop their own project, and the staff and faculty involved usually try to connect the group to a real organization or to an issue that directly affects the community so that students get a chance to have real, hands-on experience with research and writing in human rights. Opportunities like these connect you to students, staff, professors, and professionals who are interested and working with specific human rights issues and will help you network in your field.

Pick a regional focus and learn the language
If you’re interested in working with human rights internationally, use your time in school to learn a language and take classes on specific regions. Having a regional focus can really help with marketing yourself and your skills to specific NGOs and international organizations. By showing that you’ve taken the time to learn about human rights issues in the context of a specific region, you show employers in that region that you’re passionate and invested, and employers in other regions will see that you are interested in learning about topics in the context of the countries they work in to find solutions that will fit the culture and people the best.

Don’t make coffee – Get real work experience
Finally, plan your internships carefully. Pick organizations that will give you actual work experience and will lead down the path towards the types of jobs you want. Interning for the US Department of State or the United Nations is great—as long as you can get meaningful skills while you’re there, connect with professionals in your field, and gain experience that employers will actually want to hear about. Working with a big-name organization is only helpful if you’re doing more than getting coffee and clicking around on your computer all day. Use your time at internships to network, hold informational interviews, and ask questions about the organization you’re working with and others connected to it. Additionally, one of the best ways you can leverage your internship is by setting it up for your final semester of school. This won’t guarantee that you’ll get hired, but you will know where to get started after your graduation. Use your time after graduation and while you’re searching for a job wisely; don’t stop getting experience, even when it’s unpaid or underpaid. It can be discouraging to have a continuing job search for a prolonged period of time after graduation. Many will choose to get retail jobs or simple administrative jobs to make money in the meantime, but that doesn’t mean you should stop getting experience in the human rights field.

Maintain and expand your network
Use connections you already have from college, grad school, or past jobs to network with other professionals in your field. Ask them what degree did they get? What experience did they have? What do they recommend for someone in your position? Let them know that you’re looking for a job because they may have suggestions! But also let them know that your main purpose for meeting with them is to gain insight from their experience that can help you know how to move forward in your job search. In the human rights field, working professionals are typically happy to help recent graduates connect to organizations and individuals who can help them get started in their career. They may know of job openings or be able to give advice for steps to take to get the experience you need to get that first entry-level job. And most of them are more than willing to exchange contact information and keep in touch as you continue to search for jobs and begin your career.

Volunteer in a field you love
Lastly, volunteering can give you an opportunity to use your skills, gain experience, and network with professionals in your field while you continue to apply for job. Volunteering takes a lot of time, but it can be extremely rewarding, especially if you can find an organization that deals with the issue you’re passionate about and has a place for you to use the skills you’ve gained. Many organizations need everything from volunteer grant writers to social media experts to safe house overnighters. Smaller organizations, in particular, rely heavily on volunteers to make their organizations run and the more actual training you have in human rights topics, the more useful you can be for their work. Giving your time and skills to these organizations can sometimes lead to a job, but it can also lead to networking with other organizations that may have job openings and can see the work you’re doing. Volunteering requires commitment, which is valuable to employers who are looking to hire. It will also give you a chance to do meaningful work that you’re passionate about while you’re waiting for your career to start, which can help encourage you in your job search.

Get that entry level job
Searching and applying for entry-level jobs can be difficult, but with the right preparation and planning, you can make it go a little easier and keep from discouragement. Use your time in college to get involved and engaged in the issues you’re passionate about, to learn skills (including languages) that you can easily plug into an entry-level job, and leverage an internship for meaningful experience. Take time after graduation, during your job search, to network and get insight from other professionals, take opportunities to continue to build and grow your skills and experience (like the Peace Corps), and volunteer with organizations that can add to your experience by allowing you to use your skills to help them with their work. Taking these steps can help in the process and will show employers that you are engaged in human rights and willing to put in the effort they are looking for.

The post How to get an entry level job in human rights appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Tailoring your resume to fit jobs you are applying to is always a good idea, and it can be especially helpful when applying for jobs in the human rights field. Human rights organizations are looking for candidates that not only have the skills and experience but also have the passion and knowledge to work with the specific issues they focus on. If you don’t have several years’ experience at a big-name organization and dozens of connections to name-drop at interviews, one of the best things you can do is create a resume that shows your interest, expertise, and transferrable skills. Here are four ways that you can tailor your resume specifically for human rights careers.

1. Write a professional summary or objective

Resume trends change—what order to list things in, whether to list an objective or not, how to format your resume—so, professional summaries and objectives haven’t necessarily been an essential part of the resume. However, this section gives you a chance to sum up your skills and experience in a few short phrases and sets the tone for potential employers looking through your achievements. A professional statement doesn’t have to be complicated or even in full sentences. The best professional summaries and objectives are brief, descriptive, and active; they highlight your most relevant skills and experience, so this is one of the best places to specifically tailor your resume to a job description. Later on, we’ll talk about a few tailoring tips that will specifically apply to this, but for now, let’s focus on what a basic professional summary or objective should look like.

Professional summaries should be used to simply highlight skills and sum up your experience and achievements; professional objectives should be used if you are lacking experience or changing careers. For young professionals and those looking to break into the human rights field, a professional objective is useful in highlighting any related work you’ve done, as well as expertise and any skills that can be transferred between jobs. These can also be used for experienced professionals targeting a specific job. For those who have been in the field longer and are looking to move to a better position or a different organization, a professional summary will showcase work that you’ve already been doing and point out specific achievements. Professional summaries can also be used for career changes and entry-level professionals, although less commonly. Below are a few examples of each, taken and adapted from theinterviewguys.com.

Professional Objective for Career Change:
Experienced and accomplished political campaign manager with over ten years of experience looking to leverage extensive background in crisis management, departmental organization and mass communication into an mid-level research manager position with RAND Corporation.

Professional Objective for Entry-level Job:
Hard working international development graduate with proven analytical and strategic thinking skills seeking to apply my abilities to the position of Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator with the Afghanistan office at International Rescue Committee.

Professional Summary for Experienced Position:
Project Manager with 10+ years’ experience specializing in project design, impact evaluation publications, public outreach and monitoring & evaluation. Professional, creative, flexible with proven analytical skills. Adept at researching and creating well-researched development campaigns for a wide variety of target communities.

Professional Summary for Entry-level Position:
International Affairs Graduate with project design training and experience with grant writing training at the University of Pittsburgh. Proven skills in project management, organization and research with a background in office administration and organization. Able to provide employers with administrative support and professional communication and grant writing skills.

Professional Summary for Career Change:
Proven IT Specialist with experience in start-ups as well as established operations leveraging expertise in organization, computer networking, and problem solving to provide exceptional program support and technical assistance for anti-trafficking organizations. Experience includes managing sensitive materials and providing after-hours support for clients.

These examples are brief but provide descriptive phrases highlighting the most relevant parts of each candidate’s career and academic training. The paragraphs avoid “I” statements and are written in active tones. Every word is meaningful and progresses the job-seekers credibility in the field of human rights.

2. Make sure to highlight skills that directly correlate to the job

Changing your resume for each job you apply for can be tedious and time-consuming, but for employers, it’s worth it to see that someone has the qualifications that you specifically listed in a job description. This means that skills and accomplishments listed on your resume should match as many of the qualifications in the job description as possible. Don’t exaggerate, but don’t underestimate your experience either. Maybe all of your experience is in journalism, but you’re applying for a job in communications for a human rights organization. Experience with interviewing, community outreach, layout and graphic design, and writing about any topics related to human rights can be highlighted in your resume as useful skills and experiences that will transfer to the job you are applying for. This is really just about presenting your experience and skills in a way that shows that you are relevant to the job the organization is posting for.

Even if you’ve only worked part-time retail or restaurant jobs leading up to your entry-level job search, point out transferrable skills, academic experience, and volunteer experience. If you didn’t get paid to do work related to the job, make sure to still include it prominently in your resume to show your interest and passion for the field, even outside of a paid position.

For those with largely academic experience, this might mean transforming your resume into a CV. CVs are used more often for job-seekers that have published papers or presented research, so recent graduates can often use this to highlight their knowledge and training when they’re lacking professional experience. CVs can especially be useful when applying to research jobs, communications and writing jobs, and analysis jobs. Your research papers and projects can show that you have the ability to write well, present research and information, and analyze information in a useful way.

Paying attention to the specific qualifications the employer is looking for can also show them that you took the time to read through the job description and think about the skills you have that would be useful for their organization. And, looking forward, highlighting those specific skills on your resume will also help you know what experiences and accomplishments the employer will be asking about in interviews if you move forward through the process. Showing you have the qualifications the job description is asking for and/or skills that will transfer well to a job can be extremely helpful in getting a job with a human rights organization.

3. Use the language of the job description and the organization

This tip is similar to the last but is different because it delves into a little more detail than simply highlighting skills listed in the job description. Taking the time to look through the organization’s work and projects can help you edit your resume to mimic their tone and language within your own resume. (This is also really useful in your cover letter!) Employers that notice your professional summary, skills, and accomplishments use similar language to their organization will see that you understand what they’re all about, and it will also show that you took the time to notice what they do and what their tone is.

Human rights buzzwords are pretty well-known by anyone in the field, but looking at specific organizations to see what areas they are particularly focusing on can help you understand what they are looking for and match your skills and experience to their organization. This can also help you show that you understand their mission and purpose, which means they’ll know you’ll be on board with them and be looking to move forward with them, not hold them back.

For example, looking through the International Rescue Committee’s website will show you that they like to use terms like “high-impact,” “cost-effective,” “empowerment,” “sustainable,” and “humanity.” By including those terms in your resume, the employer will see that you understand their culture and mission and that you are paying attention to the work you could potentially be involved in. Another example would be if you are applying for a job with Human Rights Watch, you’d want to be sure to tailor your resume and experience as much as possible to include words like “fact-finding,” “advocacy,” “social justice,” and “security.” Additionally, you can showcase experience with researching or working at a multi-level approach, working with media, or conducting qualitative and quantitative research in social sciences. You can also highlight any regional work you’ve done to show you have expertise in a particular area of the world. Human Rights Watch hires people from multiple career fields (journalism, law, policy, academic research) so they’ll specifically be looking for candidates who understand their work and will be able to offer relevant expertise and experience to their organization. Using the language of the employer you’re applying for shows that you pay attention to detail, know about their organization, and understand the work that they’re doing.

4. Edit your resume

This last tip doesn’t need much explaining. Edit, edit, edit. Make sure your grammar and spelling are correct. Make sure you use active, not passive tense. Make sure your spaces and indents are the same throughout. Have a friend, colleague, or professor read through to make sure that everything is correct. It goes without saying that a resume that isn’t edited shows that you haven’t put much effort into applying, which can communicate to the employer that you won’t put much effort into the job. And, especially for human rights organizations, they want employees that are going to care and stay passionate and continue to put effort into the work they’re doing.

These four simple tips can help you upgrade your resume and show employers that you know what you’re doing and really care about the work they’re doing. Take the time to really highlight your experience and skills, match your resume to the job description, use the language of the organization, and, finally, edit. Tailoring your resume can greatly increase your chances to break into a human rights career or continue to move up in the field.

The post 4 Ways To Tailor Your Resume for Human Rights Careers appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

While many academics and professionals in the human rights field are familiar with how to work with refugees abroad and in camps, many face unexpected challenges while working with refugee communities domestically in the US. On home turf, it can be easy to forget where these individuals are coming from and the cultural, linguistic, and institutional differences that can create significant barriers and challenges for many refugees. Here are some things to keep in mind if you are considering working with refugees coming to America.

1. Nonverbal cues are often more important than words.
While some refugees might speak a little bit of English, most are coming to the US knowing very few words, if any. That means that every interaction will be through an interpreter, either in person or on the phone, if you aren’t lucky enough to know the language that they speak. While interpreters should be translating word-for-word, many clean up the language and emotion behind what people are saying. As a professional working with refugees, watching their body language and facial expressions and paying attention to their tone of voice can be extremely important in understanding what they are really trying to communicate. While they might be giving an answer that they think is what they should be saying, their actions and body language might show something completely different, which is important for you to know.

2. Be prepared for a lot of resistance.
One thing that all professionals working with refugees in the US would agree on is that some clients always fight for control. While services for refugees should be client-based, the professional is still in charge. Factors like PTSD, misunderstanding of services and culture, and even just the circumstances that most refugees are coming from often lead to a power struggle between client and service provider. Most professionals tend to have one of two approaches—back down and let them take control or cut them off from services. A true solution involves an approach somewhere between these two extremes. It’s important to set boundaries, roles, and rules at the beginning of services and to remind clients of those boundaries. Part of overcoming this challenge also involves persuasive speech—guide the conversation but let them come to conclusions and solutions on their own. Refugees are coming from situations where they had all control taken away from them, and part of working with them involves putting that power back in their hands in a healthy, effective way.

3. Half of your job will be advocating.
Services tailored to refugees are still pretty few and far between in the US, although they are growing. In many cases, the role of a case worker, service coordinator, or other professional working directly with refugees involves advocating to services providers about interpretation, equal rights, and cultural sensitivity. While laws exist to protect and help people like refugees, most service providers are still unaware of the rights refugees have. With language and cultural barriers refugees are often vulnerable with service providers who tend to move quickly through a system without much thought for the individual. Whether the problem is overpayment of welfare benefits, not using interpretation during medical appointments, or something else, those working directly with refugees in the US will have to spend time communicating their rights and service providers’ responsibilities.

4. Self-sufficiency will be much more valuable than hand-outs.
This is pretty standard knowledge for anyone in international development. But, that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to remember when you’re dealing with vulnerable people who are in need. Refugee resettlement agencies typically provide everything refugees need to furnish their homes and even pay for rent and utilities for the first few months. After that, though, families will still often have a lot of needs to be met, and most of them will immediately look to the agency to give them what they need. While this is sometimes appropriate, it is always best for professionals working with refugees to take the time to provide them with the skills and resources they need to thrive. This work is not glamorous; it usually involves tasks like showing families how to take a bus route to the doctor or helping them find the closest thrift store or even simple things like showing them how to write out a money order. Many clients will insist that they will be best served by having things given to them, but helping refugees take back control and power by gaining skills and resources is one of the best ways to make sure that they will live well.

5. Learn how to provide trauma-informed care.
Many agencies working with refugees will provide trainings throughout the year on dealing with people who are under extreme emotional stress. Even so, learning about how to provide trauma-informed care is extremely important for professionals working with these populations. These types of trainings can provide information about how to deal with mental health crises, how to respond when someone breaks down emotionally, and how to act sensitively towards clients without tip-toeing around them. Refugees have been through a lot, and some of them tend to panic when things start to go wrong. Keeping calm and talking them through situations to show them that they are not really in crisis is a useful skill. And keeping calm during an actual crisis is also really important to help clients feel some level of control. Even if you don’t know a client’s story, acting with care and sensitivity and providing structure through meetings will be a key piece in helping them succeed. Refugees need an environment that allows them to be vulnerable while still nudging them forward as they begin to build their lives in America. Trauma-informed care can help professionals working with refugees understand the best ways to interact with them and how to motivate them to move forward with their lives.

6. Speaking of trauma, mental health is something to take very seriously.
Mental health is a touchy subject in any culture, but it tends to be an especially delicate topic in cultures that refugees are coming from. Women are more likely to accept help from a therapist, but men are extremely vulnerable to untreated mental health issues due to cultural standards. This is where trauma-informed care, along with picking up on nonverbal clues, becomes extremely helpful. Some agencies will provide training for mental health first aid, but if yours doesn’t, most cities have places that will offer the course for free. Even when clients are going to therapists on a regular basis, they aren’t necessary addressing all of the relevant issues. External stressors like money, weather change, housing issues, family problems, and even culture shock can push them into a crisis. Helping refugees understand that mental health is an important thing to talk about and encouraging them to seek professional help is necessary for professionals working in these communities.

7. Learn how to care for yourself.
As with most human rights issues, working with refugees can be physically, mentally, and emotionally draining. One of the best things you can do for your clients is to take time to refresh and relax. In jobs dealing with human rights, especially working directly with people, it’s easy to work overtime physically and “take work home” emotionally. Leaving stress and emotions at the door is important for yourself, your friends/family, and your clients. Spend weekends catching up with friends, exercising, going to events, etc. See a counselor or therapist if you need to. Leave room for yourself to process, destress, and express. Find a balance between removing yourself from reality and delving too deeply into it. Burnout is easy in any field working directly with people, and it’s especially easy while working with people who have experienced immense and prolonged trauma, so taking a break, taking vacation, learning to express artistically, and being able to process through emotions are extremely important in this line of work.

Working to resettle refugees in the US presents challenges not faced in the field, but it also presents the rewards of watching families thrive and succeed in a place where they finally have control and freedom. Learning how to interact with them, what their needs are, and how to avoid burnout are just a few important skills needed to do culturally appropriate, sustainable, and effective work in refugee communities. Those who are interested in working in this particular human rights field should consider the skills needed to work directly with clients and think about what role they would best fit in working with these communities. Most in the fields of human rights, policy, and development will be looking to eventually move into administrative or management roles, and having direct experience with refugee populations can be extremely valuable in working to help them at the administrative level.

The post 7 Crucial Things to Know About Working with Refugees appeared first on Human Rights Careers.