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

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

#1 UN Crisis Relief – Occupied Palestinian Territory Humanitarian Fund

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

Donate here: UN Crisis Relief Donation

#2 United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

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

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

#3 International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) 

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

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

#4 UNICEF (United Nations Children Educational Fund)

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

Contributions can be made through the UNICEF website.

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

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

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

#6 Oxfam International 

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

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

#7 Anera (The American Near East Refugee Aid)

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

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

#8 Direct Relief

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

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

#9 Save the Children 

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

Donations can be made through the Save the Children website.

#10 World Vision

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

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

#11 Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS)

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

To contribute, visit: PRCS Donation Page

#12 Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund – PCRF

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

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

#13 MECA – Middle East Children’s Alliance

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

Support MECA in its mission by visiting the MECA Website

#14 Alliance for Middle East Peace (ALLMEP)

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

Donate to support ALLMEP’s peacebuilding efforts: Donate here

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

From the United Nations to non-governmental organizations like CARE International and Physicians for Human Rights, numerous institutions offer early-level programs and positions tailored to young professionals who are eager to make a difference. In the list below we outline 17 International Organizations that offer early career opportunities to recent graduates. Please note that entry requirements may change over time. Always check the official websites to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

#1 UN Young Professionals Programme

For those seeking to enter the UN system, the Young Professionals Programme is a great opportunity. Catered for early-career professionals, the programme provides entry-level positions within the United Nations and is accessible to individuals from countries considered unrepresented or underrepresented at the UN. Annually, the Office of the Secretariat releases a list of participating countries. Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited university, be under 32 years of age, and possess fluency in either French or English. Successful candidates also need to pass a qualifying examination.

To learn more, see the UN YPP website.

#2 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

If you are an early-career professional, committed to sustainable development, passionate about democratic governance and peacebuilding, or interested in climate and disaster resilience, UNDP might be a place for you. This department of the United Nations offers numerous entry-level opportunities, as well as a Young Professional Officer (JPO) and Specialist Development Programme (SDP) –  young talent programmes. Experience requirements for entry-level positions range from 0 to 3 years depending on the education requirements. While not all positions require a Master’s degree, most necessitate a degree in international development, international affairs, social work, or a related field, unless the opportunity is specific to a job skill such as communications or human resources. Fluency in another language is often a requirement.

Read about the programme here.

#3 European Union (EU)

The European Union (EU), a political and economic union of 27 member states located primarily in Europe facilitates cooperation and coordination among its members in various areas, including trade, security and governance. The EU offers various programs for early-career professionals. Two notable programs are: Blue Book Traineeship: This program offers recent graduates the opportunity to intern in EU institutions and gain first-hand experience in their field of interest. The traineeship typically lasts for about five months. Junior Professional in Delegation (JPD) Program: Aimed at young professionals, this program offers placements in EU delegations worldwide. It provides an opportunity to work on EU development projects and gain insights into diplomatic and international cooperation activities. These programs are excellent entry points for those interested in contributing to the EU’s multifaceted initiatives.

For more information and application details, visit the Blue Book Traineeship and JPD Program websites.

#4 Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)

OSCE provides diverse opportunities for early-career professionals to engage in diplomatic, security, and cooperative efforts on the European stage. The OSCE, as an international organisation, operates across the realms of politics, military, economics, environment, human development, and other critical security and development issues. Spanning 57 participating member states from Europe, North America, and Asia, its primary focus lies in Southeastern Europe, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. For young professionals, the OSCE extends numerous entry-level opportunities, particularly in human security, communications, program development, and program monitoring. While some positions are on a contractual basis, the majority require a bachelor’s degree coupled with work experience or a Master’s degree with up to two years of relevant experience. Certain roles may require specific expertise in professions such as policing, travel coordination, or media. Accessibility to most positions is based on nationality, either to member states or specific countries. Fluency in additional languages is often a prerequisite. Job openings are regularly posted on the OSCE website through their dedicated employment portal.

Explore the OSCE Junior Professional Officer Programme

#5 International Organization for Migration (IOM)

As an intergovernmental organisation, IOM collaborates with governmental, inter-governmental, and non-governmental entities to address migration-related issues in countries and communities worldwide. The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) program is an opportunity to gain first-hand insights into international development and acquire practical experience in the realm of migration. JPO assignments can be fulfilled in IOM country offices worldwide or at the organisation’s headquarters in Geneva. The program serves a dual purpose: it provides international organisations with skilled personnel for two years, while also allowing young, qualified professionals to get valuable work experience enhancing their job prospects. Typically ranging between 28 and 35 years of age, JPOs are recruited as professional staff members at the P-2 level by their respective governments, which act as sponsors for their positions within the Organization.

Learn more about the JPO Program at the IOM Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Program

#6 European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA)

FRA is an independent centre of reference and excellence for promoting and protecting fundamental human rights in the EU. The traineeship scheme at FRA targets recent university graduates, aiming to provide them with practical experience and understanding of the agency’s role in upholding fundamental rights across the EU. It offers opportunities to work in a diverse environment, promoting mutual understanding and European values. Trainees are encouraged to apply their knowledge and skills acquired during their studies, introducing them to the professional world while contributing to the agency’s mission of ensuring fundamental rights for all in the EU. To be eligible for a traineeship, you must have completed your most recent studies no more than three years before the deadline for applications.

For more information, consult the FRA Traineeship page.

#7 World Health Organization (WHO)

The WHO provides internships and the Young Professionals Program for those interested in global health and development. The Young Professionals Program assigns individuals to regular WHO positions, offering immersion in technical work, career support, networking, mentoring, and tailored learning opportunities. The program aims to increase representation from Least Developed Countries, developing capacity through a structured curriculum.

Information about the programme is available on the WHO YPP website.

#8 African Development Bank (AfDB)

The African Development Bank (AfDB) aims to support sustainable economic development and social progress in African countries. Comprising the AfDB, the African Development Fund (ADF), and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF), the AfDB Group focuses on five strategic priorities: feeding Africa, electrifying and powering Africa, industrializing Africa, integrating Africa, and enhancing the quality of life for the continent’s people.AfDB’s Young Professionals Program and Internship Program cater to individuals passionate about driving development in Africa. Aspiring professionals interested in contributing to Africa’s development can explore the Young Professionals Program and Internship opportunities at the AfDB. These programs provide a platform for individuals committed to positive global change.

For detailed information and current opportunities, visit the AfDB YPP page.

#9 Amnesty International

Amnesty International, with its global and vocal presence in human rights advocacy, offers internships, entry-level positions, and volunteer opportunities. The organisation regularly employs human rights professionals in various capacities, such as campaigners, researchers, communication officers, or coordinators. Amnesty International’s job board categorises vacancies into Global Fundraising and Engagement, Global Operations, International Law and Policy, People and Services, and Research. Entry-level positions typically require a minimum of one or two years of professional experience.

Check the Amnesty International Careers page for the latest opportunities.

#10 Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch, known for its impactful human rights-related work, offers fellowship programs, internships, and entry-level positions. The organisation broadly categorises vacancies as Professional/Managerial, Early Career, Fellowship, and Internship/Volunteering. Entry-level positions typically require 1 to 2 years of related experience. Human Rights Watch also offers fellowship programs each year, providing hands-on experience and training for new human rights professionals.

Explore opportunities on the Human Rights Watch Jobs page.

#11 International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)

ISHR’s Human Rights Defender Advocacy Program, internships, and fellowships are designed for early-career professionals dedicated to human rights causes. ISHR offers programs that provide hands-on experience and advocacy opportunities for individuals passionate about human rights. Whether through internships, fellowships, or specific programs, ISHR’s initiatives aim to empower early-career professionals in the field of human rights.

Explore opportunities on the ISHR Human Rights Defender Advocacy Program page.

#12 CARE International

CARE International, working globally to save lives and achieve social justice, offers opportunities in human rights and humanitarian work. With a focus on defeating poverty and achieving social justice, CARE International provides a platform for individuals committed to positive global change.

Explore opportunities on the CARE International Job Search page for positions in human rights and humanitarian work.

#13 Physicians for Human Rights (PHR)

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), operating for over 30 years, employs science and medicine to expose mass atrocities and severe human rights abuses. Recognized with a Nobel Peace Prize for its role in banning landmines, PHR believes health professionals possess unique skills to advocate against such violations. Through a network of forensic and public health experts, PHR documents atrocities, safeguards persecuted health workers and facilities, prevents torture, and holds perpetrators accountable. Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) has been at the forefront of leveraging science and medicine for over 30 years to document and draw attention to mass atrocities and severe human rights violations.

PHR offers a range of opportunities, including internships, fellowships, and entry-level positions, for individuals with a background in health and human rights. To explore these opportunities, visit the PHR Jobs page.

#14 United Nations Economic, Social and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)

The United Nations Economic, Social and Cultural Organisation offers the Junior Professional Officer program for individuals who have recently graduated from college and for young professionals who wish to begin working in civil service. Participants receive contracts for 2 to 3 years to work at the headquarters of the United Nations Economic, Social and Cultural Organisation or in a regional office. To be considered for a position, individuals must be under 32 years of age and have at least a bachelor’s degree in education, culture, science, social and human sciences or communications. Fluency in English or French and being a resident of a donor country is also required.

Visit the Junior Professional Officer website.

The United Nations Economic, Social and Cultural Organisation offers the Young Professionals Program to allow individuals from non-United Nations member states and under-represented member states to gain entry-level employment in civil service. Every year, the UN publishes a list of qualifying countries. Applicants must be at most 32 years of age and hold a graduate-level degree in management, education, culture, science, social and human sciences or communication. Fluency in English or French is required. Individuals who have previous work experience and who are also fluent in Spanish, Russian, Arabic or Chinese will have an advantage.

Visit the Young Professionals Program website.

#15 United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees offers the Junior Professional Officer Program for individuals interested in working in civil service at the United Nations refugee agency. To be considered for a position, individuals must be between 25 and 35 years of age and have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a field that relates to the specific opening for which they are applying. Those with a master’s degree must also have 2 years of relevant work experience. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree must have 4 years of related work experience. Fluency in English is required. Applicants who are also fluent in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish are preferred. Candidates must also be from one of the countries that donate to the agency.

Read more on the UNHCR JPO website.

#16 United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund offers the Junior Professional Officers program for young people who are interested in working in a non-profit. Initially, individuals in the program receive 1-to-2-year contracts with the chance for renewal. About half of all participants advance to other positions with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. Most applicants accepted are between 28 and 35 years of age and have advanced university degrees. To be considered for a position, individuals must be from one of the fund’s donor countries.

See the UNICEF Junior Professional Officer website.

#17 World Food Program (WFP)

The World Food Program offers the Junior Professional Officer Program to allow young professionals the opportunity to gain work experience in civil service. Candidates must be less than 32 to 35 years of age, depending on what country they are from. A master’s degree in a relevant field and 3 to 4 years of professional work experience are also required. Applicants must also be fluent in English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish. A noteworthy outcome is that a significant number of JPO staff who serve with IOM continue their engagement with the organisation beyond the completion of their JPO assignment.

For more information consult the WFP Junior Professional Officer page.

The post 17 International Organizations Offering Early-Career Opportunities appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Learn what jobs are available in gender rights, where you can find work in gender rights and how to prepare for these types of careers.

Gender rights are the basic rights and opportunities people deserve regardless of their gender or gender expression. Rights include the right to equal treatment, the right to reproductive freedom and the right to freedom from discrimination and gender-based violence. Women represent the largest group that experiences gender discrimination, but the rights of trans people, two-spirit people, and people with other marginalized genders also need protection. In this guide, we’ll discuss specific jobs in gender rights, where you can find gender rights jobs, how to get a job in gender rights and what salaries are offered.

What jobs are available in gender rights?

Gender rights are a thematic focus, not a specific job. That means there are dozens of careers where you can work on gender rights and gender equality. Here are seven examples:

Educator

Educators conduct research, develop curriculum, manage learning environments, and support student development. Teachers typically work in classrooms teaching young kids, teenagers, and adults. Teacher responsibilities can include creating educational material, meeting one-on-one with students, presenting lessons and helping students develop professional and personal skills. Historically, education has been a site for gender discrimination and inequality. Teachers play a big role in protecting gender rights, whether that’s by educating students on gender discrimination, advocating for gender equality in hiring practices, and taking steps to prevent gender-based violence in educational environments. Educators who spend more time on research can also focus on gender rights.

Doctor

Doctors are medical professionals who work in health facilities, universities, research labs and other settings focused on health and health research. While accessible healthcare is a human right, many people face discrimination and bias based on their gender. As an example, studies show women do not get the same evidence-based care as men in areas like cardiac care and pain management. Transgender people also experience unique challenges, worse health outcomes and other inequalities when it comes to getting health insurance and healthcare. Doctors can play an important role in protecting gender rights by addressing inequalities, specializing in healthcare issues that affect marginalized genders, and advocating for better education and reform.

Lawyer

Women, trans people and people belonging to other marginalized genders face frequent discrimination. They often need legal representation to address inequalities. Legal systems themselves can be biased, so even if the nature of a person’s case doesn’t involve their gender, they can end up marginalized. Lawyers who specialize in gender rights have the same responsibilities as regular lawyers – they interpret laws, research legal issues, advise clients, prepare documents and so on – but they focus on laws, cases and other factors related to gender.

Policy analyst

Policy analysis is a job category related to public policy, political science, statistics, economics, public administration and related fields. Policy analysts study current and potential policies, develop new policy ideas and analyze the impact of policies. They often work for governments, but lobbying groups, universities, advocacy NGOs, consulting firms and similar organizations hire policy analysts. A policy analyst who specializes in gender rights would analyze the impact of policies on different genders, research trends, identify gaps and inequalities, advocate for gender-responsive policies and monitor policies related to gender.

Grant specialist

Grant specialists work in grant management and administration. They often work for NGOs, which depend heavily on grants, but they also work for colleges, research institutions and even individuals. Their responsibilities can include identifying grants for their employer, writing applications, developing budgets, processing grant money and making sure the money is distributed the way it needs to be. Many organizations focused on gender rights need grant specialists to help them find funding for various projects and programs. A specialist needs a thorough understanding of what grants are available for gender rights and what those grants require from candidates.

Consultant

Consultants are experts who work with corporations, governments, NGOs, and any other organizations who want the consultant’s expertise. It’s typically a job for people who have years of experience. Responsibilities can include data collection and analysis of an organization’s gender policies, meetings with stakeholders, help with policy development and marketing, and creating personalized trainings and presentations.

When a consultant specializes in gender rights, they’re usually hired to help an organization achieve gender equality and address issues related to gender discrimination.

Program manager

Program managers work in a variety of industries. In this higher-level role, managers oversee clusters of projects that contribute to the organization’s mission. Their responsibilities can include developing a program’s scope and strategy, managing a team, monitoring a program’s success, and directing communication between a program’s stakeholders. Within gender rights, a program manager could be in charge of an organization’s diversity and gender equality program or work for an organization focused on gender rights.

Interested in jobs focused on gender equality? Here’s our short guide.

Where can you find jobs in gender rights?

Because gender rights aren’t limited to one industry or job type, you can find work at a variety of places. Here are the five main sectors:

Intergovernmental organizations

Intergovernmental organizations are entities that consist of two or more nations who sign a treaty. The United Nations is the best-known IGO. IGOs collaborate on several issues, including gender rights and gender equality. They hire professionals who specialize in gender rights, as well as areas that affect gender equality such as economics, political science, public policy and more. UN Women, which is the UN entity responsible for working for gender equality and women’s empowerment, posts jobs on places like the UNDP job board and its own website.

Governments

Like IGOs, local and national governments work on issues related to gender rights, gender equality, discrimination and so on. There are permanent, temporary and fixed-term jobs at various government agencies, as well as opportunities for consultants who specialize in gender rights. The job platform Gender Jobs has a search category for government jobs at all levels. To work for a government entity, you’ll need to meet all their requirements, which could include citizenship or a right-to-work visa, as well as a security clearance and a background check.

NGOs

NGOs are organizations that are formed independently of a government. They’re usually nonprofits, as well, and tend to focus on humanitarian, international development and social justice issues. Because gender inequality is so widespread, many NGOs focus their work on gender rights, women’s empowerment and related areas. The Malala Fund, Plan International, the Global Fund For Women, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International are just five NGOs with jobs available in gender rights. Jobs boards like Idealist.org, Globaljobs.org, and Feminist Jobs can help you find more.

Corporations

Gender equality is good for business, so many corporations are working to improve their gender equality and reduce gender discrimination. Job candidates with the knowledge and motivation to improve gender rights are desirable, while corporations also work with consultants to improve equality in the workplace. Corporations also need lawyers who understand the laws around gender.

Educational and research institutions

Institutions like universities, think tanks, medical research organizations and similar entities perform research on gender rights, discrimination, policies and more. They may be part of intergovernmental organizations, governments, NGOs and corporations, but because they’re focused on research, we’ve included them as their own category. These entities hire researchers, policy analysts, librarians, administrative staff, communications professionals, grant specialists and many others.

Jobs in gender rights deal with gender discrimination. Check out our article on gender discrimination 101.

How do you prepare for a job in gender rights?

The specific job track for a lawyer looks different than for a doctor, but there are three main “must haves” for everyone looking for a job in gender rights: education, experience and skills.

Education

If you want a long career in gender rights, you’ll need a good education. Entry-level jobs typically require at least a bachelor’s degree, while you are likely to need a master’s or even a doctorate for higher-level positions in management. With certain exceptions (like for lawyers and doctors), you likely won’t need one specific degree, but good educational backgrounds include gender studies, sociology, political science, social work, public policy, public health and education. What works best depends on what field you want to go into, i.e. if you want to work as a policy analyst, a degree in public policy is likely your best option.

Experience

Most employers care more about your experience than your area of study or where you went to school. Even entry-level jobs prefer candidates with at least a few years of experience working in the area they’re hiring for. As an example, we found a job for a grants administrator that asked for 3-5 years of similar work, while the experience level in the job description was 0-5 years. Internships, volunteer work, temporary work and part-time work usually count toward your experience, so don’t leave anything off your resume. Education supports your basic knowledge and qualifications, but experience shows employers you can solve problems, work with others, adapt when necessary and complete tasks on time.

Skills

Jobs in gender rights require a variety of skills depending on your chosen field. As an example, a job in policy analysis requires critical thinking, problem-solving, good communication, policy knowledge and excellent research skills. When you look at job descriptions, you may notice how vague some of the required skills are, such as a “willingness to learn from mistakes.” When applying for a job and going through an interview, the challenge is to show this skill in action. Employers don’t want to hear you say, “Yes, I can learn from my mistakes,” they want specific examples that prove you possess this skill.

How much do jobs in gender rights pay?

A job’s salary depends on several factors, such as the job type, job position, where the job is based, your education and your experience. Your salary can also vary based on whether you work for an IGO, NGO, government agency, education institution or corporation. Here’s an average rundown of the United States salaries for the jobs we described in this guide:

Educator (teacher): $68,469 for 2022-2023 school year
Doctor (obstetrician and gynecologist): $239,200 in 2022
Lawyer (labor): $100,626 in 2024
Policy analyst: $81,922 in 2024
Grant specialist: $80,163 in 2024
Consultant: $93,905 in 2024
Program manager (nonprofit): $89,816 in 2023

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

Wars, armed conflicts, and displacement are not only attacks to spaces, places and people, but also violations of a fundamental human right recognised in numerous international, regional and national instruments. Education is a right in itself and a multiplier of other rights. Legal frameworks, measures and tools already exist that provide a variety of solutions. Alas, proper knowledge of such instruments and possible avenues for action is still limited.

The MOOC on Children’s Right to Education in Armed Conflict, offered by the Global Campus of Human Rights in partnership with Right to Education, fills this knowledge gap and mobilises more people and resources in the defence of such a fundamental right when and where it is most needed.

The course encompasses 5 weeks with approximately 25/30 hours of active learning. It includes video lectures, readings, peer-to-peer learning through discussions and webinars as well as knowledge checks with polls and quizzes, all aimed at developing and reinforcing personal critical reflection. Case studies will focus on examples and current debates from different regions and countries in the world.

The MOOC is designed for education professionals, policymakers, staff of humanitarian and human rights organisations, children’s rights defenders and other members of civil society who currently work, advocate and care for the promotion and protection of children’s right to education, especially in armed conflict.

LECTURERS AND EXPERTS

The MOOC features relevant actors from a multitude of perspectives, including but not limited to: Farida Shaheed, UNSR on the Right to Education (TBC); Delphine Dorsi, Right to Education Initiative; Bede Sheppard and Elin Martínez, Human Rights Watch; Sergey Ghazinyan, Global Campus Caucasus; John Paul Amah, Global Campus HQ and Global Campus Alumnus; Barbara Strasser, Global Campus HQ; Siraj H Khan, Education Above All; Dean Brooks and Ariel Solari, INEE; Ilwad Elman, Right Livelihood Laureate 2022 (TBC).

Registration deadline: 8 March 2024

Register now

For more information visit https://gchumanrights.org/rtec.html or contact the Global Campus at e-learning@gchumanrights.org.

The post Free MOOC on Children’s Right to Education in Armed Conflict appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

The abolitionist movement was a social movement dedicated to ending the slave trade and freeing enslaved people. The most memorable figures come from the United Kingdom and the United States, but abolitionists were active in every nation that enslaved people. In this article, we’ll focus on the history of the abolitionist movements in the UK and US, as well as their main ideas and what abolitionism looks like today.

The transatlantic slave trade was legal for almost 400 years, but by the 18th century, the movement to abolish slavery grew in influence. In the UK, it took campaigners decades to finally abolish the slave trade and emancipate enslaved people, while in the United States, slavery ended with the Civil War and the Thirteenth Amendment. 

The history of the abolitionist movement

The transatlantic slave trade existed for almost 400 years. While records are imperfect, the United Nations estimates that around 15 million people were victimized by this cruel institution. According to Slavery and Remembrance, Portugal and Spain began using enslaved people first to work sugar plantations, and eventually, crops like tobacco and rice. Other countries followed suit, and soon, the transatlantic slave trade was a huge enterprise. Not everyone supported slavery, however, and over time, the abolitionist movement grew in power and influence. Let’s talk about abolitionism in the two countries where it was most significant: the UK and the United States.

The abolitionist movement in the UK

According to information from the UK Parliament, the British got involved in the transatlantic slave trade in 1562. By the 1730s, the UK was the largest slave-trading nation in the world, but people were starting to express a desire to end slavery. In the 1780s, the abolitionist movement kicked off with a focus on London. The Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade, which eventually became Anti-Slavery International, was founded in 1787. Thomas Clarkson, a campaigner against slavery, collected data on the brutality of slavery. Meanwhile, in Parliament, William Wilberforce brought bill after bill to end slavery, but none of them passed. In Haiti, where Spain had enslaved native people since 1492, freedom fighters fought back against Spanish, French and British forces. While the Haitian freedom leader, Toussaint Louverture, died in 1803, his lieutenants continued the war. In 1804, Haiti was established as an independent republic. It’s the only successful slave rebellion in history.

In Britain, the campaign against slavery continued into the early 19th century. In 1807, William Wilberforce made a twelfth attempt in Parliament, and this time, it passed. King George III signed the Act for the Abolition of the Slave Trade, which banned the trading of people in the British Empire. It didn’t free those already enslaved, however. Full emancipation was not achieved until 1838.

Racism and the slave trade are inseparable. Where does racism come from? Here are 10 root causes.

The abolitionist movement in the United States

The abolitionist movement in the United States used similar tactics as their counterparts in the UK, but progress looked different. The North was decidedly more opposed to slavery than the South, whose economy depended on enslaved people working in agriculture. According to History.com, anti-slavery sentiment increased after the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which made Missouri a slave state. The abolitionist movement spread to New York, Massachusetts and other Northern states. The movement grew more outraged when Congress passed the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act, which required the capture of escaped enslaved people, even if they’d made it to free states. The infamous 1857 Dred Scott decision, which denied Black people legal citizenship rights, also motivated abolitionists. Frederick Douglass, a formerly enslaved writer and speaker, was one of the best-known abolitionists. Harriet Tubman, who helped enslaved people escape to freedom, and William Lloyd Garrison, who published the anti-slavery paper “The Liberator,” were also influential.

While the UK ended slavery with the passage of a law, the United States went to war over the fate of the practice. In the late 1850s, tensions between the North and South were nearing a boiling point. There were a few reasons for the conflict, but they centered on slavery. The Southern states wanted the power to abolish federal laws they didn’t like, including laws that disrupted slavery. They also wanted to expand the practice of slavery into western territories. In 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected president. The Southern states, who had opposed him, decided to secede from the United States. The Civil War began in 1861. Two years later, President Lincoln released the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared “all persons held as slaves” would be free. The Thirteenth Amendment, which was added to the Constitution in 1863, officially abolished slavery.

Slavery was abolished thanks to the persistent work of activists. Want to learn more about activism and how to get involved? Here’s our Activism 101 article.

The main ideas of the abolitionist movement

The abolitionist movements in the UK and the United States wanted the same thing: to end the slave trade and free enslaved people. While there were different ideas about how to accomplish these goals and what should happen after slavery ended, all abolitionists generally agreed slavery was wrong for humanitarian and religious reasons.

Slavery as a humanitarian issue

People who were pro-slavery often argued that enslaved people were treated well. Images of the kind-hearted plantation owner and happy slave were common, as was the belief that life would be much worse for Black people if slavery came to an end. Abolitionists spent a lot of time and effort educating people on the harsh reality. There was nothing kind or happy about slavery. In the late 18th century, abolitionists in England began collecting research on the slave trade, including how horrific the journey from Africa was. The ships were packed from stem to stern with people, many of whom were shackled. Ship captains cared little for sanitation and healthcare, while torture was a standard punishment for any type of resistance or complaint. Data estimates that around 2 million of those kidnapped for slavery died on the journey. Images of the ships, along with descriptions of the conditions on board, were an important tool for abolitionists.

Formerly enslaved people also played a key role in revealing the cruelty of slavery as they had personal experience. Many wrote what are known as “slave narratives,” which were pamphlets or books detailing a person’s life as a slave. Fredrick Douglass’ 1895 book, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, was one of the most popular. In this book, Douglass describes the horrific treatment he endured and witnessed while enslaved in Massachusetts, which included physical, emotional and psychological abuse. The authors of slave narratives often traveled and lectured around the United States and Europe, sharing the truth about slavery. The abolitionist movement’s goal was to provoke outrage and sympathy, so those who had once accepted slavery would feel compelled to fight against it for humanitarian reasons.

Slavery as a moral wrong

Educating people on the cruelty of slavery was a common tactic for both UK and US abolitionists, but many of them also argued against slavery for religious reasons. This placed them on the opposite side of Christians who used religion to argue for slavery. Pro-slavery Christians would point to Bible verses, claiming they shone a favorable light on slavery, while abolitionists argued that God made all people, including enslaved people, worthy of rights. While not all abolitionists were religious, there was a powerful religious thread through the movement in the UK and the United States. Some of the most prominent abolitionists, such as William Wilberforce in England and Sojourner Truth in the United States, frequently spoke of their religious faith and how it motivated them.

The Quakers had once been prominent slave traders, but they emerged as one of the first religious groups to argue against slavery. In 1688, four members sent a petition against slavery to their local meeting, but it wasn’t released until 1844. According to Stephen Angell, from the Earlham School of Religion, this petition could be the first direct protest against slavery. From the 17th century on, Quakers were the most vocal religious group to speak against slavery, arguing that slavery was a moral wrong incompatible with the Christian faith.

The abolitionist movement today

The abolitionist movement is still active today, albeit in a different form. With the transatlantic slave trade no longer operating, the trafficking of persons is a secretive, illegal practice. This makes it much harder to address. According to the International Labour Organization, there were almost 50 million trafficked people in 2021. That includes people in forced labor, forced marriages and forced commercial sexual exploitation. Activists raise awareness of the many forms of human trafficking, strengthen anti-trafficking laws, support survivors and more. In the United States, the abolitionist movement also works on ending legal exploitative labor, which affects people in prison. The Thirteenth Amendment may have abolished formal slavery, but it left an exception for slavery as a punishment for a crime. According to the ACLU, incarcerated workers earn an average of just 13-52 cents an hour nationwide, while in seven states, they’re not paid at all for most work assignments.

Interested in learning more about human trafficking? Here’s our article on Human Trafficking 101.

Many activists also push back against terms like “modern slavery.” There are many reasons why, including the differences in legality between the slavery of the past and human trafficking, as well as the causes of trafficking. By using the terms of the past in a modern context, activists also run the risk of whitewashing the abolitionist movement of the 18th and 19th centuries. Despite the importance of their work, abolitionists like William Wilberforce stopped short of accepting full equality between people of different races. They may have despised slavery, but many white abolitionists did not recognize their own racism. The fight against human trafficking requires different tools than the abolitionist movement of almost two centuries ago, so our language should reflect that.

The post Abolitionist Movement: History, Main Ideas, and Activism Today appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

NGOs operate in virtually every corner of the world. While exact numbers are impossible to know, there could be millions of them working to eradicate poverty, protect children, empower women, achieve gender equality and make the world a better, safer place for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore 15 of the biggest and most influential NGOs in Canada.

#1. CARE Canada

Established in 1945, CARE is a global confederation investing in women and girls.. CARE Canada is based in Ottawa, but it works with the global community and women’s rights organizations. The NGO’s work focuses on safety, health, livelihood, advocacy and emergency response. In 2022, CARE reached over a million direct participants, 60% of which were women and girls. The NGO was also active in 30 countries with 50 projects and initiatives. You can find annual reports on CARE Canada’s website, as well as information on donations, fundraising, partnerships and careers.

#2. Canadian Cancer Society

The Canadian Cancer Society is Canada’s largest national cancer charity. It was first formed in 1938, and today, its work includes funding research, educating the public, running support services and providing information on cancer. The NGO’s goal is “uniting and inspiring Canadians to take control of cancer.” The Canadian Cancer Society also works on health equity; it has a 5-year goal to reduce health inequities in underserved communities such as young adults, Indigenous communities, older adults, racialized communities and others. The NGO’s website offers annual reports and resources about events, donations, fundraising and careers.

Check out our article on the 15 biggest NGOs in the world.

#3. Canadian Centre for Child Protection

The Canadian Centre for Child Protection is a national charity focused on children’s safety. It was founded in 1985 following the disappearance and murder of a 13-year-old child. The child’s mother and several volunteers started the organization to provide services they did not have. The Centre’s goal is to reduce the sexual exploitation and abuse of kids, help locate missing children and prevent child victimization. Its programs include critical assistance, as well as education and prevention. Every year, the NGO supports over 3,000 survivors, youth and caregivers and distributes over 1 million education and prevention resources. You can find research, resources, donation links and career information on the NGO’s website.

#4. Canadian Foodgrains Bank

Canadian Foodgrains Bank is a partnership of 15 Canadian Christian churches and church-based agencies. This partnership focuses on ending global hunger with locally-based organizations in developing countries. Founded in 1983, the NGO has expanded to over 30 countries with over 100 international partners. The NGO also benefits from community-growing projects. To start these projects, a group of people buy a plot of land together, grow a harvest, sell it on the Canadian market, and donate proceeds to the Foodgrains Bank. Canada currently has over 200 growing projects. The NGO’s website has information about donations, additional resources, financial accountability and careers.

#5. Greenpeace

Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning network founded in Canada in 1971. It’s now headquartered in Amsterdam, but it’s made up of 26 independent national/regional organizations across 55 countries. Its goal is to protect life on Earth, so it focuses on climate change, deforestation, nuclear weapons, overfishing and other environmental issues. As an independent organization, it does not accept funding from governments. It has a general consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Activities include direct action, research, and advocacy. For more information on the NGO’s work, campaigns, petitions, volunteer opportunities and careers, please visit the website.

#6. Heart and Stroke Foundation

For over 60 years, the Heart and Stroke Foundation has been a leading funder of research into heart health. With the help of volunteers, donors, researchers, healthcare professionals, governments and others, the organization works to reduce deaths from heart disease, stroke and related conditions. Its areas of focus include equity, transparency and curiosity. The foundation’s goals include protecting kid’s health through a nutrition plan, improving the health of Indigenous communities, educating Canadians on what strokes look like, partnering with survivors and funding stroke recovery research. You can find resources for the media and patients on the website, as well as information about donations, financials, leadership and careers.

The NGOs on this list deal with many social issues affecting Canada. Here’s our article on 15 examples of social issues.

#7. Islamic Relief Canada

Islamic Relief is an international relief organization founded in 1984. It has since grown into the world’s largest Islamic NGO. It now works in 40 countries around the world and has 100 offices. Priority areas include water, food, shelter, education, healthcare, economic empowerment and emergency relief. In 2022, Islamic Relief reached 3.3 million, funded over 170 projects, sponsored 22,000 orphans and helped provide sustainable food, clean water and livelihoods to 1.3 million people. You can find information on charity events, volunteer opportunities, donation links, emergency campaigns and more on the Islamic Relief Canada website.

#8. Médecins sans Frontières (MSF)

Founded in 1971, this French-based organization, which is also known as Doctors Without Borders, has national offices around the world. The Canadian office is based in Toronto. According to the website, MSF Canada contributes to medical humanitarian activities and provides leadership in climate environment and health, transformation and innovation, telemedicine, the safety of project staff and medical advocacy. Like all MSF offices, MSF Canada works in areas like disasters, conflict and war, disease, epidemics, pandemics and people on the move. The website has information on ways to take action, career opportunities, impact and accountability, and more.

#9. Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC)

The Native Women’s Association of Canada is a nongovernmental group representing Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and transgender and gender-diverse people in Canada. NWAC was established to “enhance, promote and foster the social, economic, cultural and political well-being” of all Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. They have a series of programs (such as the NWAC National Apprenticeships Program), a magazine, a journal, scholarships, and a Knowledge Centre. The group works in policy areas like economic development, social development, health, legal affairs and more. You can find more information on NWAC’s advocacy, education and careers on their website.

You may also like: Indigenous Canada (Online Course)

#10. Oxfam Canada

Oxfam Canada is an affiliate of the International Oxfam Confederation, which is present in 87 countries. Canada has been involved with Oxfam since 1963. The NGO works directly with communities, partners and women’s rights organizations to end poverty with a focus on empowering women and girls. It works on ending violence, women’s economic justice, humanitarian assistance, climate justice and much more. The NGO’s website offers resources and information on donations, volunteer opportunities, a policy hub, careers and other ways to take action.

#11. Plan International Canada

Plan International Canada is part of a global organization dedicated to children, especially girls. Plan operates in more than 80 countries and partners with children, families, supporters, local organizations and governments. The NGO works in education, health, protection from violence, youth leadership, economic empowerment and humanitarian response. Because girls are among the most vulnerable groups, Plan also focuses on girl’s education, child marriage and gender-based violence. In 2022, Plan reached 1.3 million children, adolescents and adults with healthcare and education, as well as 382,996 children and adults with food support. You can find resources on fundraising, active campaigns, donations and financial opportunities on the NGO’s website.

#12. SickKids Foundation

The SickKids Foundation began in 1875 with a commitment to fight for the health and well-being of children. Their principles are collaboration, integrity, excellence, innovation and inclusion. The NGO partners locally and globally through the integration of care, research and education. Its approach is based on Precision Child Health, which seeks to diagnose faster, treat conditions faster and predict illnesses before they begin affecting kids. Their website includes information on fundraisers, events, donations, volunteer opportunities and careers.

Interested in working for an NGO in Canada? Check out our article on 10 organizations offering jobs in Canada.

#13. The Winnipeg Foundation

Established in 1921, the Winnipeg Foundation is Canada’s first community foundation, which are organizations based on pooling and permanently investing gifts. The interest from these investments provides sources of support for charitable projects. As a Winnipeg group, it focuses mostly on that area in areas like education, employment, health, environment, heritage, arts and culture, recreation and more. In 2022, the foundation distributed $85 million to the community based on $50 million in gifts. You can find information on the foundation’s grant programs, leadership, youth programming and more.

#14. United Way of Greater Toronto

United Way is a worldwide nonprofit, but within Canada, it operates in over 100 countries. Each United Way raises support locally and is governed by an autonomous Board of Directors. It focuses on ending poverty through philanthropy, grants, convening, research, and public policy and mobilization. Poverty is complex, so the United Way works on food security, early learning and parenting, inclusive employment, mental health, youth development and much more. The website has information for donors, volunteers, community agencies and media.

#15. World Vision Canada

World Vision is an international NGO with over 70 years of experience. Globally, the NGO reached 13 million people in 2022. That same year, Canada’s branch reached over 17,000 people through its programs that focus on emergency relief, transformational development and the promotion of justice. World Vision is a Christian organization, but serves everyone in the communities it operates in. You can find information on accountability, sponsorships and careers on the NGO’s website.

The post 15 Biggest NGOs in Canada appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

NGOs (nongovernmental organizations) serve millions – if not billions – of people each year. These organizations, which are independent of governments, work on ending poverty, protecting kids, improving food security, providing healthcare, achieving gender equality and much more. Many NGOs are international. Australia, which is home to over 26 million people, has many NGOs based in or conducting activities within its borders. Here are 15 of the biggest examples:

 #1. Action on Poverty

Founded in 1968 by an Australian actress and Marist priest, Action on Poverty reaches millions through its programs, global network and local organizations. It currently works in 14 countries addressing climate resilience, food and water security, governance and social accountability, gender equality, livelihoods and economic empowerment, and health. The NGO connects philanthropists, corporations, other non-profits and innovators with developing communities and local NGOs. The organization is fully accredited with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Evaluations on various projects can be found on the NGO’s website, alongside information on donations, volunteer opportunities and careers.

What is poverty? Read our article to learn what poverty is, its causes, and how you can take action.

#2. Amnesty International Australia

Amnesty International, which is based in the UK, has organizations around the world, including in Australia. The NGO was founded in 1961 and has grown into one of the world’s largest advocacy organizations. It has several campaigns addressing areas like refugee rights, climate justice, child rights, the death penalty and much more. Amnesty’s “Write For Rights” campaign, which is the NGO’s flagship letter-writing campaign, has been in operation for over two decades.

#3. Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC)

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) began in 2001. Once a student-run and community-funded food bank, ASRC has grown into an independent, community-led organization. It’s now the largest human rights organization supporting people seeking asylum in Australia. Its 40 programs address food and material aid, healthcare, support services, legal aid, education and training, and more. Thanks to community support, staff and volunteers, the Centre helps around 7,000 people each year. As an independent organization, ASRC does not accept government funds.

#4. Australian Human Rights Commission

The Australian Human Rights Commission is a bit different from the other organizations on this list because it was established by an act of Federal Parliament. Despite this, it is an independent, third-party organization. As Australia’s National Human Rights Institution, its work includes investigating and conciliating discrimination and human rights complaints, providing guidelines to employers, advocating to the government and others for human rights, and providing legal advice. They also promote human rights through training and education, events and discussion, media outreach, digital resources and social media communication.

#5. Australian Red Cross

The Australian Red Cross is part of a worldwide humanitarian aid network that reaches millions of people each year through National Societies. The Australian Branch of the British Red Cross Society was founded in 1914 after WWI began. Australia was recognized as its own national society in 1927. The organization mobilizes during natural disasters, war and other emergencies. The website offers resources for students, parents, educators, businesses and journalists, as well as information on how to become an Australian Red Cross member, how to donate, and how to volunteer.

You may also like: Global Health and Humanitarianism (Online Course)

#6. Australia for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTAR)

Australia for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTAR) describes itself as a “trusted Ally and Thought Leader” that offers information on First Nations rights and works for First Nations rights and justice. Since 1927, the organization has campaigned on key issues for First Nations people and communities, such as truth-telling, cultural heritage, justice, racism, voice and more. The NGO’s ultimate goal is creating a just Australia where the rights of First Peoples are “recognized, respected and enjoyed.” ANTAR is a non-partisan, independent non-profit affiliated with a national network of state and territory groups.

#7. CARE Australia

CARE Australia is an international humanitarian aid NGO focused on ending global poverty and addressing the needs of women and girls. It’s been operating for over 70 years across 94 countries. In 2019-2019, CARE Australia helped over 2.7 million people across 25 countries and responded to 14 emergencies across 21 countries. Because women and girls are among the most vulnerable groups in the world, CARE works to empower them through healthcare, education, employment and so on. The organization prioritizes good governance, disability inclusion, climate change resilience, and lessons and impact.

#8. Caritas Australia

Caritas Australia is an aid agency of the Australian Catholic Church. It focuses on eradicating poverty and injustice. The NGO is a member of Caritas Internationalis, which is one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world. Through locally-led programs, the NGO responds to emergencies, provides education, implements sustainable development, advocates for fair policies and addresses water sanitation issues. Its website offers resources and toolkits for schools, parishes, individuals, corporations, philanthropists and others. The NGO’s work is based on courage, compassion, stewardship and partnership.

#9. ChildFund Australia

ChildFund Australia is an independent international development NGO focused on children and young people. It’s part of the ChildFund Alliance, which is a global network of 11 organizations assisting almost 36 million kids and families in 70 countries. Its programs address child safety, education, public health, food security, empowerment and much more. ChildFund Australia is a member of the Australian Council for International Development, a signatory to the ACFID Code of Conduct and the ACFID Fundraising Charter, and a member of Accountable Now, which is a platform committed to transparency and impact. The organization used to employ child sponsorship as a strategy but is now transitioning to different methods.

Interested in learning more about NGOs that protect children’s rights? Here’s our article on 11 organizations offering children’s rights jobs.

#10. Human Rights Law Centre

The Human Rights Law Centre is an independent organization dedicated to human rights. Using strategic legal action, advocacy and policy solutions, the NGO works to end inequalities and injustice in Australia. Its impact areas include protecting democratic freedoms, partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, promoting the rights of asylum-seekers and refugees, and strengthening the legal and institutional protection of human rights. The Centre takes on a few cases each year, which are developed with other organizations according to the Centre’s strategic priorities. You can find resources on the website, such as reports and explainers, as well as information about donations, careers and volunteer opportunities.

You may also like: International Human Rights Law (Online Course)

#11. Oaktree

Oaktree is a youth-run organization focused on empowering kids to make an impact in their communities and the world. The NGO does this by providing resources, connecting youth-led organizations, advocating and campaigning for sustainable development and children’s rights, and providing skill-building opportunities for kids. Through the Oaktree Youth Solidarity Fund, Oaktree partners with youth-led organizations from across the Asia-Pacific region. Every year, Oaktree selects members based on the project they want to run. Members are given flexible grants and become part of the OYSF Network. In 2022, the fund launched with five partners who met through the year to share skills and support one another. Oaktree is a member of the Australian Council for International Development.

#12. Oxfam Australia

Oxfam Australia is part of Oxfam International, one of the world’s largest anti-poverty organizations. With partners, allies, communities and supporters, Oxfam Australia uses a human rights-based approach to development. Its priority areas include climate change, gender equality, economic inequality, humanitarian aid, safety and First Peoples justice. In 2021-2022, Oxfam Australia helped over 14 million people in crisis, raised more than $1.3 million through Trailwalker, and raised more than $30,000 at the NGO’s annual Comedy Gala. Oxfam Australia’s website offers impact reports and information on donations, volunteering and careers.

#13. Partners in Aid

Established in 1962, Partners in Aid provides support for communities in countries like India, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. Once focused on shipping livestock, the organization has since expanded to community health and economic development. Today, Partners in Aid partners with the All Bengal Women’s Union and Social Education and Development Society in India; the Singanpad Association in the Philippines; and Y Gro in Sri Lanka. The website offers detailed reports on the NGO’s projects, as well as resources and information on membership, donations, careers and volunteering.

#14. Refugee Migrant Children Centre (RMCC)

The Refugee Migrant Children Centre supports school-aged kids from refugee and migrant backgrounds as they begin a life in Australia. RMCC partners with schools that have large numbers of kids from migrant and refugee backgrounds. They host after-school programs, which makes it convenient for kids to attend and strengthens communities. Programs are specialized and co-designed with the kids and families RMCC serves. Examples include after-school mentoring programs for secondary-school and primary-school students, school holiday programs, a supporting prep program, and educational material aid. RMCC also runs programs online and works with support services and local councils. You can find more information about donations, volunteer opportunities, and careers on the NGO’s website.

Australia is facing many social issues. Here are 15 of the most important examples.

#15. Transform Aid International

Transform Aid International is an anti-poverty Christian organization partnering with other Christian organizations around the world. It works with 36 in-country project partners in 20 countries through Baptist World Aid, which is supported by Australians. The NGO’s goal is to build leadership and capacity at a grassroots level. Partners and alliances include ACFID, Integral Alliance and the Australian government. You can find policies, documents, career, and board member information on the NGO’s website.

The post The 15 Biggest NGOs in Australia appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the 21st century, the significance of understanding and addressing pressing social issues cannot be overstated. To navigate this complex terrain, we have curated a list of 40 courses that delve into crucial topics shaping the world in 2024. From climate change to migration, each course offers comprehensive insights, empowering learners to contribute meaningfully to positive societal change.

#1 Climate Change

The impacts of climate change are far-reaching. They affect our health, livelihoods, economic systems, and overall well-being. Vulnerable communities are disproportionately affected, disease patterns are altered, people are forced to leave uninhabitable areas, food shortages are on the rise and conflicts erupt. Those most affected contribute the least to climate change. With 2023 being the hottest year on record, 2024 could become even worse. The need for bold and fast collective action is evident. The courses below look at different dimensions of climate change from the science behind it to the ways to take action.

#2 Racism

Racism involves the systemic discrimination, prejudice, and unequal treatment of individuals or groups based on their race or ethnicity within society. It extends beyond individual attitudes and encompasses institutional and structural practices that perpetuate inequality.  Examples include biased hiring practices, discriminatory housing policies, laws that favor one group over the other. According to a survey with people of African descent that was conducted by the EU Fundamental Rights Agency , 45% of respondents experienced racism in the past 5 years. People who are victims of racism often experience limited access to social, economic, and political opportunities. Racism is bad for every society and it often leads to unjust arrests, harassment and violence. The courses below explore different aspects of racism, from its history and root causes, to identifying racism and ways to take action against it.

#3 Poverty 

Poverty is a social issue that significantly affects individuals, families, and communities. It often arises from systemic and structural factors within society and is exacerbated by global crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic, wars and climate change. Poverty often has severe impacts on all areas of life including access to education, healthcare, employment and housing. According to estimates by the UN, 670 million people are facing extreme poverty today. The courses below look at different aspects of poverty in a national, regional and international context. You will learn about the root causes and key factors, hardships people living in poverty are experiencing, and the tools and strategies you can use to take action.

#4 Healthcare

The way healthcare is organized, funded, and distributed within a society has profound implications for the overall health of its population. Marginalized communities often experience healthcare disparities and face barriers to accessing essential medical care. According to the World Health Organization, half of the world lacks access to essential health services. Disadvantaged neighborhoods lack adequate healthcare infrastructure. High healthcare costs exacerbate poverty. The courses below look at healthcare issues from a variety of perspectives including health inequalities and healthcare advocacy.

#5 Migration / Refugee Rights

According to UNHCR, the global refugee population reached 36.4 million at mid-2023, an increase of 3 per cent from the end of 2022. Moreover, 117 million people were forcibly displaced or stateless in 2023. 52% of all refugees originated from Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine. Addressing the social aspects of migration involves providing support for refugees and displaced populations, addressing their basic needs, and promoting social stability. In their new homes, migrants often face discrimination, xenophobia, and unequal treatment, requiring efforts to address underlying social prejudices. The courses below tackle various aspects of migration, from global facts and figures to specific case studies.

#6 Child Rights

Child rights revolve around the recognition and protection of the fundamental rights and well-being of children within a society. Ensuring the rights of children is not only a moral imperative but also crucial for building a just, equitable, and sustainable society. More than 1 billion children are estimated to experience physical, sexual or emotional violence every year. In places where human rights are neglected or oppressed, children often suffer the most. They are especially vulnerable to hazards during times of crises. The courses below are free to audit, you can choose to obtain a verified certificate for an extra fee.

#7 Gender Equality

Gender equality seeks to eliminate discrimination, biases, and stereotypes. It seeks to promote fairness and equal opportunities for everyone. Despite more efforts in recent years, many inequalities persist. In fact, progress has been marginal since 2015. Women are still getting paid less than men for the same work, they are frequently subjected to intimate partner violence and are deprived of their bodily autonomy. The first step to change is education. Below are several courses that focus on a broad or more specific aspect of gender equality and the ways how we can create change.

#8 Social Justice

Social justice refers to the fair and just distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society. It involves recognizing and addressing the inequalities and injustices that exist based on factors such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, disability, and other characteristics. The goal of social justice is to create a society where all individuals have equal access to opportunities, rights, and resources. Social justice is multifaceted and intersectional. Because of that, the courses below look at how social justice connects with issues such as feminism, communities, love and energy.

#9 Mental Health 

Mental Health has profound implications for individuals, families, communities, and society as a whole. According to the NHS, in 2023, about 1 in 5 children and young people aged 8 to 25 years had a probable mental disorder. Covid-19 and its consequences further exacerbated the situation. Learning more about mental health, its signs and symptoms, is crucial to address it. The courses below look at different aspects of mental health from well-being and resilience, to mindfulness and positive thinking.

#10 Clean Water

We all depend on clean water. Without it we get severely ill or die. With the effects of climate change, water is getting more scarce and less available in many regions of the world. According to World Vision more than 770 million people lack access to safe water. Access alone isn’t enough. Women and girls spend 200 million hours per day carrying water. Moreover, almost 500 million people are forced to defecate in the open and 1.69 billion don’t have access to adequate sanitation. The courses below look at various aspects of water access, laws and distribution, from urban water systems to current environmental policies.

Note: If you would like to obtain a certificate in more than one course, you might want want to consider a Coursera plus subscription. Make sure the courses you want to take are included. You can check here. As of January 2024 the subscription is available at a discount.

The post 40 Top-Rated Social Issues Courses to Study in 2024 appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Starting a job in human rights can be quite intense. You’ll learn about new team members, processes, terminology, working culture, projects, goals and so much more. Although you should receive an induction in your new job, many organizations struggle to allocate an appropriate amount of time and resources to onboard new employees. We’ve curated a list of 10 courses that might ease your transition by equipping you with skills that are helpful in most contexts. All courses below are included in Coursera plus, which is currently available at a discount. If you do not have access to a suitable payment method, consider applying for financial aid.

Explore courses

#1 Human Rights for Open Societies (Utrecht University)

Offered by the University of Utrecht, this course explores the challenges faced by human rights worldwide, including violent suppression of protests and discrimination. Focusing on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the course guides participants on when and how to address human rights violations through the European Court of Human Rights. Covering issues like freedom of expression, voting rights, discrimination, and rights of vulnerable groups, the course is beneficial for individuals entering human rights organizations or seeking to enhance their knowledge in this field. It provides a comprehensive understanding of human rights, emphasizing their importance in fostering an open and equal society.

#2 Getting started with Microsoft Teams (Microsoft)

In a human rights job, effective administration is crucial for coordinating efforts, sharing information, and working together. Team members often need to collaborate across different geographical areas and time zones. Organizations like Amnesty International and the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) are using Microsoft Teams for emails, meetings and chats. If you are working in one of the offices, you will be using Microsoft Teams on most days. To get a head start, it makes sense to learn the basics.

#3 Foundations of Project Management (Google)

Project management is essential in human rights work: to navigate complex initiatives, allocate resources effectively, respond promptly to urgent issues, facilitate collaboration, measure impact, manage risks, maintain accountability, and strategically plan for the advancement of human rights goals. Regardless of your role in a human rights organization, you will use project management methods and tools frequently. Needs assessments, evaluation surveys, stakeholder mapping, project planning and budgeting are just some of the areas you will be involved in. In this course you will acquire basic project management skills, explore the project management life cycle, and learn about roles and responsibilities. While every human rights organization has their “own way of doing” things, this course will equip you with a helpful foundation.

#4 International Organizations Management (University of Geneva)

Speaking from my own experience, it takes years until you “understand” a complex human rights organization. This includes learning about global structures, strategic frameworks, working culture, power dynamics, internal politics and much more. While you’ll have to learn most of these things on the job, there are aspects you can explore already beforehand. This course on international organizations management introduces you to global organizations, focusing on the United Nations. You’ll learn about its mandate, objectives, structure, and activities, covering areas such as humanitarian protection, human rights, peace and security, and economic development. Although the UN is unique, many of the learnings in the course can be applied to other organizations. In any case familiarizing with the terminology used in the course will be a great asset when starting a job in human rights.

#5 Positive Psychology: Resilience (University of Pennsylvania)

If you are similar to me when I started, self-care and resilience won’t be your top priority. After 10 years working in human rights I think very differently about it. Human rights work is tough. Resilience is crucial. Developing routines for self-care and strengthening your resilience is essential. Without it the risk of burning out is very high. In this course by University of Pennsylvania you will learn about the protective factors that make a person resilient, you will learn strategies to reduce anxiety, and you will learn to identify issues that undermine resilience. If you choose to take only one course in this list, this is the one you should take to ensure you can – sustainably and for a long time – contribute to human rights impact.

#6 Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector (University of Buffalo)

If you’re moving from a business job to a nonprofit job, you’ll discover surprising similarities. Nonprofits often require the same skills and competencies. However, there are some crucial differences too. The nonprofit sector has its own unique dynamics, structures, and challenges. This course by University of Buffalo provides insights into how nonprofit organizations operate, their goals, and the broader social impact they seek. You will learn about the different roles and responsibilities in nonprofit organizations and you will explore governance and leadership models. Learning about these topics can help you better navigate the organizational complexities. It might also enable you to better understand how your role fits into the bigger picture and how it contributes to the organization’s impact.

#7 Improving Leadership & Governance in Nonprofit Organizations (University of Buffalo)

If you found the previous course engaging, consider diving further into leadership and governance with the “Improving Leadership & Governance in Nonprofit Organizations” course. This program equips participants to identify and analyze leadership and governance issues within nonprofit organizations. It provides practical strategies for enhancing board performance and guides individuals in working collaboratively with boards to implement these improvements. This course is especially valuable for those transitioning from leadership roles in the corporate sector, offering a valuable tool for learning and reflection before taking on new challenges in the human rights field.

#8 Global Perspectives of DEI in the Workplace (University of Colorado)

Even the most renowned human rights organizations still have a lot of work to do when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). This course encourages participants to reflect on their personal experiences and understand how these experiences shape their beliefs. Participants will identify strategies for resisting and surviving marginalization, and learn how they can establish support and awareness for marginalized groups. Upon completion, participants will be better prepared to integrate DEI principles into the workplace and adept at recognizing and addressing bias in recruitment. Overall the topics covered in this course are highly relevant for everyone working in the human rights sector, with diverse teams and on sensitive human rights topics.

#9 Negotiation, Mediation and Conflict Resolution (ESSEC Business School)

Most human rights jobs require skills in negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution. As advocacy officer you might negotiate with government officials about policy changes, as a staff member you might mediate between colleagues and as a manager you might engage in conflict resolution on sensitive topics. With a focus on negotiation skills, cross-cultural competence, and conflict resolution, this course provides a practical learning experience through case studies and online negotiations with peers. The program includes a Capstone Project, allowing learners to apply their knowledge in analyzing negotiation situations, conducting negotiations in challenging environments, and resolving conflicts as mediators.

#10 Effective Communication: Writing, Design, and Presentation (University of Colorado)

This course focuses on some of the core tasks in most human rights roles: writing, design and presentation. You will learn how to craft clear documents, design visually appealing presentations and speak more confidently in front of your team or the public. Overall, the course provides a practical, step-by-step guide to refine your communication strategies. In the context of human rights work, where effective expression is vital, this course serves as a valuable tool for articulating new ideas persuasively in the workplace.

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The post 10 Courses to Prepare for Your Human Rights Job appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

For decades, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have played a huge role in humanitarian aid and international affairs. They address issues such as poverty, health inequality, gender inequality, natural disasters and much more. While it’s difficult to know exactly how many NGOs there are, there could be millions actively working today. In this article, we’ll list the 15 biggest NGOs based in the USA. “Biggest” has a variety of meanings, but for our list, we’re considering their financials and overall influence. Some NGOs on the list have smaller revenues than others, but their social, political and cultural influence warrants their inclusion.

#1. Feeding America

In the late 1960s, while visiting a local meal program, a mother suggested there should be a place where people could pick up stored food. Her idea ushered in the creation of food banks. Feeding America is part of a nationwide network of food banks, pantries and meal programs. The US-based organization has several programs, including mobile pantries, drive-thru pantries, summer meal programs, a kid’s cafe and a school pantry program. The network boasts 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries that serve 1 in 7 Americans. According to the Forbes 2022 ranking of the 100 largest U.S. Charities, Feeding America’s total revenue is around $4.2 billion.

#2. United Way Worldwide

United Way Worldwide is an international network of over 1,800 local nonprofit fundraising affiliates. According to its website, its goal is to promote equitable communities, improve education, strengthen economic mobility and make communities healthier. It’s been operating for over 135 years. While it’s based in the United States, United Way Worldwide works in 37 countries and territories. It has around 11.5 million volunteers, 6.8 donors and 45,000 corporate partners. On the Forbes ranking, United Way Worldwide’s revenue was around $3.8 billion.

#3. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude is a pediatric research and treatment facility based in Memphis, Tennessee. Entertainer Danny Thomas founded the hospital in 1962. Since its founding, St. Jude has focused on children’s diseases, in particular cancer. It also has treatment programs for infectious diseases, immunodeficiency diseases, blood disorders and sickle cell disease. Patients are not charged for their treatment. St. Jude’s total revenue was just over $2.4 billion according to Forbes’ ranking.

#4. The Salvation Army

While The Salvation Army is based in England, it has a large presence in the United States. It is an international charitable organization and a Protestant Christian church. According to its website, its mission is to “preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.” The organization runs charity shops, homeless shelters, service programs for the elderly, disaster relief programs and food pantries. On the Forbes 2022 ranking, it had a total revenue of $5.8 billion.

Interested in working at an NGO? Here’s our article on NGO jobs. 

#5. Direct Relief

Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization operating in every state in the United States and over 80 countries. It addresses issues like health equity, poverty and disaster relief. It’s been active since 1948. According to its website, Direct Relief is the largest charitable medicine program in the U.S. Its nonprofit health centers and clinics provide services to more than 30 million U.S. residents. Thanks to Direct Relief, people have increased access to prescription medicine, emergency medical supplies, IUDs and specialty medications for diseases like cancer and hepatitis. According to the Forbes 2022 ranking, Direct Relief had a total revenue of $2.2 billion.

#6. Good360

For 40 years, Good360’s goal has been to close “close the need gap.” It helps nonprofits get the goods they need, so their budgets can go toward programs and services. The organization, which is based in Virginia, USA, has over 100,000 nonprofit members and 400+ corporate donors. In 2022, Good360 distributed more than $2.5 billion in needed goods, which include mattresses, clothing, protective gear, drinking water and much more. On the Forbes charity ranking for the same year, the organization’s total revenue was $1.69 billion.

#7. Goodwill Industries International

Goodwill was founded in 1902 in Boston, Massachusetts. The organization collects donated household goods and clothing for sale. A portion of the money is then used for Goodwill’s education and workforce-related services. It partners with corporations like Indeed, Walmart, Bank of America and Coursera. In 2022, Goodwill served over 2.1 million people globally and helped almost 129,000 people train for jobs in banking, IT, healthcare and more. Its total revenue was $7.4 billion according to the Forbes ranking.

#8. YMCA of the USA

Often known as “the Y,” the YMCA of the USA is a nonprofit guided by Christian principles. The organization, which was founded in London in 1844, has grown to serve more than 64 million people in 120 countries. Its goal is to strengthen communities and create opportunities for everyone. It works in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Programs include camps, swim classes, meal programs, sports leagues and so on. In 2022, the YMCA’s total revenue was $7.4 billion, according to the Forbes ranking.

Check out our article on 15 of the biggest NGOs in the world.

#9. Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is a US-based Christian nonprofit founded in 1976. It operates out of the state of Georgia but is active in more than 70 countries around the world. With families, communities, volunteers and partners, Habitat for Humanity works to increase access to housing. Its advocacy focuses on policy reform, while it’s also famous for building houses. Its other activities include older adults’ home repair, disaster response and neighborhood revitalization. According to the Forbes 2022 ranking, its total revenue was $2.1 billion.

#10. AmeriCares

For over 40 years, AmeriCares has focused on health equity. It works in health crises, medicine security and health services. While based in the United States, the organization provides dozens of countries with medicine, health services and medical supplies. Its goal is to improve the health of everyone it serves because health is a human right. According to its annual report from 2022, the organization responded to 36 emergencies, delivered 172 tons of medicine and supplies to Ukraine, and reached 3 million people with medicine.

#11. Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch (HRW) is a New York-based organization that researches and advocates for human rights. It has around 550 people from 70+ countries working as country experts, journalists, lawyers and other professionals who protect refugees, children and civilians during war. HRW investigates human rights abuses, exposes culprits through reports and social media, and meets with governments, corporations, the UN and others to advocate for change and justice. Since its establishment in 1978, HRW has been a part of some major victories for human rights, including the banning of landmines worldwide.

#12. Human Rights Campaign

Established in 1980, the Human Rights Campaign is the largest LGBTQ+ political lobbying organization in the United States. According to its website, it has over 3 million members and supporters worldwide and reaches 9 million people across its digital platforms. Program areas include children and families; public education and research; health and aging; transgender justice; workplace equality; and HIV and health equity. According to the organization’s 2022 990 form, the Human Rights Campaign had just over 20 million in net assets.

#13. Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood is a US-based reproductive healthcare nonprofit founded in 1916. It has grown into a national network of around 600 health centers operated by affiliates. It also works with more than 100 local organizations in Africa and Latin America to improve access to healthcare and education. It provides a range of services such as birth control, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and screenings for cervical and other types of cancer. Some Planned Parenthood health centers can also provide abortions. In 2021-2022, the organization saw 2.13 patients, provided 2.3 million birth control services and performed over 470,000 pap tests and breast exams.

Why should people consider working for an NGO? Here’s our article of 15 reasons.

#14. American Red Cross

The American Red Cross, which was founded in 1881, is a health-focused humanitarian nonprofit that provides disaster relief, disaster preparedness education and emergency assistance. It offers overnight shelters, training services, blood drives and more. While the Red Cross offers services to everyone, it also has specific programs and services for military members, veterans and their families. According to the 2022 annual report, the organization served over 2 million meals and snacks with partners, reached over 1.8 million kids through home fire preparedness programs, and supported 36 countries with disaster response.

#15. International Rescue Committee

Established in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) focuses on people affected by conflict and disaster. The nonprofit provides healthcare, education, and other services that help empower communities and individuals. According to the IRC’s website, the organization reached over 32.9 million people in 2022. Their impact included supporting over 3,000 health facilities, enrolling over 800,000 kids and youth in learning programs, and providing over 8 million primary health care consultations. While IRC is based in New York, USA, it works in over 50 countries.

The post The Biggest 15 NGOs in the USA appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Crises like war, climate change, disease outbreaks and extreme poverty affect people of all ages, but children are uniquely disenfranchised. According to groups like the United Nations, children make up more than 50% of those living in extreme poverty. This makes them more vulnerable to poor health, violence, and exploitation. Governments also often neglect to establish legal protections for children, which makes it much harder for kids and families to obtain assistance and justice. Charities around the world help fill the gaps with humanitarian aid and economic empowerment, while many also provide platforms for young people to speak for themselves. In this article, we’ll go over 15 trusted charities focused on helping children.

#1. Save the Children

In 1919, Eglantyne Jebb witnessed children dying of hunger and disease after the end of WWI. She created the Save the Children fund to raise money. Today, the organization has grown into an international umbrella group with members in 120+ countries. Five core values drive the nonprofit’s work: accountability, integrity, ambition, collaboration and creativity. Programs vary across countries, but Save the Children’s priority areas include hunger and famine, the climate crisis, education, health and poverty in America. The organization has earned many accolades over the years, such as a 2023 top-rated award from the Great Nonprofits Top-Rated Awards and an A- from CharityWatch.

#2. Oxfam

Founded in England, Oxfam is a leading organization fighting poverty and injustice. It works with a global network of local organizations to deliver clean water, food, money and education to communities affected by climate change, disease, war and other urgent issues. While Oxfam doesn’t focus exclusively on children, its work on poverty, gender equality, economic justice and climate action are vital to the rights and safety of kids. CharityNavigator gives Oxfam America a 99% score, which makes it a four-star charity, the highest rating given by Charity Navigator. CharityWatch gave Oxfam a B+ in 2021.

#3. UNICEF

UNICEF (officially called the United Nations Children’s Fund) is an agency of the UN and charity providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children. It works in over 190 countries and territories on areas such as child survival, education, emergencies, gender, child protection and much more. It was founded in 1946 and relies on contributions from private donors and governments. On Charity Navigator, UNICEF USA has a 92% and four-star rating. CharityWatch gave UNICEF USA an A grade in 2021.

#4. Plan International

Plan International, which works in over 80 countries, is a developmental and humanitarian nonprofit working to advance children’s rights and gender equality. Founded in 1937, it works to empower children, make changes in practice and policy, work with kids and communities on crisis response, and support children from birth to adulthood. It has programs focused on education, protection from violence, youth empowerment, sexual and reproductive rights, early childhood development, skills and works, and emergencies. Plan International USA has a 100% score and four stars on Charity Navigator, while Plan International Inc. has an 86%.

Interested in learning more about child rights and protection? Here’s our list of 7 online courses.

#5. Right to Play

For more than two decades, this international organization has worked to help kids stay in school, graduate, stay safe and heal from the traumas of war and abuse. Founded in 1994, Right To Play now reaches millions of kids in 15 countries through programs focused on games, sports, creative play and free play. Right to Play’s goal is to empower 100 million kids by 2030. Through the power of play, the organization wants to empower girls, build peaceful communities, protect boys from violence, prevent HIV and do better in school. Right to Play has a 100% score and a four-star rating from Charity Navigator.

#6. Child Rights International Network

Child Rights International Network describes itself as a “creative human rights organization with a focus on children’s rights.” It seeks to challenge the status quo regarding children and young people’s place in society by advocating for rights – not charity – to shift how governments and culture treat young people. It uses research, art, policy and advocacy to articulate its mission. Its priorities include access to justice, age assessment, bodily integrity, children’s rights in the digital age, sexual violence and more.

#7. Amnesty International

Established in 1961, Amnesty International is one of the world’s largest advocacy NGOs. It may have as many as ten million members and supporters around the world. Through advocacy campaigns, including its famous letter-writing campaign, Amnesty International raises awareness of human rights abuses and petitions governments to take action. Its priority areas include armed conflict, climate change, discrimination, torture, police brutality and child rights. Amnesty International monitors human rights violations against children and hosts a free online child rights education course. Charity Navigator gives Amnesty International a 99% and four-star rating.

According to UNICEF, child labor affects around 1 in 10 children. Here’s our article on Child Labor 101.

#8. International Literacy Association

The International Literacy Association (ILA) is a professional membership organization with more than 300,000 literary educators, researchers and educators from 128 countries. The group advocates for children’s rights to read, as well as excellent literacy instruction and equitable access to education, resources and opportunities. ILA performs its work through publishing research, creating resources for educators, providing professional development and supporting teachers and other literacy professionals. Charity Navigator gives ILA a 100% and four-star score.

#9. Children’s Defense Fund

The Children’s Defense Fund has strong roots in the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. Marian Wright Edelman, the first Black woman admitted to the Mississippi Bar, founded the Children’s Defense Fund in 1973 to call on the government to improve its policies and programs for children. Today, the Fund operates a range of programs such as Freedom Schools and Beat the Odds. The organization’s goal is to work directly with kids and youth to help empower them. Its priorities include health, poverty, early childhood, youth justice and racial justice. The Children’s Defense Fund has a 99%, four-star rating from Charity Navigator. CharityWatch gave the charity an A grade in 2020.

#10. Children’s Rights Alliance

Established in 1995, the Ireland-based Children’s Rights Alliance has created a network of over 100 members working to improve children’s rights in Ireland. With 17 other organizations, the Alliance makes up the Community and Voluntary Pillar of Social Partnership. The group is also a member of the Eurochild network and the Children’s Mental Health Coalition/Mental Health Reform. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child guides the charity’s principles. Current projects include children’s access to justice, reform for child refugees, child poverty and early childhood development.

#11. Global Fund for Children

The Global Fund for Children was founded in 1993 by Maya Ajmera, who was inspired after learning a group of children were living, attending school and begging on a train platform in India. The charity takes the approach that innovative, community-based organizations can use small amounts of money to make long-term impacts on children and youth. The Fund finds organizations, funds programs, advises and guides partners, and builds national and regional networks. Charity Navigator gave the Global Fund for Children a 99%, four-star score.

#12. World Vision

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian aid, development and advocacy organization. It operates in over 100 countries with over 33,000 staff members, making it one of the world’s largest NGOs. It doesn’t focus exclusively on children, but child rights and protection is one of its target areas. It also works on education, economic development, health and nutrition, and clean water and sanitation. World Vision has a 94%, four-star score from Charity Navigator. Charity Watch gave the organization an A grade in 2022.

#13. Defence for Children

Defence for Children International (DCI) is a child rights, membership-based grassroots movement. Founded in 1979, the organization believes children should have full human rights and dignity. Its priorities include children affected by armed conflict, children on the move, violence against children and children deprived of liberty. It also pays special attention to gender equality and child participation. Because the DCI has a unique structure, its National Sections operate as grassroots organizations that identify and create programs that directly correspond to what kids in their countries need. The charity also partners with entities like the European Union and the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

Women’s empowerment is closely linked to children’s rights. Here’s our article on women’s empowerment jobs.

#14. Children International

Children International began in 1936 as a Christian mission providing food baskets and medical care in Israel. The organization has since expanded around the world, including countries in Asia, South America, Africa, and North and Central America. Its programs focus on health, education, empowerment and employment. Through its work, the organization helps more than 200,000 children and their families break out of poverty. Its recognitions include a 100% from Charity Navigator and an A- from Charity Watch.

#15. Malala Fund

Malala and Ziauddin Yousafzai founded the Malala Fund in 2013. The charity’s goal is to ensure all girls receive their right to 12 years of safe, free and good-quality education. The Fund invests in education advocates and community activists working to improve access to education in places where that right is threatened. Target regions include Turkey, India, Nigeria, Brazil, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Malala Fund also works in advocacy and research. Charity Navigator gave the Malala Fund a 100%, four-star rating.

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We are recruiting our next Junior Professional Officers to the OSCE in Vienna!

If you are a skilled graduate with enthusiasm and curiosity to join the OSCE, the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme might be the right choice for you and the beginning of an exciting international career journey. The overall goal of the JPO Programme is to provide our JPOs with an overview of the Organisation, its programmatic approach and regulatory framework and to offer hands-on experience with OSCE projects and activities in the Secretariat and in our Field Missions. The programme offers young professionals an opportunity to build a professional career in the multilateral international cooperation and equip them with skills and abilities necessary to work in a multicultural environment. The JPO Programme is a great opportunity to get a foothold in the international civil service sector. During their 24 months assignment, JPOs will work at two different duty stations and can potentially focus on two different subject areas. First, there will be a twelve-months period at the Secretariat (March 2024 until March 2025) followed by another twelve-months period in one of the OSCE field operations (April 2025 until April 2026).

During this round the Junior Professional Offer Programme is targeting candidates for positions in a wide range of thematic areas. Candidates must indicate their preference for a maximum of three thematic areas of interest in order of preference in their application. For more information about the thematic areas available, please see Terms of Reference.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Typical Tasks and Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Conducting thematic research, or surveys and analyses, and assisting in drafting research papers, policy reports or concept papers for the department/office of assignment;
• Preparing policy work and background material for events, meetings or trips; assisting in the organization of meetings and events, communicating and networking with different partners and stakeholders;
• Assisting in the preparation of written materials such as briefing papers, memos, talking points, speeches, newsletters, and presentations on specific issues related to the department of assignment;
• Providing logistic and administrative support in the implementation, development and monitoring of projects;
• Attending and providing support to various OSCE meetings, such as regular meetings of the OSCE decision-making and OSCE-related bodies;
• Performing legal research and analysis and providing legal support for the preparation of legal opinions, studies, reports or correspondence, contracts, etc.;
• Gaining insight into and participating in audit/evaluation related assignments;
• Supporting the organization of events, meetings, regional workshops, round-tables and conferences including administering participants, communicating with participants/speakers, preparing and distributing materials and assisting with visa applications and hotel arrangements and online arrangements;
• Providing support to OSCE learning activities; developing visuals and promotional materials;
• Supporting with developing and publishing engaging content for the OSCE social media channels and the OSCE website; website updates, the production of booklets and leaflets and communication related events and outreach activities; organization and facilitation of webinars.

Qualifications:

• Candidates should be under the age of 32 on the deadline of this vacancy notice;
• As the national nominating authority for OSCE, a requirement is that you are a Norwegian citizen;
• Completed first-level university degree in a field of study relevant to OSCE’s mandate. This may include degrees in: Political Science, International Relations, Human Rights, Law, politico-military aspects of security, Criminal Justice, Peace and Conflict studies, Educational/Social sciences, Public Policy, Business Administration, Human Resources, Economics, Environmental studies, Information Technology, Media studies, Gender studies;
• Previous work experience in a relevant field would be an asset;
• Professional fluency in English, both oral and written, and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely is mandatory; knowledge of other OSCE official languages would be an asset;
• Awareness of the importance of integrating a diversity perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds whilst maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Demonstrated open-mindedness, flexibility, high motivation and readiness to take on challenges;
• Computer literacy with practical experience with Microsoft applications.

The main competencies of a NORCAP Expert: 

• Building working relationships
• Planning and organising
• Adaptability
• Resilience

What we offer

• Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation
• Access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals
• Join NORCAP’s team of experts and be considered for future assignments elsewhere
• A dedicated Staff Care Unit

How to apply

• When submitting your application, kindly register in English your full employment history and education. Please include your full name as written in your passport. Uploaded CVs alone will not be reviewed.
• NORCAP values diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion or disability.
• NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates
• Approved Health Certificate will be required prior to contract commencement and assignment
• Feedback will be given to all applicants within four weeks after the closing of this advertisement.
• Apply before 26th November 2023,11.59PM CET

NORDEM is NORCAP`s programme on human rights, democracy and peace. NORDEM has a longstanding partnership with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Norwegian experts have been seconded to support the Secretariat in Vienna and the various OSCE institutions and field missions.

APPLY HERE

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Charity groups have existed for centuries. Early organizations often addressed poverty or needs related to war. Many consider The Anti-Slavery Society, founded in 1839, to be the first international NGO. The term “NGO”, however, didn’t emerge until 1945. Chapter 10, Article 71 of the United Nations Charter defines “non-governmental organizations” as organizations with a consultative role with the UN. Today, the term “NGO” is a bit broader and includes organizations like Amnesty International and Doctors Without Borders. NGOs have spread extensively across the world, numbering in the millions. Interested in working for an NGO? Here’s our quick guide to NGO jobs.

What types of jobs are available at NGOs?

Because of the many types of NGOs, NGO professionals work in just about every field. NGOs need researchers, project managers, finance officers and more. Here are eight job descriptions:

Research manager

Research managers coordinate and manage an NGO’s research projects. Many types of NGOs depend on research, so the content can include business, health, torture, LGBTQ+ rights, and more. Research managers work with a team to develop and monitor methodologies and processes. They also analyze the collected research, create reports and present findings. Most research managers need at least a bachelor’s degree in a field like statistics, economics or psychology. Advanced degrees are often preferred alongside previous research experience.

NGO project manager

Project managers at NGOs are responsible for overseeing project development and execution, guiding a team, submitting activity reports, budgeting and monitoring the project processes. Because managers are deeply involved in a project from start to finish, it’s a big job. They need excellent leadership and communication skills, including the ability to delegate responsibilities, motivate a team and communicate with an NGO’s stakeholders. A candidate should have at least a bachelor’s degree, though many organizations prefer advanced degrees. Previous work experience – specifically in leadership – also increases a candidate’s chances.

Want to learn about more NGO job types? Here’s our list of 20 job types, their associated salaries, qualifications and tasks.

Finance officer

Finance officers oversee an NGO’s financial operations. Responsibilities include maintaining financial records, creating reports, preparing budgets and making financial recommendations. Officers work in close communication with other departments in the organization, ensuring that program funds are used appropriately and that all reporting is done on time. At least a bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration or a related field is necessary, although again, many NGOs want candidates with advanced degrees.

Communications officer

Communications officers are essential to an NGO’s branding, campaigning, PR and fundraising strategy. Their work can include developing long-term strategies for an organization, developing business plans, researching and creating communications materials like websites, annual reports and brochures. Communications officers also act as spokespeople for the NGO’s media events. Good candidates will have at least a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or a related field, as well as experience in a communications role.

Fundraisers

Fundraisers work on the financial side of an NGO. Their job is to generate funds. Activities can include promoting monthly donations, developing fundraising campaigns and organizing other events. Most fundraisers have at least a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business or a related field, although many NGOs like candidates with master’s degrees in nonprofit management or something similar. Good fundraisers have skills like excellent organization, problem-solving, budget management, and excellent communication.

If you’re interested in fundraising, check out our list of 10 master’s programs in fundraising and related areas.

Grant writer

Because most NGOs depend on grants for their operations, grant writers are essential. As a type of fundraiser, they’re responsible for identifying grants the organization is eligible for, writing proposals, balancing budgets and completing other tasks related to the grant. Most grant writers need at least a bachelor’s degree in a field like communications, while some NGOs prefer candidates with master’s degrees. A few years of grant-writing experience, excellent research skills, excellent communication skills and a deep understanding of the NGO world are also important.

Policy analyst

Policy analysts study the impact of laws and regulations on certain groups, organizations and society in general. Many organizations hire policy analysts to collect data on certain laws, develop policy recommendations and track legislation. As an example, an advocacy group focused on ending poverty will hire analysts to study how certain policies affect poverty rates and what policies can reduce poverty. Some policy analyst positions may only require a bachelor’s degree, but many NGOs want candidates with a master’s degree in a field like economics, political science or public policy. Work and research experience is also valuable.

Educator

Education is a human right, so many NGOs implement education-focused programs and initiatives into their work. Education professionals can work as managers, consultants, program directors, curriculum writers, policy analysts and so on. They may focus on traditional education (reading, writing, math, science, etc) or human rights education. Entry-level educator jobs typically require a bachelor’s degree (not necessarily in education), but a master’s degree is usually required for higher-level positions. Tasks may include developing and coordinating education programs, working in the field, creating curriculum and working directly with students.

NGOs like Plan International and Amnesty International offer careers in education. Here’s our list of 11 organizations.

Why are NGO jobs important?

NGOs play an important role in society on a local, national and international scale. While governments have a primary responsibility to help their citizens, they often fail for one reason or another. NGOs, depending on their goals, advance human rights, provide humanitarian relief and promote sustainable development. They work on issues like disaster relief, hunger, water and sanitation, gender inequality, climate change, children’s rights, education and much more. Their activities can focus on both short-term and long-term needs. Because of globalization, the NGO world is growing and needs qualified, trustworthy people to fill a variety of jobs.

Check out our article on why NGOs are important.

We know NGOs matter, but what do NGO workers get out of the job? While the work can be challenging – and even dangerous – there are many benefits. The first is the sheer volume of available careers. This article only scratches the surface of what NGOs offer, which work in every field. These jobs also provide professionals with countless skill-building and travel opportunities. NGO work can also make you eligible for student loan forgiveness and help you get into certain post-graduate programs. Working for an NGO can also be incredibly meaningful, and research consistently shows that “meaningfulness” is more important to most people than any other aspect of a job. If you find a job that feels meaningful, you’re more likely to feel content and motivated.

Where do NGO professionals work?

NGO professionals work all over the world in local, national, and international NGOs. Because NGOs serve such varied purposes, almost anyone with a college degree can find a role that fits their background. Professionals work in office settings and the field. Here are five of the world’s largest NGOs:

Oxfam International

This anti-poverty organization was established in 1942. It focuses on gender equality, water and sanitation, climate justice and disaster relief. It operates in over 90 countries, including Yemen and Syria. Oxfam also runs charity shops, most of which are based in the United Kingdom.

Amnesty International

With a presence in over 150 countries, Amnesty International is one of the world’s largest NGOs. It promotes human rights through regular advocacy campaigns. While it has a focus on ending the death penalty and torture, it works on ending every human rights abuse. Its priority areas include children’s rights, discrimination, armed conflict and international justice.

International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) was first founded in response to refugees leaving Germany following the rise of the Nazi Party. It now helps refugees affected by conflict, humanitarian disasters, climate change and other crises that cause displacement. IRC focuses on safety, economic well-being, empowerment, education, and the rights of women and girls.

Doctors Without Borders

Also known as Médecins Sans Frontières, Doctors Without Borders is a medical NGO. It addresses the consequences of conflict, natural disasters, disease outbreaks and more by addressing maternal health, malnutrition, HIV/AIDS and much more. At the time of writing, the NGO worked in over 70 countries.

Plan International

With a presence in over 75 countries, Plan International is a global humanitarian and development NGO. It focuses on children’s rights, education, sexual and reproductive health, youth empowerment and gender equality. It’s been in operation since 1937.

How do you become an NGO professional?

NGO work is extremely diverse, so there’s no one path to an NGO career. To increase your available options, however, here are the steps we recommend:

Get a degree (preferably a master’s) 

You will need at least a bachelor’s degree for entry-level NGO jobs, though most prefer (or require) master’s degrees or even doctorates. This is especially true if you want to advance in your career. NGO work is very competitive, so it’s not uncommon for organizations to filter out candidates who don’t meet all the requirements. The right degree depends on what kind of NGO work you want to do. As an example, if you want to work in project management, a degree in business administration works well. If you want to work in law, you’ll need a law degree. Take the NGO or nonprofit-specific classes offered within your specialty.

Gain work experience

NGOs prioritize candidates with work experience. That includes paid work, internships and volunteering, and fellowships. These experiences give you a close look at how NGOs operate, what makes them successful and sustainable and what skills are necessary. When hiring for jobs, NGOs want to know candidates have at least a general idea of what to expect, while they favor candidates who’ve already demonstrated skills like leadership, communication and problem-solving. As we already said, NGO jobs are competitive, so if you can’t find a job early on, remember most NGOs need volunteers. While you aren’t guaranteed a job based on volunteer work, it helps.

Look for jobs on NGO job boards

To find the jobs that best fit your experiences and interests, consider searching on job boards dedicated to NGO work. Examples include Idealist, Reliefweb, and Impactpool. Human Rights Careers also features jobs.

How much do NGO professionals get paid?

There’s a wide range of salaries for NGO professionals. According to data from Indeed, the national average for a fundraising specialist in the US is $51,488, while program managers make around $67,128. High-level jobs, like NGO directors and experienced consultants, can earn six figures. What you can expect to earn depends on factors such as the specific job, your experience level, your location and the size of the NGO. What similar NGOs pay for similar work also factors into your salary.

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

This Masters is also available in FRENCH. 

Embark on a transformative educational journey and become a driving force in revolutionizing global health procurement and supply chain management with our prestigious Master of Science program. Developed by the esteemed Empower School of Health in partnership with UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research), this immersive 24-month online experience is designed to empower you with the knowledge, skills, and global perspectives necessary to tackle complex challenges in the field. Delve into 16 comprehensive modules, meticulously crafted to cover all key topics and equip you with the expertise demanded by the industry. As you near the culmination of your studies, immerse yourself in a captivating ‘problem-solution’ focused research project, directly applicable to your own organization or country. Join us at the forefront of innovation and make a profound impact on global health systems through high-quality learning solutions developed by UNITAR, an esteemed body committed to nurturing individual, institutional, and organizational capacities. Ignite your potential and unlock a world of opportunities in the dynamic realm of global health procurement and supply chain management. Furthermore, it will give you the opportunity to explore how health, dignity, and work are interconnected in the fields of supply chain management and most importantly how it impacts the next generation of young leaders.

Why this course is for you?

• Comprehensive Global Perspective: Gain a deep understanding of the fundamentals of procurement and supply chain management, while exploring its intricate connections with the dynamic world of global health. Develop a holistic view that equips you to navigate the complexities of the field.
• Mastering Operational Excellence: Acquire essential knowledge of management structures and systems essential for the seamless operations of PSM. Learn to optimize processes, streamline workflows, and enhance efficiency in the procurement and supply chain domain.
• Mitigating Risks and Overcoming Bottlenecks: Develop the critical skills to identify and assess potential risks in supply chains and address bottlenecks effectively. Equip yourself with the tools and strategies needed to ensure smooth operations and uninterrupted flow of essential resources.
• Project Design and Execution Expertise: Gain the ability to design and execute projects that enhance the effectiveness of procurement and supply chain management. Learn to identify areas for improvement, implement innovative solutions, and drive tangible impact within your organization or country.
• Leadership and Management Excellence: Cultivate vital leadership and management skills that propel your career growth. Acquire the acumen to lead teams, influence stakeholders, and navigate the complexities of the global PSM landscape. Prepare yourself for impactful leadership roles.
• Experience a transformative educational journey that equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in the realm of global health procurement and supply chain management. Seize this opportunity to shape the future of PSM and propel your career to new heights.

Target Audience

The course is for aspirants who would like to prepare for the world of procurement and supply chain of healthcare products and learn to manage PSM challenges in healthcare systems. Specifically, the course is designed for pharmacists, doctors, scientists, engineers and management professionals, and any graduate or professional who is interested in becoming a supply chain/logistics professional.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this course you will need to fulfill the following criteria:

• To have completed, at minimum a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
• To be able to communicate confidently in the English language (written and verbal).
• To fill out an application form and complete a personal essay.
• To be able to commit at least 25 hours per month over a period of 24 months (about an hour a day).
• To have prior work experience (preferable, though not necessary).

Course Content

In this course, you will be covering the following modules:

Introduction to Procurement and Supply Chain Management
Public Health Commodities
Quantification and Supply Planning
Global Health Procurement
Inventory Management
Storage & Distribution
Rational Use of Medicines
PSM Support Functions & Systems
PSM Plan Assignment
Effective Responses of The Public Health Procurement and Supply Chain to The COVID Pandemic and Future Proofing Supply Systems
Emergency, Pandemic and Humanitarian Public Health Procurement and Supply Chain Management
Procurement and Supply Chain Management for Medical Devices, Diagnostics and Equipments (MDDE)
Introducing New Health Technologies into Public Health Supply Chains
Managing Product Quality Assurance in Public Sector Procurement and Supply Chains
Risk Management in Public Health Procurement and Supply Chains
Financial Evaluation of Investments in Public Health Supply Chain (in partnership with Global Fund)
Leadership in Global Health (in partnership with the Center for Leadership Development)
Master’s Thesis

Contact: Daniel Nazarov: daniel.nazarov@unitar.org

I'm interested

Aperçu général :

Embarquez pour un voyage éducatif transformateur et devenez une force motrice pour révolutionner la gestion des achats et de la chaîne d’approvisionnement dans le domaine de la santé mondiale grâce à notre programme. Développée par la réputée Empower School of Health en partenariat avec l’UNITAR (Institut des Nations Unies pour la Formation et la Recherche), cette expérience immersive en ligne de 24 mois est conçue pour vous permettre d’acquérir les connaissances, les compétences et les perspectives globales nécessaires pour relever les défis complexes dans ce domaine. Plongez dans 16 modules complets, méticuleusement conçus pour couvrir tous les sujets clés et vous doter de l’expertise exigée par l’industrie. À l’approche de la fin de vos études, plongez-vous dans un projet de recherche captivant axé sur la résolution de problèmes, directement applicable à votre organisation ou à votre pays. Rejoignez-nous à la pointe de l’innovation et ayez un impact profond sur les systèmes de santé mondiaux grâce à des solutions d’apprentissage de haute qualité développées par l’UNITAR, un organisme réputé qui s’engage à renforcer les capacités individuelles, institutionnelles et organisationnelles. Enflammez votre potentiel et ouvrez un monde d’opportunités dans le domaine dynamique de la gestion des achats et de la chaîne d’approvisionnement dans le secteur de la santé mondiale. En outre, il vous donnera l’occasion d’explorer la manière dont la santé, la dignité et le travail sont interconnectés dans les domaines de la gestion de la chaîne d’approvisionnement et, surtout, la manière dont ils influencent la prochaine génération de jeunes dirigeants.

Pourquoi ce cours est-il fait pour vous ?

• Vous découvrirez des opportunités illimitées pour une carrière internationale dans le domaine de la gestion des achats et de la chaîne d’approvisionnement (GCA).
• Une perspective globale et complète : acquérez une compréhension approfondie des principes fondamentaux de la gestion des achats et de la chaîne d’approvisionnement, tout en explorant ses liens complexes avec le monde dynamique de la santé mondiale. Développez une vision holistique qui vous permettra de naviguer dans les complexités du domaine.
• Maîtrisez l’excellence opérationnelle : Acquérez les connaissances essentielles des structures et systèmes de gestion indispensables au bon fonctionnement de la GCP. Apprenez à optimiser les processus, à rationaliser les flux de travail et à améliorer l’efficacité dans le domaine des achats et de la chaîne d’approvisionnement.
• Attenez les risques et surmontez les goulets d’étranglement : Développez les compétences essentielles pour identifier et évaluer les risques potentiels dans les chaînes d’approvisionnement et traiter efficacement les goulets d’étranglement. Équipez-vous des outils et des stratégies nécessaires pour assurer le bon déroulement des opérations et le flux ininterrompu des ressources essentielles.
• Expertise en matière de conception et d’exécution de projets : Acquérz la capacité de concevoir et d’exécuter des projets qui améliorent l’efficacité de la gestion des achats et de la chaîne d’approvisionnement. Apprenez à identifier les domaines à améliorer, à mettre en œuvre des solutions innovantes et à produire un impact tangible au sein de votre organisation ou de votre pays.
• Excellence en matière de leadership et de gestion : Cultivez des compétences essentielles en matière de leadership et de gestion qui vous permettront de progresser dans votre carrière. Acquérez la perspicacité nécessaire pour diriger des équipes, influencer les parties prenantes et naviguer dans les complexités du paysage mondial de la GSP. Préparez-vous à occuper des postes de direction à fort impact.
• Faites l’expérience d’un parcours éducatif transformateur qui vous donne les connaissances, les compétences et la confiance nécessaires pour exceller dans le domaine de la gestion des achats et de la chaîne d’approvisionnement dans le secteur de la santé mondiale. Saisissez cette opportunité de façonner l’avenir de la GCA et de propulser votre carrière vers de nouveaux sommets.

Audience ciblée

Ce cours s’adresse aux jeunes diplômés qui souhaitent découvrir le monde de l’approvisionnement et de la chaîne logistique des produits de santé et apprendre à gérer les défis liés à la gestion de la chaîne logistique dans les systèmes de santé. En outre, le cours s’adresse aux pharmaciens, médecins, scientifiques, ingénieurs et professionnels de la gestion, ainsi qu’à tout diplômé ou professionnel désireux de devenir un professionnel de la chaîne d’approvisionnement/logistique.

Conditions d’admission

Pour être éligible à ce cours, vous devez remplir les critères suivants :

• Avoir obtenu, au minimum, une licence dans n’importe quelle discipline.
• Être capable de communiquer avec assurance en Français (à l’écrit et à l’oral).
• Remplir un formulaire de candidature et un essai personnel.
• Pouvoir s’engager à consacrer au moins 25 heures par mois sur une période de 24 mois (environ une heure par jour).
• Avoir une expérience professionnelle antérieure (de préférence, mais pas obligatoirement).

Contenu du cours :

Dans ce cours, vous couvrirez les modules suivants :

• Introduction à la gestion des achats et de la chaîne d’approvisionnement
• Produits de santé publique
• Quantification et planification de l’approvisionnement
• Approvisionnement en matière de santé mondiale
• Gestion des stocks
• Stockage et distribution
• Utilisation rationnelle des médicaments
• Fonctions et systèmes de soutien GCA
• Attribution du plan GCA
• Réponses efficaces de la chaîne d’approvisionnement de la santé publique à la pandémie de COVID et préparation des systèmes d’approvisionnement à l’avenir
• Gestion des achats et de la chaîne d’approvisionnement en matière de santé publique en cas d’urgence, de pandémie et d’action humanitaire
• Gestion des achats et de la chaîne d’approvisionnement pour les dispositifs médicaux, les diagnostics et les équipements (MDDE)
• Introduction de nouvelles technologies de la santé dans les chaînes d’approvisionnement de la santé publique
• Gestion de l’assurance qualité des produits dans les chaînes d’approvisionnement du secteur public
• Gestion des risques dans les chaînes d’approvisionnement du secteur public
• Évaluation financière des investissements dans les chaînes d’approvisionnement en santé publique
• Leadership dans le domaine de la santé mondiale (en partenariat avec le Centre pour le développement du leadership)
• Mémoire de maîtrise

Contact

Daniel Nazarov: daniel.nazarov@unitar.org

Je suis intéressé(e)

The post Master of Science in Global Health Procurement and Supply Chain Management appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Civil rights protect everyone’s right to equal social opportunities, protection under the law, and freedom from discrimination based on race, gender, religion, and other characteristics. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights includes many types of civil rights, such as freedom of movement, equality before the law, freedom of expression, and freedom from torture, slavery, and other harm and discrimination. Civil rights are essential to all sectors of society, so there are many careers dedicated to protecting them. In this guide, we’ll describe the types of available jobs, what organizations offer those jobs, and how to start working in civil rights.

Civil rights are fundamental rights and freedoms every person is entitled to, like freedom of expression, the right to a fair trial, and the right to public education. Jobs in this field include civil rights lawyer, civil rights researcher, housing advocate, activism coordinator, and interpreter/translator.

What kinds of jobs are there in civil rights?

Because civil rights encompass so many rights, there are lots of jobs in the field. Here are ten examples:

Civil rights lawyer

Civil rights lawyers defend the rights of individuals and groups. They’re typically called when a civil right has been violated. Lawyers file lawsuits on behalf of their clients, represent clients in court, conduct research, draft legal documents, and more. They may focus on a specific area, like the rights of children or immigrants.

Civil rights investigator

Civil rights investigators, who are often employed by local or national government agencies, investigate civil rights violations and ensure people are being protected. As an example, a civil rights investigator with a labor agency will focus on the rights of workers and enforce laws on wages, hours, conditions of employment, and more.

Civil rights researcher

Research is very important to civil rights organizations. The type of research can vary widely, but generally, civil rights researchers are responsible for collecting and organizing data. As an example, to learn more about gender-based violence, researchers may conduct surveys, interviews, questionnaires, and focus groups. Researchers are also often responsible for compiling the data into reports.

Housing advocate

Housing advocates often come from social work backgrounds. They help individuals and families find temporary or permanent housing. Clients can include houseless people, people leaving domestic violence situations, formerly-incarcerated people, and others. Housing advocates work closely with other social services.

Patient advocate

Healthcare can be fraught with civil rights violations. Patient advocates help clients navigate complex, stressful healthcare settings and get the care they’re entitled to. They may be hired by the healthcare organization itself or as part of a nonprofit organization. They help patients communicate with healthcare providers, schedule appointments, figure out insurance, and access financial and legal support.

Activism coordinator

Activism coordinators work with organizations to raise awareness of civil rights issues and mobilize support. They’re typically very organized, motivated, and quick thinking. They communicate well with diverse groups and unite people behind a common cause. Their tasks can include organizing events, speeches, fundraisers, and campaigns.

Interpreter/translator

Language barriers can lead to and exacerbate civil rights violations. Interpreters and translators, who can work in just about any organization like a law firm or a hospital, help clients communicate and advocate for their needs. It can be done verbally or through written communication. Good interpreters/translators can communicate the emotion and nuanced aspects of a language as well as literal information.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion specialist

DEI specialists, who can work within an organization or come in as a consultant, work to improve an organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, strategies, and overall environment. They’re excellent communicators who are trained in things like conflict management and civil rights law. DEI specialists come from a variety of backgrounds, but most have at least a bachelor’s degree.

Voter outreach specialist

Voting is an essential civil right, but unfair barriers prevent many people from exercising their rights. Voter outreach specialists perform tasks like voter education, election awareness campaigning, and election worker recruitment. They’re typically nonpartisan and work to educate and encourage anyone eligible to vote.

Accountant

Every civil rights organization needs a good accountant. These finance officers ensure an organization’s long-term success and compliance with the law. Responsibilities include maintaining and preparing financial records, evaluating financial risks, and making sure all taxes are filed and paid properly.

What organizations offer civil rights jobs?

Many governments and corporations offer civil rights jobs or jobs adjacent to civil rights, but here are five examples of organizations dedicated to civil and human rights:

Amnesty International

Amnesty International is a Britain-based advocacy organization. It focuses on research, advocacy, lobbying, and campaigns. Researchers, advocates, lawyers, and other professionals can find job opportunities at the organization. It began with a focus on prisoners of conscience but has since expanded to calling for an end to the death penalty and protecting rights like reproductive freedom, children’s rights, freedom of expression, and more.

UN Women

UN Women is a UN entity dedicated to women’s rights. It supports member states, governments, and civil society organizations on laws, policies, and services related to women’s rights. Its priority areas are women in leadership; women’s income security and economic autonomy; freedom from violence; and sustainable peace, resilience, and benefits from humanitarianism. It hires professionals like researchers, policy advisors, administrators, and others.

UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund is a UN agency. With a presence in more than 190 countries and territories, it focuses on the rights of children. Priority areas include child survival, child protection, education, social policy, emergencies, and research. There are jobs available in management, programs, external relations, and executive management.

American Civil Liberties Union

The ACLU bases its work on the United States Constitution and civil rights policies around the country. Since 1920, the organization has worked with litigation and lobbying. It also represents people whose civil rights have been violated. It’s a nonpartisan organization, and so represents a wide variety of people whose rights are threatened or violated. It has job opportunities in communications, legal, advocacy, operations and management, and so on.

MALDEF

The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund has been the United States’ leading civil rights organization for Latinos since 1968. Through court cases and public policy, it seeks to protect and defend the rights of Latinos and all Americans. Target areas include education, employment, immigrant rights, voting rights, and access to justice. Jobs are available on the legal, digital media, and development side of the organization.

How much do jobs in civil rights pay?

Wages vary widely within civil rights depending on several factors. They include:

Your role

Civil rights lawyers generally make more than a professional like a housing advocate. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a civil rights lawyer in the US is $108,482 a year. For housing advocates, the average is $43,666.

The job’s seniority

Jobs with more leadership responsibilities and seniority pay more than entry-level jobs.

Your past job experience

In a similar vein, your years of experience and what your previous job paid factor into your salary.

Geography

Salaries include cost-of-living adjustments, if the job is located in an area with a higher cost of living, you’ll be paid more than if you lived in an area with a low cost of living. Civil rights professionals also tend to earn more if they’re based in a dangerous area. As an example, the UN has a hardship allowance.

Job comparability

When calculating a salary, organizations often look at what others in their field are paying employees. Similar jobs tend to get similar salaries across an industry.

Size of the organization

Large organizations have larger budgets, which often means they can offer larger salaries. This isn’t necessarily the case; employees of some large NGOs are still underpaid, but size can be a factor when calculating wages.

How do you start working in civil rights?

There’s no single path that takes you to a job in civil rights, but there are certain things you can do to increase your chances for a sustainable, long-term career. They fall into three categories: education, experience, and skill-building.

Education

People who work in civil rights come from diverse educational backgrounds. If you work in law, you’ll want a bachelor’s degree and a law degree. If you work in healthcare, you’ll likely need at least a bachelor’s in a science field, like health sciences, nursing, biology, and so on. Generally speaking, business, political science, human rights, international relations, sociology, regional studies, and history are good degrees for a future in civil rights. How much education will you need? You can find jobs that only require a bachelor’s degree or even an associate’s, but if you want a higher-level job, you may need a master’s and even a doctorate. If you aren’t ready to commit to a full degree, consider taking an online course to explore your interests.

Experience

Experience is often the most important factor when preparing to work in civil rights. Organizations want people with experience learning about and working on the most pressing civil rights issues with diverse teams and communities. Early experience often includes volunteer work and internships. Because many internships are unpaid, many people have trouble gaining experience. Slowly, organizations are offering more paid internships, fellowships, and other programs that expand access. 

Skill-building

Civil rights jobs can look very different in terms of roles and responsibilities, but there are skills organizations always look for. Excellent time management, good teamwork, adaptability, and excellent communication are just a few. Job descriptions also list the specific skills the organization is looking for, so when you’re exploring, be sure to note what skills they want and how you can demonstrate them.

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

Human rights are the fundamental rights and freedoms every person on earth is entitled to. Documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) outline what those rights are – like the right to life, freedom of expression, and the right to a fair trial – but human rights writing goes far beyond treaties and policy documents. In this article, we’ll explore 13 inspiring books covering topics like the history of human rights, environmental justice, human rights and the criminal justice system, and the lives of the world’s most famous activists.

#1. Inventing Human Rights: A History
#2. Memes to Movements: How the World’s Most Viral Media is Changing Social Justice and Power
#3. Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption
#4. Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto
#5. The Vulnerable Humanitarian: Ending Burnout Culture in the Aid Sector
#6. As Long as Grass Grows: The Indigenous Fight for Environmental Justice from Colonization to Standing Rock
#7. The Next American Revolution: Sustainable Action for the Twenty-First Century
#8. The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness
#9. Burn it Down! Feminist Manifestos for the Revolution
#10. Until We Are Free: Reflections on Black Lives Matter in Canada
#11. City on Fire: The Fight for Hong Kong
#12. A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches
#13. I Am Malala

#1. Inventing Human Rights: A History (2008)

Lynn Hunt

For those interested in where human rights came from and how they’ve developed, this book is a good choice. It covers human rights from its roots in the Enlightenment, examines the cultural and intellectual history of human rights, and looks at how the portrayal of human relationships and individuality in art and novels spread ideas about human rights.

Lynn Hunt is a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. Her areas of expertise include French and European history, the French Revolution, gender history, and cultural history. She’s written other books such as Writing History in the Global Era and History: Why It Matters.

#2. Memes To Movements: How the World’s Most Viral Media is Changing Social Justice and Power (2019)

An Xiao Mina

Memes are hugely influential, but while many people think of them as fun symbols of internet culture, they’ve impacted social justice and human rights movements. In this book, digital media scholar An Xiao Mina examines how memes create, amplify, and reinforce the politics of today. Where there’s censorship (like in China), memes can protect activists from discovery. Memes can also become powerful weapons for misinformation and propaganda when in the hands of governments and hate groups. Both phenomena warrant a closer look.

An Xiao Mina is an American artist, digital media scholar, and technologist. Her writing has appeared in places like the Atlantic, Wired, and the Los Angeles Review of Books. She was also a contributing editor for Ai Weiwei: Spatial Matters.

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

Bryan Stevenson

Lawyer Bryan Stevenson founded the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama in 1989. The legal practice focused on defending the most vulnerable people in the criminal justice system. One of Stevenson’s first cases, the case of Walter McMillian, is described in Just Mercy. As Stevenson unravels McMillian’s case and fights for justice, he finds himself transformed. Just Mercy won the Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction and an NAACP Image Award.

Bryan Stevenson has served as the executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative in Alabama since its founding. He’s also a professor of law. For decades, Stevenson has won relief for dozens of prisoners on death row and argued before the Supreme Court five times. His work focuses on bias in the criminal justice system, advocacy for the poor, and community-based reform litigation.

#4. Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto (2022)

Tricia Hersey

In this book, Tricia Hersey (known as The Nap Bishop) exposes the damaging influence of capitalism and grind culture. In our world today, productivity is idolized as a human’s ultimate purpose, but bodies and minds suffer. Hershey promotes rest, naps, and daydreaming, arguing that they’re the foundation for justice, liberation, and healing in the world. In a world where a person’s worth is measured by how much they produce, rest becomes resistance.

Tricia Hersey is an artist, theologian, community organizer, and founder of the Nap Ministry. She created the Rest is Resistance and Rest as Reparations frameworks. Her research focuses on Black liberation theology, somatics, womanism, and cultural trauma.

#5. The Vulnerable Humanitarian: Ending Burnout Culture in the Aid Sector (2021)

Gemma Houdley

Stress and burnout are entrenched in the aid sector. This book explores the unrealistic and damaging pressure aid workers face, why burnout is so common but also unacknowledged, and how staff and managers can develop healthier, more caring work environments. Houdley builds her book on original academic research and interviews to argue for a feminist, anti-racist, and decolonial agenda within the aid sector.

Dr. Gemma Houdley is an independent researcher, facilitator, and advisor on staff care and cultural change in the aid sector. She’s worked on programs for international NGOs like Amnesty International, as well as civil society groups. She’s trained in somatic and healing modalities, which she uses to design support programs.

#6. As Long as Grass Grows: The Indigenous Fight for Environmental Justice from Colonization to Standing Rock (2020)

Dina Gilio-Whitaker

In this book, Indigenous researcher and activist Gilio-Whitaker uses a lens of “Indigenized environmental justice” to examine the long history of Indigenous resistance against corporate and government incursion on Native land. Standing Rock brought attention to activists in 2016, but there’s a long pattern of tension between Native peoples and the mainstream environmental movement. Gilio-Whitaker calls on environmentalists to study Indigenous history and learn from a centuries-long fight.

Dina Gilio-Whitaker (Colville Confederated Tribes) is a journalist, lecturer, and the policy director and senior research associate at the Center for World Indigenous Studies. Her work focuses on decolonization and environmental justice.

#7. The Next American Revolution: Sustainable Action for the Twenty-First Century (2012)

Grace Lee Boggs with Scott Kurashige

Activist Grace Lee Boggs spent seven decades participating in every major social movement in the 20th century, including the civil rights movement, women’s rights, labor rights, and more. In this book, she draws on that experience to examine today’s political, economic, and environmental crises. Hope and creativity are vital, she argues. The next American Revolution will center on creating new forms of work, politics, and human relationships.

Grace Lee Boggs (1915-2015) was a pioneering activist, writer, and speaker. Previous books include Living for Change: An Autobiography. Scott Kurashige is a professor and writer. At the time of this article’s writing, he was the Chair of Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies at Texas Christian University.

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

Michelle Alexander

Now a classic, this book argues that America has not moved as far along on racial progress as it likes to think. The end of slavery and Jim Crow did not end racism; America simply redesigned it through mass incarceration. The War on Drugs targeted Black men and devastated communities of color, while the US criminal system has become a weapon for racial control. While it claims to be “colorblind,” this system has allowed America to sustain its racial hierarchy.

Michelle Alexander is an award-winning civil rights lawyer, legal scholar, and advocate. She is a former Ford Foundation Senior Fellow, Soros Justice Fellow, and clerk for Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun.

#9. Burn it Down! Feminist Manifestos for the Revolution (2020)

Breanne Fahs

What is a manifesto? These statements describe a group or individual’s goals and motives. Throughout history, manifestos have been hugely influential in defining movements and uniting allies. This book collects two centuries’ worth of feminist manifestos, which author Fahs argues have always been central to feminism.

Breanne Fahs is a Professor of Women and Gender Studies at Arizona State University and the Founder and Director of the Feminist Research on Gender and Sexuality Group. She’s been published in feminist, social science, and humanities journals. She’s also the author of five books.

#10. Until We Are Free: Reflections on Black Lives Matter in Canada (2020)

Editors: Rodney Diverlus, Sandy Hudson, and Syrus Marcus Ware

This anthology addresses the most pressing issues facing the Black community in Canada. While the Black Lives Matter movement began in the United States, it quickly spread. In this book, Black activists in Canada write about activism and organizing, Black-Indigenious alliances, and the most persistent myths about Canada and its racial justice progress.

Rodney Diverlus is an artist, curator, and co-founder of Black Lives Matter Toronto. Sandy Hudson is the founder of the Black Lives Matter movement in Canada and founding board member of the Black Legal Action Centre. Syrus Marcus Ware is a core member of Black Lives Matter Toronto, a Vanier Scholar, and an award-winning educator and artist.

#11. City on Fire: The Fight for Hong Kong (2020)

Antony Dapiran

In the summer of 2019, anti-government protests erupted in Hong Kong. People risked street fights with police, tear gas, and other violence. This movement, mostly composed of young people using unique methods, continued a legacy of dissent in Hong Kong. Author Dapiran, who is a longtime resident of Hong Kong, details this history, the cultural aspects of the movement, and what the protests could mean for the future.

Antony Dapiran is an Australian lawyer and writer based in Hong Kong. He’s considered a leading Western commentator on Hong Kong protest movements. His work has appeared in publications like The Guardian, The Atlantic, CNN, and Foreign Policy.

#12. A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches (2003)

Martin Luther King Jr.

The most essential writings and speeches from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are collected in a single volume. The book contains speeches, writings, interviews, and autobiographical reflections on topics such as nonviolence, social policy, Black nationalism, the ethics of love and hope, and much more.

Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) was a Baptist minister and social activist who led the Civil Rights Movement until his assassination in 1968. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

#13. I Am Malala (2015)

Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb

As a child, Malala always spoke out about the right to education, which was threatened in Pakistan, her country. In October 2012, she was riding the bus home from school when the Taliban came on board. They shot Malala in the head, but she survived the assassination attempt to become one of the world’s most recognizable human rights activists. At 17, she became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize. This book tells her story of resistance and peaceful protest.

Malala Yousafzai is an activist, educational campaigner, and author. She’s received many awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize, and campaigns for universal access to education through the Malala Fund. Christina Lamb is a journalist and award-winning foreign correspondent who has reported on Pakistan and Afghanistan since 1987. She works for the Sunday Times.

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The selection process for the XXII edition of the Master in Human Rights and Conflict Management are now closed. The class has reached its capacity and the Programme is going to start in January 2024. The Call for Applications to the XXIII edition of the Master (a.y. 2024-2025) will be available by May 2024 from our website.

Description

The Master in Human Rights and Conflict Management is designed to provide students from different cultures and backgrounds with a deep understanding of the linkages between human rights and conflict management theory and practice. The curriculum, strongly field oriented, prepares participants for working with NGOs, governments, aid agencies, the UN system and regional organisations, also operating in the context of complex emergencies and joint operations.

The Master starts on January 9th, 2024 and runs until Spring 2025. The syllabus of the Master Programme, in addition to individual studying and the preparation of a final written project (project work), will cover about 450 hours of classroom lectures and 480 hours of internship. The internship lasts three or more months starting from August/September 2024.

Training objectives

The main educational goals of the Master in Human Rights and Conflict Management are as follows:

• To train high-rank professionals who will work in design, management and monitoring positions within the programs and actions promoted by national, regional, international or non-governmental organisations, for the double purpose of protecting human rights and preventing, mitigating or solving conflicts.
• To train professionals who will combine, in a dynamic, non-sequential way, critical knowledge and technical-operational skills as the key components of an extremely professional service in complex situations.
• To train professionals who are aware of the mutual connections between the protection of human rights and conflict management, and who possess a sound juridical and methodological background and practical-operational skills in such areas.
• To train professionals who, in the design and management of actions and in decision-making processes, will keep into account the historical, geopolitical, economic dimensions as well as the “gender” component and the complexity of the intercultural relations.

Programme

The Master programme is divided into two modules with specific courses:

• Module I (January-March): Philosophical perspectives on Human Rights | UN Human Rights standards and mechanisms | Regional Human Rights standards and mechanisms | Conflict Studies | International Humanitarian Law | International Law | Team Building
• Module II (April-July): Migration Law | International Criminal Law | Business and Human Rights | Human Rights Field Operations | Selected Issues on Human Rights | International PK & PB Operations | International Humanitarian Operations | International Electoral Observation | Conflict Management | Personal Safety and Security | Stress Management | First Aid | Project Cycle Management and Project Development |

How to apply

The Master is open to a maximum of 28 candidates. Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

(1) Have a three-year (at least) university degree or equivalent. Students expecting to graduate before December 31, 2023 are also eligible.
(2) Understand, speak and write English at least at LEVEL B2, (CEFR for Languages, CoE).

Scholarships

A limited number of partial waivers could be available, depending on financial availabilities, to citizens of non-OECD countries who are eligible for release of a visa for Italy. Selected applicants may apply for the partial waiver of the tuition fee by motivating their request in a detailed manner on their application form. Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna reserves the right to determine the amount of each contribution and the awarding criteria.

Apply now

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Trial International supports victims of international crimes by providing legal assistance, litigating cases, developing capacity, and helping to move human rights cases forward. Applicants should have training in international criminal law, humanitarian law and/or human rights and be fluent in English and French. The internships last six months and require a Swiss work permit. Find out more on the official website.

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WFP is a global humanitarian organization that works to increase and ensure food security, deliver emergency food assistance, improve nutrition, and build resilience. Two-thirds of the work that WFP does is in conflict-affected countries where they are primarily assisting refugees, asylum-seekers, and displaced people groups. WFP also works heavily in UN-established refugee camps to deliver food, improve nutrition, and increase food security during their temporary placement. All of their current active emergency situations involve assisting people who were displaced by conflict or environmental disaster.

WFP interns must have completed at least 2 years of an undergraduate program and be currently enrolled in a recognized university or have completed a degree in the last 6 months. They must also be fluent in English; other languages are a plus. WFP internships last between 2 and 8 months, and interns receive a stipend of up to $1000 a month, depending on the assigned duty station. Students who are applicants from developing countries may be eligible to receive reimbursement for their travel expenses. WFP internships are advertised on their main employment page.

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UNHCR is the United Nations organization that works to protect rights and build better lives for refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. They provide humanitarian assistance in the form of material aid, advocacy, economic development, protection, and global needs assessments. They work heavily in countries with conflict zones, environmental disasters, and nomadic groups of people to ensure that the most vulnerable communities are protected and provided for both in material needs and in human rights law.

UNHCR offers internships for currents students and recent graduates from UNESCO accredited universities and education facilities. Students must have completed at least two years of undergraduate work to be eligible. UNHCR provides food and transportation stipends for students without financial aid from outside parties; however, students must cover the expense of their own travel to the country of placement and visa applications. Interns can work in the Geneva office or field offices depending on internship availability and preference. Find out more on the official website.

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Location: Geneva, Switzerland.
Compensation: CHF 1,250/month.
Duration: up to 6 months.
Application Deadline: depends on the vacancy.

Another way to get an internship in the United Nations is through your national government. UN member states have their separate missions to the UN, so it is likely that they also offer internship opportunities to early-career professionals. One such country is the United Kingdom which has a well-established internships scheme.

The UK Mission to the UN in Geneva is concerned with UK participation in the UN and other international organizations such as IOM and WTO. The office covers the work of more than 35 international organizations to which the UK provides financial contributions. This mission does not deal with consular or visa services.

The Mission accepts interns on a regular basis. Selected interns work on a variety of issues such as trade, human rights, humanitarian issues, disarmament, and health.

Requirements:

• Graduates with a degree in a relevant field

The UK Mission provides all interns with a training allowance of up to CHF 1,250/month and is not able to offer any further assistance with regards to transport or accommodation.

Internship opportunities can be found at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s job board.

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Location: worldwide.
Compensation: possible monthly stipend and USD 500 for travel costs.
Duration: usually up to 6 months with the possibility of extension
Application Deadline: depends on the vacancy.

United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is a UN agency which provides humanitarian and development solutions towards achieving peace and sustainable development. This agency’s activities include Project Management, Procurement, Human Resources, Infrastructure, and Financial Management. By working for this institutions, professionals can help reduce risk, advance speed and quality, and improve the cost-effectiveness in the work of different partners in more than 80 countries in the world, often in the riskiest environments.

Requirements:

• University Degree (enrolled or graduated in the past three years), including Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.
• Fluency in at least one UN working language, depending on the vacancy.

To apply for a UNOPS internship, applicants must create an account on UNOPS job portal. The application includes personal information as well as details about education, professional experience, languages, and other skills.

Provided that interns do not receive stipends from their university or other institutions, they may be eligible for a monthly stipend from UNOPS. In addition, the agency also awards one-time travel lump sums of USD 500 to all interns.

The recruitment process lasts between one and three months on average.

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

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

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

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

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

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DePaul’s MS in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies is the first graduate refugee studies program in the U.S. The program is designed to provide students with a mix of theory and practical experience to prepare them to assist immigrants, migrants, and refugees worldwide. Students will gain a broad-based understanding of the legal, political, and humanitarian resources necessary to address the issues created by these situations.

The program requires two years to complete and most courses are offered in the evening at the Loop or Lincoln Park campuses. As part of the program, students will take courses in law, history, public health, public service, and international studies. They will also gain extensive hands-on training with agencies and institutions assisting displaced people.

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The master’s degree in Refugee Studies is an internationally recognised program that offers a comprehensive understanding of the complex nature of global refugee movements and the diverse local, national, and international responses to forced displacement. The course is designed to provide students with interdisciplinary knowledge of the gendered, economic, political, legal, socio-cultural, and psychological processes related to forced migration.

The course is divided into four core modules: Forced Migration in Global Era, Research Methods, Policy and Practice of Humanitarianism, and Independent Applied Research/Dissertation. Students will also have the opportunity to study specialist options on social, cultural, political, legal, and psychosocial aspects of refugee studies and community development.

A distinguishing feature of the course is its emphasis on the lived experience of refugees and refugee communities. Students will gain a full appreciation of refugee experiences, achievements, and needs. The course will equip students with advanced skills in interdisciplinary analysis and research, with a focus on refugees from the point of view of the law, politics, and anthropology, analysing their experiences on a global and local scale.

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Millions of small and large NGOs (non-governmental organizations) work independently of governments around the world. You can work for NGOs dedicated to issues like healthcare, education, economic development, children’s rights, reproductive justice, and humanitarian aid, but what types of jobs are available? In this article, we’ll describe 20 types of NGO jobs, including what salaries you can expect, what qualifications you need, and what tasks you might be responsible for.

#1. Campaigner

Description: Campaigners work on campaigns, projects, and programs that aim to grow the organization, raise awareness of specific goals, and attract donors or members. They’re often part of an NGO’s communications and strategy division.

Average salary: $47,912/year (US-based campaigner/Zippia))

Qualifications: Campaigners typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and 2-5 years of campaigning experience. The specific degree depends on what type of NGO you work for. For example, a sustainable food campaigner would benefit from a degree in international development, environment and food, or sustainable food production.

Tasks: As strategists, campaigners create and deliver campaign/project strategies and initiatives. They manage projects, organize community outreach campaigns, and monitor a campaign’s budget, timeline, and success.

#2. Researcher

Description: All NGOs depend on research to shape their campaigns, pick fundraising strategies, and assess how successful different strategies are. Research that influences change is also a primary goal for NGOs, especially advocacy-based ones.

Average salary: $71,066/year (US-based non-profit research assisant/Salary.com)

Qualifications: Entry-level research jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in a field like social science (it depends on what the NGO focuses on), but to advance in your career, most NGOs want candidates with a master’s or even a doctorate. NGOs also want researchers to have experience with analysis tools and databases, strong analytical skills, excellent communication, and a few years of professional experience (for entry-level research jobs).

Tasks: Specific tasks depend on what field you’re working in, but most research consists of developing research projects, determining research methods, collecting and analyzing data, and discussing what you find with the NGO’s stakeholders. Research is often published, so report-writing is a big part of researcher jobs.

#3. Grant Writer

Description: Most NGOs depend on grants for at least a portion of their funding. Grant writers research appropriate grants, write proposals, and work with team members to disperse money.

Average salary: $50,022/year (US-based non-profit grant writer/Salary.com)

Qualifications: Grant writers need at least a bachelor’s degree in English, communications, or a related field. To advance in your career, many NGOs ask for a master’s degree. You’ll also need at least two years of grant-writing experience, excellent research skills, excellent communication, and an understanding of the grant process.

Tasks: Grant writers do a lot of research and writing. Research involves finding grants and identifying which are the right fit for their NGO. Grant writing consists of developing persuasive, clear proposals describing why their NGO is the best recipient of the grant.

#4. Educator

Description: Educators at NGOs can work as education officers, program managers, teachers, and more. Because the right to education is a human right, many NGOs focus on education or include education as part of their goals. Educators are professionals with backgrounds in educational development, education policy, and/or classroom instruction or instructional design.

Average salary: $46,534/year (US-based non-profit education coordinator/Payscale.com)

Qualifications: Many NGOs offer entry-level jobs that only require a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, but a master’s degree is always preferred, if not required.

Tasks: Your tasks vary widely depending on your specific job title. If you’re working on the program management side, your responsibilities could include developing educational programs, coordinating programs, doing field monitoring, and communicating with partners. Teachers will create lesson plans, lead classrooms, and assist students.

#5. Program Assistant

Description: Program assistants are part of teams that create and implement NGO programs. As assistants, they support program managers and other staff.

Average salary: $50,306/year (US-based non-profit program assistant/Salary.com)

Qualifications: Most NGOs will require at least a bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to the NGO, but you may only need a high school degree or associate’s depending on the NGO. NGOs also want candidates with excellent organizational skills, time management, problem-solving, excellent communication, and familiarity with computer and phone systems.

Tasks: Program assistants are responsible for tasks like scheduling meetings, taking minutes, communicating with staff and stakeholders, overseeing budgets and timelines, and doing anything else needed to ensure programs run smoothly.

#6. Activism Coordinator

Description: Activism coordinators, who are a type of community organizer, coordinate activism activities like peaceful protests and other public events.

Average salary: $70,497/year (US-based community activist/ZipRecruiter)

Qualifications: Experience is usually the most important factor NGOs consider. Good candidates will have experience in event organizing, community engagement, and project management. Depending on the NGO, you may also need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work, social sciences, or a similar field. You’ll need excellent communication skills, time management skills, problem-solving, and leadership.

Tasks: Activism coordination involves many moving parts, such as developing ideas for events, budgeting, scheduling speakers and activities, raising awareness in the community, and managing an event. You’ll also need to understand the risks involved in activism and create safety plans.

#7. Communications Officer

Description: Communications officers work in an NGO’s marketing, brand awareness, and public relations division. They focus on communicating the NGO’s vision, goals, programs, and how people can get involved.

Average salary: $51,601/year (US-based non-profit communications/Salary.com)

Qualifications: Most NGOs want their communications officers to have at least a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or a similar field. They should have excellent speaking and written communication skills, good problem-solving, excellent networking skills, and strong leadership.

Tasks: Communications officers are typically spokespeople for an NGO, but they’re also responsible for maintaining a database of media contacts; creating content like social media posts, blogs, and press releases; and managing the communication budget.

#8. Advocacy Officer

Description: Advocacy officers represent the NGO’s vision and goals to the public and government agencies. They work with the media and stakeholders such as volunteers and donors.

Average salary: $52,464/year (US-based advocacy officer/ZipRecruiter)

Qualifications: NGOs want candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree (though often a master’s degree) in communications, journalism, social science, or a related field. An educational background in NGO’s focus area is also desirable. Advocacy officers are excellent communicators and networkers who have at least a few years of experience in advocacy or public relations.

Tasks: Advocacy officers work closely with partners and stakeholders, including NGO members, partner organizations, the private sector, and government agencies. They coordinate advocacy campaigns, meet with project managers, and work with other communications professionals in the NGO.

#9. Impact Advisor/Social Impact Consultant 

Description: Impact advisors and social impact consultants provide NGOs and other organizations with advice on improving an organization’s social and environmental impact and raising more funds.

Average salary: $81,923/year (US-based social impact consultant/ZipRecruiter)

Qualifications: Most social impact consultants have a master’s degree in business, marketing, finance, or a field relevant to the NGOs you want to consult for. Experience is arguably more important to most NGOs as they expect consultants to be experts with years-long track records. Other desired skills include excellent communication, leadership, critical thinking, management, and problem-solving.

Tasks: Consultants come into an NGO to help it improve its impact while preserving (or improving) its finances. Tasks can include auditing the organization’s efficiency and impact, helping the NGO develop new strategies and programs, working on marketing campaigns, and identifying new sources of funding.

#10. Policy Analyst

Description: Policy analysts study how laws and regulations impact policy, organizations, groups of people, and society at large. That can include developing policy ideas relevant to the NGO they work for.

Average salary: $73,278/year (US-based policy analyst/ZipRecruiter)

Qualifications: Many NGOs ask that candidates have at least a master’s degree in public policy, economics, political science, or a field relevant to the NGO, though some positions may only require a bachelor’s degree. Policy analysts typically specialize in an area like gender equality or economic development, so you’ll need professional and/or research experience.

Tasks: Policy analysts study policies and laws, collect and analyze data, provide recommendations on new legislation and policies, create policy drafts, and work with NGO stakeholders.

#11. M&E Officer

Description: M&E officers specialize in monitoring and evaluating an NGO’s campaigns and programs, which makes them vital to an NGO’s long-term success.

Average salary: $79,482/year (US-based M&E officer/ZipRecruiter)

Qualifications: M&E officers typically need a master’s degree in a field like statistics, economics, public policy, or research design. They also need excellent research skills, communication skills, and several years of experience unless the job is entry-level.

Tasks: M&E officers develop methods and strategies for monitoring and measuring an NGO’s impact. That can include interviewing people impacted by the NGO’s programs, coordinating surveys, making field visits, analyzing data, and communicating with other stakeholders and NGOs.

#12. Interpreter/Translator

Description: Interpreters and translators translate between different languages in spoken and written form. This is an especially important job when an NGO works internationally or within communities that speak multiple languages.

Average salary: $44,278/year (US-based translator/Zippia)

Qualifications: Experience and language proficiency are the most important factors for NGOs, though you may need at least a bachelor’s degree. Beyond fluency, NGOs also want candidates with excellent problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, adaptability, and cultural knowledge.

Tasks: Interpreters/translators translate between languages while preserving content and style, listen to speakers, write down translations, create and proofread translated documents, and develop strategies for future translation projects.

#13. Outreach Coordinator

Description: Outreach coordinators design and implement activities and projects that raise awareness of an NGO’s vision, goals, and programs. As part of an NGO’s marketing/public relations division, outreach coordinators often work closely with communications officers, advocacy officers, and activism coordinators.

Average salary: $45,897/year (US-based outreach coordinator/Zippia)

Qualifications: Outreach coordinators typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, social work, journalism, or a related field. The NGO may also ask for at least 2-3 years of experience, though it depends on the job level. Outreach coordinators need excellent communication and networking skills, excellent time management, and good organization.

Tasks: Responsibilities may include organizing events within the community, managing events, monitoring budgets, acting as a representative for the NGO, meeting with community leaders and stakeholders, and helping with fundraising events.

#14. Fundraiser

Description: Fundraisers organize fundraising campaigns and events to raise funds for an organization’s overhead and program costs.

Average salary: $50,000/year (US-based non-profit fundraiser/Payscale.com)

Qualifications: Fundraisers typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or business, though higher-level fundraisers may have a master’s degree. Fundraisers need excellent organizational skills, good communication and networking skills, critical-thinking skills, strong problem-solving skills, and strong money-management skills. NGOs also want fundraisers with a deep understanding of legal processes.

Tasks: Fundraisers develop fundraising strategies, research potential donors, design and implement fundraising events, monitor budgets and donations, maintain donor databases, and analyze past campaigns.

#15. Finance Officer

Description: Finance officers oversee all financial activities within an NGO, including donations, grants, and payroll. Because NGOs have such specific finance rules, finance officers have specialized skills and knowledge.

Average salary: $67,723/year (US-based finance officer/Indeed.com)

Qualifications: Most NGOs want their finance officers to have at least a master’s degree in business, finance, accounting, or a similar field. Depending on the job level, you’ll likely need a few years of experience. Desired skills include finance software knowledge, excellent financial management, budgeting, time management, and organization.

Tasks: Finance officers monitor, evaluate, and organize an NGO’s overall finances. That includes tracking expenses, staying updated on legal processes, and working with other staff members (like program managers) on where to allocate finances. Finance officers’ tasks are broader than accountants’.

#16. Accountant

Description: Accountants balance an NGO’s financial books, ensure legal compliance, and help ensure long-term success and sustainability.

Average salary: $56,686/year (US-based non-profit staff accountant/ZipRecruiter)

Qualifications: NGO accountants should have at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or a similar field. Depending on the job level, you’ll need at least 2-5 years of experience, as well as knowledge of accounting software, excellent time management skills, close attention to detail, and excellent organization.

Tasks: Accountants make sure an NGO’s financial documents are accurate and compliant with all laws and regulations. Accountants also prepare tax returns, evaluate an NGO’s financial activities, and perform other day-to-day financial activities. Unlike finance officers, accountants focus more on record-keeping than financial strategy.

#17. HR Officer

Description: Human resources officers work in an NGO’s human resources department. They serve the staff members of an NGO, including recruiting, hiring, training, and anything to do with workplace ethics.

Average salary: $58,188/year (US-based non-profit human resources/ZipRecruiter)

Qualifications: Entry-level HR officers need at least a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or a similar field, as well as around 2 years of work experience. Desired skills include excellent organization, adaptability, problem-solving, and excellent communication.

Tasks: HR officers maintain employee records; review work conditions; create hiring, onboarding, and training programs; support management; help with payroll; and manage employee disputes.

#18. Digital Content Manager

Description: Digital content managers are marketers who focus on an NGO’s digital strategy and content like websites, blogs, and social media pages.

Average salary: $72,207/year (US-based digital content manager/Zippia)

Qualifications: Most NGOs want their digital content managers to have at least a bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, social media, or a related field. You’ll also want a few years of experience with social media strategy or digital marketing, as well as excellent communication skills, good writing skills, and strong knowledge of social media platforms, trends, SEO, and more.

Tasks: Digital content managers create digital campaigns; write and post content like blogs and videos; and manage an NGO’s overall digital content strategy. Managers also monitor traffic and trends to ensure strategies succeed.

#19. Project manager

Description: Project managers oversee an NGO’s projects, campaigns, and initiatives from the development phase through the project’s completion.

Average salary: $81,982/year (NGO project manager/ZipRecruiter)

Qualifications: Project management doesn’t require a specific degree; it depends on what your NGO focuses on. Because many NGOs require a master’s degree for higher-level jobs, you’re more likely to become a project manager with a master’s. You should also have 3-5 years of experience and skills like excellent communication, time management, problem-solving, critical thinking, and adaptability.

Tasks: Project managers vary in seniority, but generally, managers are responsible for planning projects, coordinating with team members, leading meetings, developing and monitoring budgets, and evaluating a project’s success.

#20. Director

Description: Directors are leaders at an NGO. They help create and implement the NGO’s vision and goals through programs, guidance, and crucial decision-making. Executive directors are the top leaders.

Average salary: $72,453/year (US-based NGO director/ZipRecruiter)

Qualifications: As a leader in an NGO, directors typically have at least a master’s degree in a field like international relations, global affairs, business, or another field relevant to the NGO. They also have many years of experience and deep knowledge of the NGO’s focus area. Desired skills include excellent communication, networking, time management, adaptability, creativity, and leadership.

Tasks: Directors lead NGOs to success. They create (or help create with the NGO’s board) the NGO’s vision, goals, and strategies. They help hire and manage employees, represent the NGO to the public, oversee financial and fundraising activities, and communicate with the board.

The post 20 NGO Job Types: Salaries, Qualifications, Tasks appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Are you a human rights professional looking to enhance your leadership and management skills? Look no further than the 9^th cohort of the Executive Master in Management of International Organizations (EMMIO) program at SDA Bocconi School of Management, the 4^th world’s Business School for custom education.

Discover more

Every year SDA Bocconi School of Management (4th B-School Worldwide, Custom Education – FT rankings) gathers 20 professionals from both the international development and humanitarian assistance sectors to attend the Executive Master #EMMIO.

The program’s unique formula combines concentrated face-to-face modules and distance learning courses, allowing you to continue working full-time while attending from any duty station in the world. EMMIO’s curriculum is tailored to the needs of International Development professionals, with a focus on envisioning and innovating, managing and leading as well as managing resources and operations. Additionally, personalized Executive Coaching and Individual Mentoring sessions will be offered throughout the programme to help you achieve your individual development goals and to emerge as global leader.

Highlights

• Compatible with full-employment
• 70% of participants serving the United Nations, European Institutions as well as IFIs and International NGOs at global level
• 13 years of professional experience (on average)
• 67% of women participants
• 8 partial tuition waivers available
• Application deadline: July 31st, 2023

By joining the EMMIO, you will be part of a diverse cohort of professionals from International Institutions, NGOs, Foundations and the private sector, providing a valuable knowledge platform for peer-to-peer learning and for a shared learning experience. Examples of the 65+ organizations represented since 2015 are: European Commission, ECDC, ECMWF, ESM, IAEA, IFAD, IMF, UN Secretariat, UNDP, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, VSO, WFP, WIPO, Word Bank, World Vision International as well as private sector organizations as Ferragamo, MasterCard, Lindt and others.

Reserve your one-to-one chat with the EMMIO Program Coordinator: https://calendly.com/alexander-hiedemann/emmio_9?month=2023-03

Learn more from our Alumni and chat with the EMMIO Ambassadors.

EMMIO is not only a programme where you will actively engage, interact and learn from academics, international senior leaders and peers. In particular, thanks to personalized Executive Coaching with accredited coaches and Individual Mentoring sessions with our Faculty, you will have the chance to further customize your learning and effectively reach individualized professional goals.

Structure

• Oct. 11-27, 2023 Face-to-face term in Milan > see courses (link)
• Nov. 2023-Apr. 2024 Distance learning > see courses (link)
• May 15-31, 2024 Face to face term in Milan > see courses (link)

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your capacity to lead and manage in humanitarian aid, development, and peacekeeping operations contexts. Apply before the July 31^st, 2023 deadline and take the next step in your career with EMMIO.

Apply now

The post Strengthen Your Capacity to Lead International Organizations appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Applications are open for the Online Executive Diploma on International Law in the 21^st Century, a programme that includes 5 interactive online workshops organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) from 16 May – 19 May, 2023.

Apply now

In dedicated sessions delivered by top UN experts and practitioners, gain essential knowledge about the main principles of public international law, delve into maritime law, learn more about the ever-growing threat of cyber warfare, and the potential applications of international humanitarian law in the digital arena.

International law is the cornerstone of global interaction and policy building in today’s globalized world. Businesses, governments, and international organizations alike are in growing need of professionals who can navigate such transnational legal complexities.

Benefit from this unique programme by expanding your network and learning the tools and information necessary for a successful career in International Law.

The programme is available from 15 May – 19 May 2023. It is fully online, allowing participants from all over the world to join. All individuals are welcome to register, and spots will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. A maximum of 35 participants are accepted per edition, so kindly apply by 7 May 2023.

UNITAR issues a limited number of fee reductions to participants from low- and middle-income countries, with priority assigned to participants from least developed countries. Participants working in the United Nations, regional or other international organizations, regardless of nationality, are not eligible for fee reductions.

For more information on fees, the application procedure, and the exact time and dates for the workshops, please visit UNITAR’s official website, or send an email to: info.ilp@unitar.org

Apply now

The post UN Executive Diploma on International Law in the 21st Century appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Millions of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are in operation today around the world. They tend to focus on political or social causes, and while an NGO can get funding from government agencies and/or businesses, they’re meant to operate without government influence. Why do we need these types of organizations? How do they impact society? Here are fifteen reasons why:

#1. They provide medical care

The Covid-19 pandemic has claimed millions of lives (and counting) and strained healthcare systems around the world. While the pandemic’s worst days are likely behind us, it remains a persistent concern alongside mental health and other medical issues. NGOs engage in activities like research and medical services. Doctors Without Borders is one of the largest and most famous NGOs with a presence in 70 countries. The Carter Center, which was founded in 1982 by former president Jimmy Carter, led a campaign to eradicate Guinea worm disease. In 1986, there were 3.5 million cases every year. In 2021, there were only 14 reported cases. This success story represents the best of what NGOs are capable of.

#2. They assist during outbreaks and pandemics

NGOs provide all kinds of medical care, but during outbreaks and pandemics like COVID-19, they can be especially vital partners. In a post from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, local NGOs were described as being “at the heart of” reaching people during COVID. This is due to the knowledge of local NGOs and the existing trust they’ve built in the community. During the first wave of COVID, Plan India (part of Plan International) reached 200,000+ families with supplies like dry rations, hygiene kits, and education kits. As the virus persists, the NGO continues its work with food aid, PPE, and education.

#3. They address hunger

Famine occurs when countries or regions get hit with extreme food scarcity. Causes include wars, chronic poverty, natural disasters, and climate change. While famines are rare, millions of people still deal with food insecurity. Around 10% of the world’s population deals with hunger. According to a 2022 report published by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the WFP, there are 20 “hunger hotspots” on the brink of famine. Millions would be affected. Getting enough food is essential to every person’s life, so many NGOs focus on or include hunger relief in their programs. Action Against Hunger’s work includes advocacy, emergency assistance, financial planning for women, small business support, farmers’ cooperatives, and more.

#4. They help provide clean water and sanitation

Clean water and sanitation are so important, they’re Goal 6 in the Sustainable Development Goals. Significant progress has been made, but according to UN data, around two billion people don’t have safely managed drinking water. If the rate of progress doesn’t improve, 2.8 billion won’t have safe sanitation and 1.6 billion won’t have safe drinking water in 2030. Humanitarian NGOs include water and sanitation as part of their activities, but some NGOs have a narrow focus. The UK-based WaterAid, which works in 30+ countries, hopes to reach 400 million people with clean water and sanitation services by 2032.

#5. They help during natural disasters

Famines, hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters cause immense damage and suffering. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, the United States endured 15 weather/climate disaster events from January-October 2022, resulting in losses of over $1 billion each. As for death, extreme weather disasters between 2000-2019 caused around 475,000 deaths in more than 160 countries. Most humanitarian NGOs provide emergency services. Direct Relief, which is based in the US but also works internationally, offers services like emergency medical packs, hurricane prep packs, oral rehydration salts, and more. NGOs often work in cooperation with governments and intergovernmental organizations like the UN.

#6. They promote equality and fairness in the legal system

Injustice in the legal system can look like unpunished police brutality, racially-biased court systems, the use of the death penalty to suppress political enemies, and unfair laws. Legal-focused NGOs work to protect victimized people, reform unjust, violent systems, and conduct research. One example is Penal Reform International, which works to protect human rights and make criminal justice systems fair. Areas of focus include the rising number of women affected by criminal justice systems and the unnecessary incarceration of children. The NGO has consultative status with the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and more.

#7. They protect wildlife and biodiversity

The environment is connected in more ways than we can count, so if even one species becomes unhealthy, it has a ripple effect. According to the WWF’s Living Planet Report from 2022, wildlife populations decreased by around 69% in 50 years. Latin America has suffered the most, while global freshwater species have declined by 83%. Why does this matter? The loss of biodiversity harms the planet’s health, including human health. Without a wide range of species, wildlife is more vulnerable to threats and eventually extinction. The more species suffer and decline, the more vulnerable all wildlife becomes. Many environmental NGOs focus on wildlife protection, including The World Wildlife Fund, Oceana, and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

#8. They fight against climate change

In 2022, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its sixth report. It laid out a troubling picture of the future if the world does not respond to climate change quickly. If global warming reaches 1.5°C within 2021-2040, climate hazards will increase and put ecosystems and humans in serious danger. Health issues, death, environmental destruction, and more will follow. Many NGOs are fighting to raise awareness and present solutions. Environmental Defense Fund, Greenpeace, and Fridays for Future are just a few examples. Activities include advocacy campaigns, research, protests, partnerships, and educational resources.

#9. They help with economic development

Goal 8 of the Sustainable Development Goals focuses on “decent work and economic growth.” Without an inclusive, sustainable economy, people suffer harms like poverty, a lack of education, a lack of affordable healthcare, and more. This makes economic development a common focus for NGOs. One of the world’s largest anti-poverty NGOs, the Bangladesh Rehabilitation Assistance Committee (BRAC), works in 11 countries. Its activities include banking, microfinance, integrated development (which focuses on pockets of extreme poverty), and urban development. The goal of economic development should be to empower local communities and build sustainability, so countries and regions aren’t dependent on humanitarian aid and emergency relief.

#10. They help protect reproductive rights

Reproductive rights ensure people have the right to decide if and when to have children. Prenatal services, the right to safe childbirth, and the right to abortion are included in reproductive rights. When these rights aren’t protected, individuals, families, and entire communities suffer. NGOs like the Center for Reproductive Rights, which is a legal advocacy organization, work to advance reproductive rights through litigation and court cases. Many humanitarian organizations also have programs for reproductive rights. Plan International works with partners to ensure access to sexual health services and to stop harmful practices like forced marriage.

#11. They advance gender equality

Despite decades of progress, gender equality is still far away. According to a 2022 report from the World Bank, around 2.4 billion women of working age don’t get equal opportunities. Gender-based violence is also a big issue. Around 30% of women have experienced sexual and/or physical violence while around 38% of murdered women are killed by intimate partners. These striking numbers explain why most humanitarian organizations pay special attention to gender equality and the protection of women. NGOs like Womankind Worldwide, Global Fund For Women, and the International Alliance of Women focus on advocacy, funding campaigns, and more.

#12. They protect children

Despite making up around ⅓ of the globe’s population, kids are one of the most vulnerable groups in the world. According to Amnesty International, around 290 million children don’t have their births registered, so they have no legal proof of existence. This makes it much easier to violate their human rights. Over 61 million kids also don’t attend primary school, while around 1 in 6 live in extreme poverty. Save the Children International (based in the UK) is one of the world’s most famous NGOs dedicated to kids. It’s a global membership organization with 30 national members. Its areas of focus include learning, survival, protection, emergencies, and the climate crisis.

#13. They provide education

Education is another major focus for NGOs and for good reason. A lack of education access is linked to things like poverty, gender inequality, poorer health and safety, and more. Girls are still more likely to miss out on education compared to boys; around 129 million girls aren’t in school. Humanitarian NGOs like Save the Children, CARE, and Plan International have programs focused on education, especially for girls. Education International, which is headquartered in Belgium, is a global union federation of teachers’ trade unions. It has a presence in 172 countries.

#14. They protect refugees

The UN defines refugees as people who leave their homes because of persecution of religion, race, nationality, membership in a group, or political opinion. As of May 2022, 100 million people were forcibly displaced. The war in Ukraine and other conflicts were responsible for the increase of 10.7 million from the end of 2021. Refugees face many challenges, including an increased risk of trafficking and sexual violence, so many NGOs focus their efforts on helping refugees. Some examples include Refugees International, the International Rescue Committee, and RefugePoint.

#15. They protect democracy

According to Freedom House’s 2022 report, global freedom has declined in the past 16 years. While only 25 countries that year saw improvements in their democracy, 60 experienced declines. Today, only 20% of the world’s population lives in what Freedom House classifies as a “Free” country. NGOs like Freedom House, Protect Democracy, and Amnesty International play an important role in protecting and promoting democracy. Activities can include advocacy campaigns, research, litigation, training, emergency assistance for human rights defenders, and more.

The post 15 Reasons Why NGOs Are Important appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

NGOs are social and political organizations that work independently from governments. Most NGOs are nonprofits, but not all nonprofits are NGOs. While it’s difficult to count how many NGOs exist today, 2021 data from The U.S. Department of State estimates there are 1.5 million NGOs working in the US alone. Which ones are the biggest? This article describes 15 influential NGOs located in places like the United States, Europe, and South Asia.

#1. Save the Children

Established in: 1919
Global presence: 120 countries

Based in London, this international NGO works to improve the lives of children through healthcare, education, emergency aid, economic development, and more. As a global movement, the NGO has 30 national member organizations around the world. Areas of focus include hunger, health, education, policy and advocacy, the climate crisis, and the war in Ukraine.

In 2021, Save the Children and its member organizations reached almost 43 million kids and responded to 103 humanitarian emergencies. Their combined revenue was around USD 2.2 billion.

#2. Oxfam International

Established in: 1942
Global presence: 90+ countries

Oxfam is an anti-poverty organization that focuses on water and sanitation, gender justice, conflicts and disasters, and much more. Since 2015, the NGO has reached over 3 million people in Yemen with services like clean water, sanitation, hygiene, and cash for food. In Syria, where millions have been forcibly displaced since 2011, Oxfam works in eight of the 14 governorates focusing on clean water, hygiene kits, farmers, and more. Oxfam also has charity shops around the world (most are in the UK) that sell donated and fair-trade items.

According to the 2020-2021 annual report, Oxfam reached over 14 million people with their COVID-19 response; worked with 1.7 million people on gender justice; and made USD 912 million in total income.

#3. Doctors without Borders

Established in: 1971
Global presence: 70+ countries

Based in France (where it’s known as Médecins Sans Frontières), Doctors Without Borders is a medical NGO working in conflict zones, areas affected by natural disasters, and areas with endemic diseases. Their focuses include antibiotic resistance, maternal health, HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, vaccinations, mental health, and more. They use 14% of their income on fundraising, 85% on programs, and 1% on management and general admin.

In 2021, the NGO performed over 12.5 million medical consultations; gave 1.6 million vaccinations; and saw over 1 million patients in MSF hospitals and clinics. After adjustments, MSF had a surplus of €169 million. MSF gets most of its funding from private income, which includes individuals and private foundations.

#4. BRAC

Established in: 1972
Global presence: 11 countries

BRAC is an international development NGO based in Bangladesh. Because of how many employees it has, it’s the largest NGO in the world. It works in every district in Bangladesh as well as in countries like Kenya, Liberia, Afghanistan, and Myanmar. It focuses on social development like microfinance, disaster risk management, education, gender justice, and water and sanitation. BRAC also has several social enterprises, which are self-sustaining, cause-driven businesses. These help the NGO fund itself.

According to its 2021 annual report, almost 2 in 5 people in Bangladesh received support from BRAC. 11.5 million accessed financial services and awareness; USD 4.5 billion in loans were disbursed; and 190,000 kids got access to education. The NGO also had over 4 billion Taka in total assets.

#5. World Vision

Established in: 1950
Global presence: 100+ countries

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian NGO focused on issues like poverty, education, child protection, disaster relief, economic empowerment, and clean water. Children are the NGO’s top priority. In 2022, World Vision helped 3.2 million kids through child sponsorship; assisted 31.1 million refugees and disaster survivors; and gave 3 million people clean water access. World Vision has around USD 1 billion in operating revenue. It spends 90% of its revenue on programs, 6% on fundraising, and 4% on management and general administration.

Note: World Vision’s moral guidelines for employees have caused controversy. In 2014, the NGO announced it would begin hiring employees in same-sex marriages, but World Vision quickly reversed course after losing sponsors. At the time of writing, it appears the NGO is maintaining its discriminatory policy.

#6. International Rescue Committee

Established in: 1933
Global presence: 40+ countries

The International Rescue Committee, which was originally founded in response to people fleeing Nazi Germany, helps refugees affected by humanitarian crises like disasters and conflict. Areas of focus include safety, health, economic well-being, empowerment, and education. As women and girls are among the most vulnerable, the NGO pays special attention to their needs. The IRC works in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and the United States.

In 2021, the NGO reached 31.5 million people, resettled people from 32 countries in the United States, and reached over 1 million people with malnutrition prevention services. Total revenue in 2021 was USD 979,512 while net assets were USD 245,790.

#7. Catholic Relief Services

Established in: 1943
Global presence: 100+ countries

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an international humanitarian NGO and a member of Caritas International, which is a global network of Catholic humanitarian agencies. Originally founded to aid European refugees in WWII, the NGO expanded its work to emergency relief, long-term development, and human rights protection.

In 2021, CRS reached 193 million people in 116 countries. That includes providing over USD 75 million in cash and vouchers for displaced people in Gaza; restoring 503,096 acres of land in Central America; and helping 221,396 children and adolescents with HIV get treatment. CRS’ total operating revenue was USD 1,191,928 in 2021. 93.5% is spent on program services with 6.5 spent on support services like fundraising and general administration.

#8. Danish Refugee Council

Established in: 1956
Global presence: 40+ countries

The Danish Refugee Council was formed after WWII in response to the Soviet invasion of Hungary. Today, it’s the largest NGO in Denmark. It works in every stage of displacement, provides humanitarian aid and protection, and works with civil society and authorities to promote refugee rights. The Danish Refugee Council is an umbrella nonprofit with 33 member organizations, so it has a presence in over 40 countries including countries in Europe, Asia, and West and North Africa.

In 2021, the NGO’s Executive Committee approved the new global DRC Strategy 2025, which lays out the organization’s strategy for the next few years. As forced displacement increases, the DRC has its work cut out for it. In 2021, the DRC achieved a DKK 25 million profit.

#9. CARE International

Established in: 1945
Global presence: 100+ countries

CARE International is an anti-poverty NGO that focuses on areas like gender equality, the right to health, climate justice, the right to food and clean water, and so on. Girls and women are a top priority. They use the Sustainable Development Goals as a guide for tracking progress.

In 2022, CARE reached 174 million people directly in 111 countries. From 2015-2021, CARE helped 4.4 million kids access better quality or more inclusive education. 73.9 million people received humanitarian and basic services or experienced reduced poverty. In the fiscal year (July 2021-June 2022), CARE USA spent USD 658,572 on program activities and USD 56,703 on supporting activities.

#10. Amnesty International

Established in: 1961
Global presence: 150+ countries

Amnesty International is an advocacy NGO based in the UK. It claims to have more than ten million members and supporters. Its goal is to promote and protect human rights through awareness campaigns and mobilizing the public. Areas of focus include torture, the death penalty, police brutality, and climate justice.

AI’s impact includes freeing immigrants and asylum-seekers kept in unlawful detention and helping change public opinion on issues like the death penalty. In 2021, AI raised €357m for human rights work. 45% was spent on human rights research, advocacy, campaigning, and education.

#11. ActionAid International

Established in: 1972
Global presence: 45 countries

ActionAid is an international NGO working to end poverty, gender inequality, and injustice. It focuses on women, politics and economics, land and climate, and emergencies. Women’s rights are woven through all the NGO’s activities. Its head office is in South Africa, but it has hubs in Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

In 2021, ActionAid’s humanitarian work reached over 3 million people, including over 500,000 children and over 900,000 women. Its total income was €224 million. It spent 64% of that on programs, 18% on support, and 16% on fundraising.

#12. Direct Relief

Established in: 1948
Global presence: 80+ countries

Direct Relief is a California-based humanitarian aid NGO focused on health. Its work includes disaster relief (hurricanes, wildfires, outbreaks, etc) and longer-term aid like supporting healthcare providers, community health, and maternal health. It works in places like Asia, Africa, Mexico, South America, and the United States.

In 2021, Direct Relief provided over USD 1.6 million in specifically-requested medical supplies and medicine, as well as more than 94 million masks, 31 million gloves, and other PPE. The NGO received USD 1.93 billion in public support and spent USD 1.7 billion on assistance around the world.

#13. Action Against Hunger

Established in: 1979
Global presence: 50+ countries

This NGO focuses on ending world hunger and assisting malnourished children. Its solutions include treating malnutrition, strengthening food security, empowering parents, expanding clean water access, and more. Action Against Hunger works in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas.

Across the world, Action Against Hunger serves more than 26 million people. According to its 2021 audited financial statement, the NGO’s total revenue was USD 116,826,140. It spent USD 75,858,609 on program services.

#14. Anti-Slavery International

Established in: 1839
Global presence: 20+ countries

Anti-Slavery International, which was founded in the UK, is the world’s oldest international human rights organization. It focuses on ending slavery in all its forms, including human trafficking, child slavery, and child marriage. Activities include working with survivors; supporting and promoting legal frameworks for ending slavery; and changing systems that allow exploitation.

In 2021, Anti-Slavery International supported 17,880 people and 14 anti-slavery partner organizations in 10 countries. The NGO also raised £3,166,278 during the 2020-2021 financial year and spent £2,937,095 on ending slavery and fundraising.

#15. Plan International

Established in: 1937
Global presence: 75+ countries

Plan International is a humanitarian and development NGO focused on children’s rights and gender equality. Areas of focus include quality education, protection from violence, sexual and reproductive health, emergencies, and youth empowerment.

According to its 2022 review, Plan International worked in 83 countries. It reached over 4.5 million girls with early childhood development programs and over 5 million girls with its sexual and reproductive health and rights programs. It had a €1.1 billion income. For every euro spent, 80 cents were spent on programs, 12 cents were spent on raising funds and getting new supporters, and 8 cents were spent on HR, finance, etc.

The post The 15 Biggest NGOs in the World appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

For-profit organizations exist to make money. The money earned from goods and services goes to pay the business owner, shareholders, investors, and others involved in the organization. With non-profit organizations, however, profit isn’t the end goal. Humanitarian organizations, NGOs, hospitals, political organizations, labor unions, professional associations, museums, and even some government agencies can all be classified as non-profits. If the goal isn’t to generate profit, how do non-profits make money? Do people who work for non-profits get paid? In this article, we’ll explore how non-profits make money and how that money is managed when it comes to paying operating costs and salaries.

Non-profits rely on several funding sources, including grants, private donations, and product sales. While there are rules about how money is used, non-profits can pay their staff – especially directors and CEOs – very well.

How do non-profits make money?

Non-profits don’t exist to make a profit, but they have to make money to perform the work they’re committed to. Without a reliable revenue stream, non-profits will fail. However, because they are tax-exempt organizations, how they earn and manage their money is different than if they were for-profit. Here are four ways non-profits earn the money they need to thrive:

A) Grants

For many nonprofits, grants (which is money given to a nonprofit that they don’t have to give back) make up a decent chunk of their budgets for the year. According to Instrumentl, an organization that provides grant and funder data to nonprofits, there are four types of funders that give grants: private family foundations, corporate foundations, public foundations, community foundations, and the government. In the United States, there are about 87,000 foundations giving grants and 900+ federal grant programs.

What kind of grants are out there? The IDC Giving Group describes five:

#1. Start-up/seed grants

If you’re a new nonprofit looking for free money, a seed grant is likely your best bet. These are usually the only grants a young nonprofit can get at first because the amount tends to be small, so the funder isn’t risking much. The nonprofit will need to meet certain criteria first, such as getting nonprofit status and establishing a board. Foundations only want to give money to nonprofits that know what they’re doing.

#2. Program grants

If there’s a specific program your nonprofit wants to launch, look for foundations offering program grants. You’ll need to detail the project’s purpose, budget, timeline, and so on. You can expect between $25,000-$250,000 for grants like this.

#3. Capital grants

When a nonprofit needs a new building – think a new hospital building, a museum room, a church building, etc – you can look for foundations giving capital grants. This type of grant is usually large because construction is so expensive. A nonprofit should be ready to provide building plans and cover some of the costs themselves since there’s no guarantee a capital grant will pay for everything.

#4. Conditional grants

Grants don’t have to be paid back, but some of them come with strings. A nonprofit will often only get the funds from a conditional grant when they’ve raised a set amount of money from another source. At this point, the funder usually matches the amount raised.

#5. General operating grants

These grants help a nonprofit stay operating. These can pay for rent, salaries, and other operating costs. According to the IDC Giving Group, however, these types of grants are rare because the risk of abuse is too high.

B) Private donations

Many nonprofits rely heavily on private donations. According to data from the National Philanthropic Trust, individuals were the largest source of charitable giving in 2021. They gave over $320 billion in the United States, which represented 67% of total giving. Individuals can give through a variety of channels, such as:

#1. Monthly giving

Visit a nonprofit’s website and you should see a tab describing its recurring donations program. You can usually choose a specific amount you want to give each month or even customize it. If the program is good, the nonprofit will describe what your donation will pay for. Monthly giving is extremely important to nonprofits because it provides consistency. It also makes giving easy for donors. They just have to give their information once and the payment goes through automatically until they cancel it. If a nonprofit can keep and increase its monthly givers, it can continue to make money for its programs.

#2. Email marketing

It may seem old-fashioned, but email marketing still works. It’s one of the best and most cost-effective ways to reach a lot of people at once, promote other ways to reach your nonprofit, and meaningfully engage with donors. According to 2021 research, 77% of marketers saw an increase in email engagement throughout the year. To make the most of an email marketing strategy, nonprofits should keep a close eye on what messaging resonates, how many emails are too many, and what email platforms work best.

#3. Events

Fundraising events are a great way to earn money, especially from larger donors willing to buy tickets for annual galas, performances, and more. In addition to entertaining the guests, fundraising events are opportunities to promote specific programs and describe what the nonprofit has accomplished over the year. Many fundraisers also hold raffles with items donated by local businesses. Raffles are a low-cost, engaging way to raise money on the night of an event.

C) Product sales

While selling products may seem like something only for-profits can do, non-profits can, too. There are certain rules they have to follow if they want to remain untaxed. The big thing to remember is all product sales must relate to the organization’s purpose. If they’re not, the non-profit may be hit with “unrelated business income” (UBI). A non-profit can pay a UBI tax while remaining a non-profit, but mishandling things can lead to trouble with their non-profit status. If a nonprofit wants to avoid UBI, here are three rules to remember:

#1. Ongoing product sales have to directly relate to the nonprofit’s mission

Ongoing product sales include T-shirts, mugs, hats, stickers, and other items sold in a non-profit merchandise store. If the non-profit wants to avoid UBI taxes on any revenue generated by these sales, they have to prove these are related business activities. If a piece of merchandise only has the non-profit’s name on it, but sales are not earmarked for anything specific, it may or may not be considered related enough. On the other hand, if merchandise sales go to a program the non-profit wants to launch, this revenue would most likely not be taxed. These are issues a non-profit needs to figure out before tax time.

#2. Products that don’t directly relate to the organization’s purpose can only be sold temporarily

Every year, the Girl Scouts organization sells cookies between January and April. The reason they don’t sell year-round is that the cookies don’t promote the Girl Scouts and aren’t directly related to the group’s purpose. However, selling the cookies for just a few months each year makes this a fundraising campaign, not a retail activity. The Girl Scouts also avoid UBI taxes because volunteers sell the cookies.

#3. The products are sold for the convenience of members

If you’ve ever visited a zoo or museum, you’ve very likely stopped in a cafe or restaurant there. Most zoos and museums are non-profits, but they’re able to generate tax-free revenue from food sales. The reason is that the cafe/restaurant benefits those visiting the non-profit. It relates to the non-profit’s mission by enhancing visitors’ experience and allowing them to stay on-site. It’s also convenient for the non-profit’s employees and volunteers.

How do operating costs and salaries work for non-profits?

Nonprofits use their revenue to pay for operating costs. Besides paying for the actual programs and services that make up the nonprofit’s mission, operating costs include fixed expenses (like monthly rent, utilities, etc), flexible expenses (like car rentals, hotel rooms, event space, temporary employees), and salaries. If there’s extra money left at the end of a fiscal year, it cannot personally enrich the nonprofit’s board or owner. Non-profits are only allowed to use extra money to support the organization’s mission.

Many non-profits depend heavily on volunteers, but they are allowed to pay employees without losing their tax-exempt status. They can also pay interns, though many nonprofits have yet to prioritize compensation for their interns. Someone might start as an unpaid volunteer or intern and then be offered an entry-level job. How much they’re paid depends on their experience, education, position, and the non-profit’s budget. Because salaries are considered an operating cost, the money non-profits earn can go pay salaries. According to ZipRecruiter, the average non-profit salary in the United States is $51,328/per year.

What about higher-level employees like directors and CEOs? In the United States, the IRS says non-profits can pay their executives “reasonable compensation.” There’s no set definition for what this means. Factors can include how much education and experience the job requires, how much other organizations are paying their executives, and the non-profit’s size and budget. Big organizations like Goodwill often pay their executives huge salaries, which can cause issues. In 2005, Goodwill’s Portland, Oregon branch president had to agree to lower his salary by 24% after the attorney general found his $838,508 yearly salary was “unreasonable.” By 2019, however, he was making almost a million dollars again. As part of good leadership and governance, nonprofits need to frequently consider what “reasonable” means and whether high salaries damage their mission.

The post How Do Non-Profits Make Money? appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Every society wrestles with the nature of justice, punishment, fairness, and order. The iconic image of a blindfolded woman wielding a set of scales – or sometimes a sword – has endured as a symbol around the world. Beyond a symbol, what is justice? This article covers the three main types of justice, what the earliest justice systems looked like, and the famous philosophers who developed theories of justice.

Justice refers to concepts of fairness, equality, moral behavior, lawfulness, and order. It seeks to answer questions like “What are people owed?” and “What makes a punishment just?” Everyone from philosophers to policymakers to humanitarians is interested in what justice means.

What are the three main types of justice?

Justice can be boiled down into three types: distributive, retributive, and restorative.

Distributive justice

Distributive justice is about the fair division of resources within a community. “Fair division” means everyone either gets or has access to the same services and physical goods. Why? The basis of distributive justice is that everyone is morally equal. Distributive justice affects areas like income, wealth, opportunities, jobs, welfare, and infrastructure. Principles of distributive justice include equity, need, and proportionality. While the basic definition of distributive justice is simple, how a society should fairly distribute resources is complex.

Retributive justice

Retributive justice, which can also be called criminal justice, focuses on how to punish crime. It’s based on the idea that when wrongdoing is committed, the wrongdoer should get a proportionate punishment. That doesn’t mean the wrongdoer should be subjected to exactly the same ordeal (i.e. if someone hits someone in the face, they don’t need to be hit back as their formal punishment), but it needs to be proportionate. Those who study retributive justice also tend to emphasize the need for indifference, meaning that justice shouldn’t be personal or based on revenge. While many justice systems include some kind of retributive justice, its effectiveness is debatable. Considering the flaws in many criminal justice systems, retributive justice can also end up harming innocent people or unfairly punishing certain groups over others.

Restorative justice

Restorative justice was developed in the 1970s, though many of its tenets come from Indigenous justice practices. Restorative justice focuses on helping victims of crimes, but it also wants to help offenders understand the harm they’ve caused. The goal is repair, not punishment. Engagement, accountability, cooperation, and community are all essential principles. Restorative justice practices have been used in many criminal justice cases, but they’ve also been adopted during conflicts involving families, schools, and workplaces. Unlike retributive justice, restorative justice doesn’t focus on what criminals deserve, but rather on what victims need to heal and what communities can do to prevent re-offending.

You can learn more about Justice in this course by Harvard University.

What were the world’s earliest justice systems?

Societies have changed drastically over the millennia. Justice systems are no exception, although all have dealt with concerns like property rights, murder, theft, marriage, and so on. Here are three examples of early justice systems:

Mesopotamia

The oldest law code from Mesopotamia – known as the Code of Urukagina – is referenced in other texts, but no copies exist today. We know more about the Code of Ur-Nammu (2100-2050 BCE), which is named after the ruler Ur-Nammu. The Code, which consists of 57 laws, establishes fines for all punishments except capital offenses, which are dealt with more harshly. The Code of Hammurabi, named after the first king of Babylon, is more famous than the earlier Ur-Nammu code. Through its 282 rules involving marriage, inheritances, crimes, punishment, violence, and more, Hammurabi’s code established a comprehensive legal code. Unlike Ur-Nammu’s code, Hammurabi’s tended to adopt an “eye for an eye” framework. This included harsh punishments like the cutting off of eyes, ears, tongues, and hands. It also said someone accused of a crime should be considered innocent until proven guilty. It’s believed that the Code of Hammurabi inspired other ancient justice systems.

What about a court system? In Mesopotamian society, disputes between individuals could be settled privately, but if that wasn’t possible, they could go to court. There were no lawyers, however. A local council would hear a case, followed by a judge or a court. Local courts tended to deal with civil and criminal cases, such as theft and property issues. Only men served in the courts.

Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egyptian law was based on the concept of ma’at, which means harmony. Egyptians even had a goddess named Ma’at, who personified truth, justice, and harmony. She held the universe in balance. Without her, everything would descend into chaos, which to Egyptians was the same as injustice. Ma’at was also an important figure in the Afterlife. After a person died, they would travel to the Hall of Judgement where their heart was weighed on a scale against Ma’at’s feather of truth. If their heart was balanced, they could continue to the Afterlife. If it didn’t, the person ceased to exist.

Historians haven’t found an ancient Egyptian code like the Code of Ur-Nammu or Hammurabi, so specifics are unknown. We do know that religious principles governed Egyptian law, so the king, as a god on earth, served as society’s top judge. There were also local courts that dealt with village concerns. Land, water rights, and other property issues were common. Those accused of crimes were considered guilty until proven innocent, so if someone made a false accusation and was found out, punishments were harsh. In ancient Egyptian society, justice was about avoiding chaos, so anything that threatened harmony was met with severe consequences. Murder, tomb-robbing, and rape were punished with death or mutilation.

Ancient China

Confucius, who we’ll learn more about shortly, had a major impact on ancient China’s view of justice and law. Confucius and his disciples believed a harmonious society depended on five relationships. These were the relationships between a ruler and subject, a husband and wife, a father and son, an older and younger brother, and a friend and friend. When everyone worked on being a good person, cared for these relationships, and fulfilled their responsibilities, society wouldn’t even need strict laws or punishments.

The imperial Chinese code during the Qin dynasty (221-206 BCE) rejected Confucius’ teachings in favor of Legalism, which taught that humans were naturally violent. To prevent humans from falling into their natural, evil state, Legalism taught that the government needed to take full control. Li Si, the counselor to the first emperor, created a harsh code following the unification of China. The emperor appointed district officials who served as judges and investigators. Those accused of crimes were guilty until proven innocent while trials didn’t have lawyers or juries. Punishments varied based on the crime, but many were harsh. Fines, hard labor, beatings, and banishment were doled out for minor violations. Serious crimes were punished with mutilations, castration, and death. When the Han Dynasty (202 BCE-220 CE) made Confucianism the state philosophy, China’s justice system softened.

How have philosophers defined justice?

The earliest justice systems didn’t come from thin air; many were deeply impacted by influential philosophers. Philosophy has continued to play a leading role in how society develops and deploys justice. As justice is one of history’s most discussed topics, it’s challenging to distill it to just a few figures. There are many other important thinkers not included in the following list, but the four here are a good starting point.

Confucius (551-479 BCE)

We’ve already discussed Confucius a little, but there are a few other things worth knowing about his views on justice and law. He based everything on the belief that humans were naturally good, which meant they understood the difference between right and wrong and were drawn to doing the right thing. They still needed guidance, however, but instead of specific laws, Confucius advocated for a code of ethics that included Five Constants and Four Virtues. These included Zhong (loyalty) and Yi (justice and righteousness). By following this code of ethics and maintaining a hierarchy of authority (sons obey fathers, younger brothers obey older brothers, and wives obey husbands), Confucius believed strict justice systems wouldn’t be necessary. In Confucius’ view, justice is about ethical behavior (which comes naturally to humans) and maintaining hierarchies.

Plato (428/7-348/7 BCE)

Plato built on his teacher Socrates’ ideas about justice and the belief that absolute truths exist. Because absolute truth exists, Plato believed justice couldn’t be subjective. Balance and control were essential, as well as a hierarchy. Plato’s vision of a “just” society had three classes: craftspeople, auxiliaries, and guardians. The guardians were in charge, but to achieve justice, all classes must embody certain virtues. Craftspeople should be temperate, auxiliaries should be courageous, and guardians should be wise. In Plato’s mind, only guardians – who were led by a philosopher king – could understand what justice looked like. Like Confucius, Plato’s concept of justice depends on groups staying in a hierarchy and living moral lives.

Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)

German philosopher Immanuel Kant, who is considered one of the modern West’s most influential figures, centered his ideas about justice on freedom. In his view, freedom is what gives human beings our dignity; it’s our only innate right. All laws must be created through the lens of freedom, bearing in mind that people don’t have the right to infringe on the freedom of others. For Kant, the only moral laws were laws that saw people as free, equal, and independent. What about crime and punishment? Kant believed in retributive justice and lex talonis, which is the theory that punishments need to inflict similar harm as the wrong done. If someone commits murder, death is the only equivalent punishment. Kant does also advocate for forgiveness, however, saying that repaying a wrong out of revenge or hatred is not virtuous. Kant devoted a good deal of his work to justice, applying his theories to private, private, and international law.

John Rawls (1921-2002)

In 1971, John Rawls published A Theory of Justice, which is one of the 20th century’s most important books. In this book, Rawls sought to define what a just society looks like. He performed a thought experiment where a group of people live behind “a veil of ignorance.” The veil hides the differences between the individuals, such as their social, economic, gendered, racial, and historical differences. With no outside influences, people wouldn’t try to benefit one group over another. Eventually, the group would settle on two principles. The first states that everyone has the same basic liberties that can’t be taken away, but that may be limited only if someone’s liberties are infringing on those of another person. Rawls’ second principle focuses on equality, including equal opportunities to hold private and public offices, as well as equal (or as close to equal as possible) wealth distribution. To be just, a society must reduce inequalities as best as it can. Rawls called his theory “justice as fairness.” His ideas have been very influential in academic discussions about social justice and human rights, as well as policy-making.

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Researchers make sure that the work of humanitarian organizations is based on well-established facts. They are essential for humanitarian operations. Operational research plays a vital role in humanitarian organizations, as it helps to identify and solve problems that can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of humanitarian practice. The application of operational research techniques can help to optimize resources, plan for and respond to emergencies, and enable better ways to conduct humanitarian operations.

In this course by University of Geneva you will develop fundamental knowledge and skills to engage in humanitarian research. The course will cover humanitarian research methods, study design and outline how operational research can advance humanitarian practice. In this course you will tackle the most fundamental questions of humanitarian research:

• Why do we need humanitarian research?
• What counts as evidence in humanitarian research?
• What does the humanitarian research process look like?
• How to choose a humanitarian study design?
• Challenges and opportunities during the humanitarian research process
• Quantitative and qualitative research methods
• What are ethical risks during humanitarian research?
• Community engagement and participatory methods in humanitarian research
• and accountability to donors, communities and partners

The entire course takes roughly 17 hours to complete and is self-paced. The instructors recommend taking it over the course of five weeks. Finishing this course will be particularly useful to junior researchers and humanitarian professionals, but everyone with an interest in humanitarian work will benefit from it.

How will you learn?

The course contains a variety of reading materials, expert videos and quizzes to help you better understand the concepts of operational research. Beyond these elements, the course also features a variety of custom H5P activities that are ungraded. Here are a few examples:

The first introductory video on conducting research in humanitarian settings is narrated by Dr Emilie Venables who is senior researcher at International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). To enhance accessibility, videos contain subtitles and downloadable transcripts. Unlike some other courses the video has excellent sound quality and contains B-roll footage from humanitarian settings.

Another aspect we liked about this course is that it clearly outlines the learning outcomes and uses measurable action-verbs, meaning it will clearly identify what you will be able to do after completing the course. Here are some examples.

As previously outlined the course also contains custom developed H5P elements. These ungraded elements are mostly drag & drop activities that help you understand essential processes of humanitarian research. Here are a few examples: The first screenshot shows a drag & drop activity on the humanitarian cycle. In the second activity you’ll learn to differentiate between high- and low-quality evidence.

How do you receive a passing grade?

The course includes 5 quizzes at the end of each module that each count 20% towards your passing grade. To pass the course, you need to answer 80% of each quiz correctly and you have two attempts every 48 hours to get there. The quizzes are not easy as many of them are multiple choice (where multiple answers need to be checked instead of only one) but if you properly participate in the course, you won’t have any problems passing.

What does the course cost

You can audit the course for free or choose to opt-in for a verified certificate for a fee. Prices may vary based on your location and currency but are normally around USD 49. Please note that this might change in the future, so always check the current pricing on the official page. Financial aid is available for those who qualify through the course provider.

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What does it mean to be someone committed to the public good? How can people use the resources and wealth they have to help others? Philanthropy is interested in these questions. A philanthropist is someone who uses their wealth to support charitable causes such as anti-poverty initiatives, humanitarian aid, and other development projects. In this article, we’ll discuss the history of philanthropy, its pros and cons, and how anyone – regardless of their class status – can embrace the spirit of philanthropy.

Philanthropists are typically rich individuals who use their wealth to establish or support charitable causes and institutions like foundations, hospitals, museums, libraries, and more. While the spirit of philanthropy is meant to be selfless, modern philanthropy does face its fair share of criticism.

A short history of philanthropy

The word philanthropy comes from the Ancient Greek philanthrōpía, which translates to “love of humanity.” According to the National Philanthropic Trust, many cultures embraced the ideals of philanthropy, including ancient Greece, China, and India. Many religious traditions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Native American spirituality) also taught about the importance of kindness and selflessness. For many centuries, churches and communities were primarily responsible for charity. In the 18th century, however, a new form of giving began to emerge. In 1739, businessman Thomas Coram noticed a high number of abandoned children on London’s streets. He spent the next 17 years calling for a children’s home until King George II finally signed a royal charter that established the Foundling Hospital. Many believe this to be the first incorporated charity. Its work continues today through The Coram Foundation.

Philanthropy also has a long history in the United States where it historically included financial giving, as well as volunteering and organizing. Groups would donate money, organize events, and call for social and political progress. Wealthy individuals also became extremely influential in establishing universities, fine arts institutions, hospitals, and more. George Peabody, who was born in 1795, is often called “the father of modern philanthropy.” He was a merchant banker who dedicated his life to giving away as much money as possible. His philanthropic endeavors included libraries, museums, and the Peabody Education Fund, which supported education for Southern children following the Civil War. The Peabody Awards are named after him. Peabody’s life served as the model for famous philanthropic billionaires like Andrew Carnegie, Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and others.

Praise and criticism of philanthropy

It’s difficult to deny the inherent good of philanthropy when it’s defined as the love of humanity. However, are philanthropists doing good work all the time? Or is there a darker side to their charitable giving? Like all things, philanthropy has its pros and cons. Here are some of the most commonly praised and criticized aspects of philanthropy:

Praise: Philanthropists can support causes that aren’t getting funding elsewhere

The vast majority of charities don’t receive enough funding. NGOs typically operate with very tight margins and depend on private donations, which can ebb and flow. Wealthy philanthropists can play a crucial role in supporting causes that are struggling to gain donations. Their large financial gifts can lift organizations out of the red and attract media attention, which in turn can attract more donations. This is especially important for causes that are historically underfunded, such as the rights and well-being of girls and women. According to reporting from Fast Company, nonprofits focused on girls and women received only 1.6% of all charitable giving between 2012-2015. Philanthropists are in a position to fill in funding gaps and raise awareness of underfunded organizations.

Praise: Philanthropists can inspire more giving

When philanthropists announce their large donations, it can set off a domino effect of giving from other wealthy philanthropists. Research supports this theory of “contagious” giving. In one 2013 study, the amount people gave in an online fundraiser appeared to affect how much others gave after them. In 2010, Bill Gates, Melinda Gates, and Warren Buffet announced the Giving Pledge campaign and began recruiting other wealthy individuals. As of December 2021, 231 people from 28 countries have signed on. If these billionaires and millionaires can fulfill their pledge of giving away most of their wealth and inspire others to do the same, that’s a lot of money that goes to charity.

Criticism: Philanthropists can use their wealth to exert control

One of the most serious criticisms of philanthropy is that it allows society’s wealthiest people to call all the shots at the expense of everyone else’s voices. As scholar Rob Reich explained in 2018, big philanthropy is “an exercise in power” and whenever that power extends to the public, “the response it deserves is not gratitude but scrutiny.” A post on The Conversation provides a specific example of how philanthropic giving weakens democracy without necessarily solving anything. In the 1990s, foundations began focusing on education reform in the United States. Billions of dollars have been poured into the philanthropists’ ideas about school choice, performance-based evaluation, and more. As the article points out, however, most people weren’t asking for philanthropists to swoop in and save them. For all the money devoted to reform, not much has improved, either. This is a tale of well-intentioned, but ill-informed philanthropists without experience in education taking the reins away from the public. When it comes to issues that affect all of society – like education – why should the voices of the wealthy matter the most?

Criticism: Philanthropists don’t fix systemic issues

When philanthropy consists of mostly just large donations, it’s like filling in holes in a sinking boat. The boat is still sinking; plugging the holes has perhaps only delayed the inevitable. The real solution – getting the boat back to shore where it can be properly repaired- can only be done through systemic changes to institutions and policies. Many philanthropists ignore the complex political, social, and cultural roots of the causes they focus on, or, as we described above, they prioritize their own ideas about progress. In some cases, wealthy philanthropists are actually contributing to the systemic flaws or causing harm in other ways. They’re poking new holes in the ship while simultaneously trying to fill in others.

How anyone can be a philanthropist

Today, most people think of philanthropists as the wealthiest people in society giving away lots of money. With this narrow definition, philanthropy quickly becomes muddled with reasonable criticisms about motivation, power, and impact. What if we took philanthropy back to its roots and thought of it through its basic meaning: the love of humanity? With this definition, it doesn’t matter whether you can give $10 to charity or $100 million. Your time becomes just as available as your money, as well. A philanthropist is someone who cares about others and uses the resources they have. Here’s how to embrace philanthropy in your own life:

Be strategic

You can do philanthropic things without a strategy (i.e. giving money to organizations a few times a year), but if you want to make philanthropy more of a habit and identity, it’s a good idea to approach it strategically. That can mean setting up recurring donations to a nonprofit, arranging your schedule so you can volunteer regularly, and encouraging people you know to donate or volunteer with you. A good strategy ensures you don’t get distracted or burned out.

Research the causes and organizations you care about

When it comes to giving money and time, you don’t want to feel like you’re wasting either. To feel confident in the causes or organizations you’re considering giving to, research is important. If an organization is a registered nonprofit (in the United States, that makes it a 501(c)(3) organization), it has to make financial reports available to the public. These forms give you a clearer idea of how much money is used for overhead versus programs and campaigns. Research also helps you choose organizations with high levels of trust.

Consider joining an organization

There are millions of charitable organizations working around the world. If you want to invest your time and skills into supporting causes, joining an organization in a paid or unpaid role is a great option. Even if you’re only able to commit to a few hours a week, you’re living in the spirit of philanthropy.

Consider forming your own group

If you see a problem that isn’t getting a lot of attention or funding, consider forming your own group. The group can focus on supporting larger organizations committed to the cause or perform more hands-on work in your community. You may want to keep the group fairly informal and small, or maybe you have ambitions for official legal status. Whatever your hopes are, running a group can be very challenging, so plan carefully and ask advice from other activists and philanthropists if you don’t have a lot of experience.

Stay open-minded

Most people are more than happy to jump at the chance to do good in the world, but philanthropy can be complicated. As we’ve described, there are potential problems that arise from philanthropic giving and trying to fix the problems in society. If you want to be a philanthropist, keep in mind that your initial ideas may not be the best ones. Stay open-minded and willing to collaborate with people, especially people who belong to the communities you want to help. At the end of the day, their voices are the ones that matter the most. The best philanthropists are the ones ready to listen to those most impacted by their decisions. If you would like to learn more about philanthropy, consider taking a course online.

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According to the United Nations Charter, non-governmental organizations are organizations with a consultative role with the UN. Today, the term “NGO” refers to a huge variety of organizations independent from governments that conduct human rights, humanitarian and development work. NGOs can work regionally with a small staff or internationally with hundreds of people working on various projects. In this article, we’ll discuss the history of NGOs, what types exist, how NGOs are funded, and what are some of the best-known NGOs in the world.

While there is no definitive definition of an NGO, NGOs are typically non-governmental, non-profit organizations working in areas like human rights, humanitarian aid, and other social and political issues.

A brief history of NGOs

Charitable groups existed long before the term “NGO” ever appeared in the UN Charter in 1945. These organizations were often religious and focused on issues like poverty. One of the oldest organizations of this type was founded in 1617 by St. Vinvent de Paul. Known as the Ladies of Charity, the organization focused on poverty in France. They remain operational and perform activities such as running a clothes and food pantry, providing groceries during holidays, and distributing religious materials.

In the 19th century, organizations dedicated to abolition began appearing. The Anti-Slavery Society formed in 1839 and a year later, held the world’s first anti-slavery convention in London. The following decades were busy as the organization promoted alternatives to sugar grown on slave plantations, helped establish the first comprehensive anti-slavery treaty, and campaigned against King Leopold II’s slavery practices in the Congo Free State. The organization still exists today under the name Anti-Slavery International.

As globalization increased, so did NGOs. As Peter Hall-Jones writes, the surge in NGOs can also be attributed to the World Bank and IMF public services cuts. As independent organizations, NGOs have had more freedom and flexibility to fill in where needed. NGOs have also enjoyed higher degrees of trust, though because of NGOs’ funding ties to governments and corporations – as well as patterns of abuse – many NGOs struggle with maintaining their reputations. While it’s hard to get the exact number of NGOs in operation today there are as many as 1.5 million in just the United States.

How many types of NGOs are there?

NGO is a vague term, so many types of organizations fall under the NGO umbrella. In a 2014 summary, the World Bank described how it classifies NGOs. There are two main categories: operations NGOs and advocacy NGOs. Operations NGOs focus on designing and implementing development-related projects while advocacy NGOs “defend or promote a specific cause” and want to influence the World Bank’s practices and policies. The World Bank goes on to classify operations organizations as community-based organizations (CBOs), national organizations, and international organizations.

Membership vs. non-membership

NGOs can be broken down further based on their structure. NGOConnect has a 2011 “NGOTips” document that outlines different NGO types, including the difference between membership and non-membership organizations. In membership organizations, members are the top leadership and typically perform activities that are beneficial to the members, i.e. a veteran or teacher’s organization. In formal membership organizations, members may have the power to appoint the board of directors, remove a director, change policies, or even dissolve the nonprofit completely.

In non-membership NGOs, the board of directors is the ultimate authority. This structure makes things less complicated as it limits how many people have power. Most larger charities focused on serving the general public are non-membership organizations. You may still hear non-membership NGOs refer to donors as “members.” However, as attorney Christine Mathias writes in her article on the difference between membership and non-membership nonprofits, this is a fundraising tactic and doesn’t bestow any legal power.

Important acronyms

Most people won’t think about NGOs in terms of membership vs. non-membership; they’ll classify NGOs based on their missions and what they focus on. Here are some acronyms you might come across:

INGO (international NGO) – A self-explanatory acronym, INGOs refer to international NGOs like Amnesty International.

ENGOs (environmental NGOs) – Environmental NGOs first spread in the 1970s and 1980s. Some of the most famous include the World Wildlife Fund and Greenpeace.

YOUNGO (youth NGO) – Youth NGOs focus on the rights of children and youth. YOUNGO is also the name of the official youth constituency at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. It’s made of organizations and individuals; any young person is eligible to join.

RINGO (religious international NGO) – RINGOs are organizations with close ties to religious organizations. World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization, and Islamic Relief Worldwide are both examples of RINGOs. We’ve also seen RINGO used to refer to “research-oriented and independent organizations” in UN documents. These are non-profit, independent organizations committed to addressing climate change, finding ways to reduce greenhouse gases and climate impacts, and bridging science and policy.

BINGO (business-friendly international NGO) – This acronym typically refers to large NGOs. You may see it refer to Business and Industry NGOs, as well, which are NGOs established by a business or industry to represent their interests.

CSO (civil society organization) – The UN defines CSOs as any non-profit, voluntary citizens group organized locally, nationally, or internationally. CSOs serve several functions, including providing services and advocating for causes. The term is often used interchangeably with NGO.

How are NGOs funded?

To pay for their operations and programs, NGOs receive funding through a variety of channels, such as membership dues, selling goods and services, philanthropic foundations, and grants. Private donations also make up a significant chunk of funding for most NGOs. Very wealthy people often donate large sums. After pledging to give away most of her health in 2019, MacKenzie Scott had donated around $12 billion to over 1,200 nonprofits by May 2022. NGOs love getting these rare, huge donations, but they’re also dependent on a large number of small donations. Many NGOs also receive government funding, which may affect the appearance of independence, if not the reality.

Private donations to NGOs are often tax deductible. In the US, the organization must have 501(c)(3) status, which means it meets the IRS’ qualifications. As part of the exemption, a charitable organization has to make its approved application, supporting documents, and last three annual information returns public. NGOs focused on politics may not qualify because 501(c)(3) groups are forbidden from participating or intervening in political campaigns for a candidate. Nonpartisan political groups often qualify, however, including NGOs focused on voter education and increasing voter turnout. Not all NGOs are tax deductible, so donors should always make sure before attempting to write their donations off on their taxes.

What are the best-known NGOs in the world?

There are likely millions of NGOs in the world with varying mandates, but some are more famous than others. Here are some of the largest and best-known operating today:

International Rescue Committee

Abbreviated as IRC, this refugee-focused NGO works on projects related to WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene), shelter, education, self-sufficiency, and resettlement. IRC works in over 40 countries.

Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières)

With a presence in 60+ countries, Doctors Without Borders is one of the world’s most recognizable NGOs. Since 1971, it has provided medical aid in conflict zones and following natural disasters. It is currently reckoning with allegations of widespread racial discrimination among its staff.

Amnesty International

Amnesty International was first founded in 1961 to support amnesty for political prisoners, but it has since expanded to campaign against torture, the death penalty, discrimination, and other human rights abuses. It has a presence in 150+ countries.

Catholic Relief Services

One of the world’s largest international religious NGOs, Catholic Relief Services works in microfinancing, WASH projects, emergency response and recovery, education, agriculture, and health. It has a presence in 100+ countries.

Bangladesh Rehabilitation Assistance Committee (BRAC)

While it operates in fewer countries than other NGOs on this list (it works in 11 countries), the number of people served in those countries has made BRAC one of the world’s largest anti-poverty NGOs. The organization focuses on social development and economic participation in its mission to eradicate extreme poverty, achieve gender equality, address climate change, and more.

Are NGOs doing a good job?

NGOs serve a valuable purpose in a world with increasing inequality, weakening democracy, and escalating climate change. Annual reports reveal how much NGOs are capable of. As an example, Water School (a charity working to improve clean-water access in Uganda and Kenya) accomplished many goals in 2021 such as providing WASH training and reducing severe diarrhea cases by 97% across 12,000 households. If you are interested in learning more about the work of NGOs, consider taking an online course.

For the good it accomplishes, the NGO field is not immune to criticism, nor should it be. A common criticism relates to the power wielded by Western-based NGOs that come into other countries. Regional NGOs, grassroots organizations, and government institutions could see their influence and resources diminished in favor of foreign-led programs. NGOs are also not invulnerable to bureaucracy, corruption, and the other issues that plague both governments and businesses. NGOs can both do good and cause harm – sometimes simultaneously – which makes transparency, accurate reporting, and accountability essential.

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Around the world, there are countless non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in areas like sustainable development, humanitarian relief, human rights advocacy, and more. Like any organization, an NGO needs qualified managers to lead teams and ensure the group’s long-term success. In this article, we’ll discuss the responsibilities of NGO managers, the types of NGO management positions, and how to be an effective manager.

As leaders in an NGO, managers have responsibilities like developing an organization’s vision and goals, strategizing and analyzing risks, working with teams to ensure cohesion and good communication, ensuring well-being of staff and building relationships with stakeholders.

What do NGO managers do?

NGO managers aren’t too different from managers in any organization. Their specific responsibilities vary based on the department they work in and the organization’s overall purpose, but here are six tasks you can expect from this role:

Vision planning and goal-setting

Vision planning and goal-setting are closely tied as they both involve an organization’s beliefs, purpose, and strategies. Vision planning is typically a long-term process that all members of an organization participate in. An organization’s vision is an umbrella of beliefs uniting to create a cohesive mission. As an example, Amnesty International UK’s “Vision, Mission, and Values” page includes the statement: “Our vision is a world in which every person enjoys all of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards.”

As leaders, NGO managers play an essential role in guiding the vision-planning process. A manager should be ready to return to the organization’s vision as needed, especially during challenging times such as transitions of power. Goal-setting is a more frequent occurrence and involves both long and short-term goals and projects, which managers are responsible for developing and monitoring.

Strategy and risk analysis

NGO managers aren’t only involved in the vision/goal development for an organization. They’re a vital part of the strategy and risk analysis, as well. That means seeing the big picture and putting the pieces together to form that picture. Visualization skills, analytical skills, and leadership are all essential skills. Often, a manager is more geared toward vision planning and goal setting than detailed strategy development (or vice versa), but they understand their weaknesses and build a team that fills in the gaps. Organizations may also identify which skills they want for a particular management role. If an organization already has excellent visionary leaders on board, they will likely look for more detail-oriented, analytical managerial job candidates for balance.

Managers also need good risk analysis as NGOs – like any organization – face several risks. Depending on the work an NGO does, it can face political risks, physical risks, environmental risks, technology risks, and so on. A manager needs to understand all these risks and develop monitoring-and-evaluation processes. Risk assessment and analysis is a specific job, but all managers need some skills in this area to succeed.

Budgets and resource distribution

All NGOs need good money management. In some ways, financial management is even more important for NGOs than other types of organizations as most run on tight budgets and need to comply with specific regulations. Many NGOs have finance managers, but all managers within an NGO need to have some budget management and resource distribution skills. They should understand their NGO’s overall budget, the department budget, salaries, and more. Many managers (outside of finance managers) don’t have budgeting skills, so developing in this area can help with job opportunities.

Budgeting is basically saying, “Here’s how much money we have to work with,” while resource distribution also asks, “What is the best use for that money?” Resource distribution also involves personnel, like employees and volunteers, and identifying where they will be the most productive. Depending on the NGO’s purpose and specific managerial role, resource distribution could involve physical supplies like medical kits, food, and more.

Team motivation and communication

Managers lead teams of people. The size varies depending on the role, department, and organization, but motivation is always essential. A manager needs to encourage their team, celebrate their successes, and help them through challenging times. When employees feel like their manager has their back and wants them to do well, productivity and innovation increase. The NGO will also have better employee retention, which is important for an organization’s long-term success. According to The Balance Careers, great managers motivate employees by providing opportunities for professional development, showing appreciation, and prioritizing a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace culture.

NGO managers are also responsible for setting the tone for good communication. Honesty, respect, and timing are all vital pieces of a good communication style. The best managers model good communication, seek feedback from employees, help facilitate conversations, and help navigate conflicts. As a leader, managers can’t just say, “My door is always open” and then sit back. Appraisals (also known as performance reviews) are an excellent way to build good communication. During an appraisal, which is typically held once a year, a manager should discuss an employee’s performance and areas where they want to improve. When an employee has a good relationship with their manager, they’ll feel comfortable explaining what they need, how they evaluate their own work, and where they see their career going.

Relationship-building

NGO managers need to build relationships with their team members, ensure their well-being and provide adequate support, but they also should connect with other managers and NGO leaders outside their organization. The NGO world is a close-knit system, so staying in close contact with managers and employees from other organizations is important. A manager should be committed to learning about their field and what other organizations and their managers are doing. Relationship-building can mean participating in events like conferences, maintaining a database of contacts, and checking in with colleagues around the world.

Networking and relationship-building present more opportunities for shared strategies, project partnerships, and even funding. But aren’t NGOs competing against each other? It often plays out this way, but for the benefit of those NGOs are trying to serve, NGOs – especially smaller ones – should adopt more collaborative strategies. Managers can play a big role in establishing a collaborative network.

Duty of care

NGO work can be dangerous and stressful. The 2018 Worldwide Risk Index surveyed 533 global risk managers at multinational organizations like banks, government agencies, international schools, and NGOs, giving us an idea of what challenges face NGO employees. While only 16% of all respondents said they’d experienced a major political violence event, 27% of NGOs said they had. Kidnap and ransom was the 2nd largest concern, while for overall respondents, the concern ranked 7th. Humanitarian aid organizations ranked natural disasters as the top concern. These risks affect mental health. In 2012, a survey found that of 212 humanitarian workers at 19 NGOs, 11.8% and 19.4% reported anxiety and depression respectively post-deployment compared to just 3.8% and 10.4% pre-deployment.

While NGO work and resources target the populations the organization is serving, NGO employees need attention, too. Managers need to fulfill what’s known as a “duty of care.” This refers to an NGO’s responsibility to protect the safety and health of its employees. NGO managers play an important role in activities such as writing and reviewing safety and communication policies, developing risk management plans, providing training for high-risk areas and scenarios, and more.

Interested in learning more about NGO management? Here’s a list of top-rated courses.

Types of NGO management jobs

NGO managers work in many departments at an NGO, so their specific responsibilities can vary. Here are five examples of jobs within this field:

Project manager

Project managers plan and oversee projects at an NGO from start to finish. They prepare budgets, distribute resources, communicate with stakeholders, monitor progress, and make sure the project aligns with the organization’s visions and goals. To be a project manager, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in whatever area your NGO focuses on, as well as experience in that field. Project managers need good leadership, communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

Program manager

What’s the difference between a project manager and a program manager? According to Betterteam, program managers coordinate between multiple projects and work closely with project managers. While project managers have objectives limited to a specific’s project’s lifespan, program managers have broader responsibilities and goals. A program is essentially a collection of projects. To be a program manager, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree, though many organizations ask for a master’s degree. Experience is vital; it’s not an entry-level job. You’ll need to demonstrate project management experience, as well as experience managing teams, working with stakeholders, and developing budgets.

Grants manager

Most NGOs are at least partially funded by grants from places like the government, foundations, and private companies. A grants manager’s job is to secure them. Their responsibilities include writing proposals, organizing portfolios, and ensuring the organization meets the application, renewal, and reporting criteria for grants. Grants managers usually have at least a bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, or a related field, as well as prior experience as a grant writer. Many organizations prefer their managers to have master’s degrees or at least significant grant-writing experience.

Human resource manager

A human resource manager has responsibilities like employee recruitment, staff training, staff development, and workplace policy oversight. As an essential part of an NGO’s administrative side, they help ensure a healthy workplace culture and good communication between managers and employees. That means helping to resolve conflict, develop policies, and ensure the workforce is as productive and unified as possible. HR managers will need at least a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or a related field, as well as experience in an HR department. NGOs will look for applicants with strong communication and organizational skills.

Finance manager

At an NGO, finance managers are in charge of all the organization’s finances. Their job is to develop both short-term and long-term budgets, monitor the organization’s cash flow, and produce financial reports. They manage the finance team, so they are often not responsible for the more day-to-day financial work. Instead, their focus is on the bigger picture, like determining risk when an NGO wants to expand, develop a new program, or make some other major change. You will need at least a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field, though you’ll get more job opportunities and a higher salary with an MBA or graduate degree. At least a few years of experience in a finance department is also required, as well as proficiency with financial software.

How to be an effective NGO manager

As we learned in this article, NGO managers have a lot of responsibilities. The specific tasks vary depending on the department you’re working in (a day in the life of a project manager can look quite different compared to a finance manager’s work day), but every effective manager needs certain skills. A typical job description may require the following:

• A deep understanding of the NGO’s vision and goals
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent team management skills
• Excellent planning and analytical skills
• Strong adaptability and problem-solving skills
• Strong conflict management skills
• Good negotiation and diplomacy skills
• Good budgeting and fundraising skills

Curious about working at an NGO? Here’s our quick guide on NGO jobs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REGISTER HERE

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

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

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

REGISTER HERE

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

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

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

REGISTER HERE

#4 Protecting Children in Humanitarian Settings (Columbia University)

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

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

REGISTER HERE

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

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

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

REGISTER HERE

#6 Caring for Vulnerable Children (University of Strathclyde)

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

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

REGISTER HERE

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

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

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

REGISTER HERE

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A Master of Laws (LLM) is a postgraduate degree designed to enhance your academic legal knowledge, particularly focusing on specific areas of interest. Specially designed for law and non-law graduates who want to gain a Master’s qualification in law, this course focuses specifically on developing an in-depth knowledge of International Human Rights Law and exploring how international law gets involved to protect human rights across the globe.

Our LLM in International Human Rights Law course has been designed to cover areas such as the general principles of international human rights, the relationship between human rights law and humanitarian law, and the limitations and future of international and domestic human rights.

When you study the LLM International Human Rights Law with us you will:

• Be taught by subject matter experts, former and current practitioners and research and teaching focused academics
• Focus on legal practice, not just theory
• Benefit from strategic partnerships with firms, regulators and accreditation bodies
• Learn about Legal Technology by selecting to study modules in legal technology
• Improve your employability by gaining important transferable skills and mapping your career with our careers team

The award-linked module for this LLM International Human Rights programme will also consider the tension between universality and cultural relativism of human rights. The aim of this module is to put human rights in the context of an international setting, enabling you to learn how to apply complex theoretical concepts to real world client situations. With expert guidance from experienced professionals, you’ll get to explore a variety of important issues surrounding the protection of individuals and societies in many situations around the world.

In addition to a general induction to the programme, there is a two-week induction covering the Key Principles of the English Legal System. This is compulsory for non-law students, but also open to law students wanting a refresher in the fundamentals of the law of England and Wales. This would be useful for any student who has taken a considerable break from legal education.

To help prepare you for your dissertation in Term 3, Terms 1 and 2 include a range of compulsory and further optional Research Methods Training sessions.

Please note that, due to Home Office regulations, students who require a Student Route visa to study with us are not permitted to study online and can only choose face-to-face taught modules.

Apply now

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Internships have always been important for young professionals starting their careers. These short-term appointments give students and recent graduates hands-on experience, skills that are relevant to their fields, and access to professional networks that help with future job searches. While employment with a host organization isn’t guaranteed after an internship, former interns often have an advantage over other applicants. For all their benefits, many internships have one major downside: the positions are unpaid. This excludes people who don’t have a financial safety net or the extra time to take on another job. The times are changing, however, and you can find more internships offering stipends or hourly pay. Here are ten paid internships to consider:

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross seeks undergraduate or graduate college students. Interns contribute to important day-to-day tasks and learn how the organization works. Internships take place in the spring, summer, fall, and winter at the National Headquarters in Washington D.C. and regional chapters. Not all internships are paid, so check the details before applying. The specific positions vary depending on what the Red Cross needs, but essentially every area of the organization has opportunities. The formal internship program runs for 10 weeks with flexible start and end dates based on a student’s availability and school schedule. For paid positions, interns will work about 40 hours per week. The Red Cross doesn’t cover housing and relocation costs.

The American Red Cross, which is a nonprofit, provides emergency aid, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education in the United States. It’s an affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders offers internships in the spring, summer, and fall in the New York office. To apply, candidates must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship. You are responsible for securing a U.S. work permit, as well as your own relocation and accommodation. Positions include an international HR internship, which assists the International Human Resources unit with the administration of benefits and payroll for field staff. Interns will gain practical experience in human resources and learn what human resources administration is like for a big non-profit. Specific tasks include preparing employment packets; scheduling briefings; updating HRIS systems; and supporting the HR team. Internships at Doctors Without Borders pay $15.00/hour.

Doctors Without Borders (also known as Médecins Sans Frontières) is an international organization founded in France. It has offices around the world (including New York where internships are hosted) and provides healthcare in conflict zones and areas affected by disease.

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

Designed for undergraduate students, this US-based internship program provides students with knowledge and awareness of civil and human rights issues, as well as experience working in coalitions and understanding the federal government’s legislative process. Interns participate in communications, operations, development, field, and policy work. Responsibilities include tracking civil rights legislation; attending coalition meetings; providing administrative support; and helping coordinate grassroots events. Fall and winter semester interns earn $16.00/hour with a minimum of 24 hours per week. Summer interns earn the same hourly rate with a maximum of 40 hours per week.

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition of over 200 organizations promoting and protecting civil and human rights in the United States. These rights include women’s rights, immigrant rights, disability rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. The work focuses on three areas: democracy, justice, and inclusion & opportunity.

Child Rights Connect

Child Rights Connect offers 6-month internships in Geneva. Because of Swiss law, candidates must have a valid work or student visa for Switzerland. Non-Swiss citizens can be granted a short-term work permit if they have the financial support of a resident of Switzerland. Candidates must also be university students interested in children’s rights work at an international level. Interns participate in most areas of the organization, such as fundraising and monitoring. The fundraising and monitoring, evaluation and learning intern supports the work of the Child Rights Connect Programme Manager. This internship pays a monthly allowance of CHF 960. Swiss social charges are deducted from this payment.

Child Rights Connect is a Swiss association committed to children’s rights. It’s comprised of a General Assembly, Executive Committee, International Secretariat, and Working Groups. Work includes empowering children’s rights defenders, strengthening UN mechanisms, and advocating for a child rights-based approach to the Sustainable Development Goals.

United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

UNOPS offers internships around the world. To be eligible, candidates must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate university degree program or a graduate within the last three years. A variety of teams host internships, including the Health, Safety, Social, and Environmental Management team in Copenhagen. This intern supports tasks and projects with SE management, such as researching, helping with reports and presentations, and assisting with HSSE training support. The contract is for 6 months with the possibility of an extension up to 12 months. Interns may be eligible for a USD 1300 monthly stipend.

UNOPS is a UN organization focused on sustainable development. They help partners with building infrastructure, managing projects, providing human resources, and supporting financial management.

CARE USA

CARE USA’s internship program is designed for undergraduate and graduate students. To apply, candidates must be at least 18 years old and enrolled in a relevant undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate academic program. Candidates can also have graduated within the last six months of the internship’s posting date. Interns with student visas must get the proper work authorization from their educational institutions. Domestic interns are placed either at the Atlanta headquarters or US field offices. Internships are held during the spring, summer, and fall semesters. CARE also has an Overseas Interns program that provides students studying global development, global health, and related fields with experience. Interns are matched with assignments that best fit their academic backgrounds and interests.

CARE is an international nonprofit organization focusing on poverty and social justice in over 100 countries. Areas of focus include food and water, crisis, health, education, and climate change.

Asian Development Bank

The ADB internship program offers opportunities for graduate students. To be eligible, candidates must be currently enrolled in a graduate or doctoral level studies program related to ADB’s work. Candidates must also be a citizen of one of ADB’s member countries. Internships include economic development, social development, and private-sector investment funds. Interns are paid a stipend (varies based on location) for up to 56 days. After that time, the internship is unpaid unless the intern’s academic institution arranges payment. There are two internship sessions in January and June.

The ABD is a regional development bank headquartered in the Philippines. It maintains 31 field offices and promotes social and economic development in Asia. Areas of focus include education; the environment, climate change, and disaster risk management; finance sector development; and infrastructure.

SaferWorld

Internships at SaferWorld give graduates practical work experience and the opportunity to help in peace-building and conflict prevention. Internships last at least 6 months and no longer than 12 months. Because the organization doesn’t offer generic internships, available positions are listed on the website like other open job vacancies. The number of interns is based on capacity and management time. Generally, SaferWorld hires two interns at a time. These are paid positions. Foreign nationals (who are responsible for their work permit and funding if applicable) are considered on a case-by-case basis.

SaferWorld began as a research organization and in the 1990s, pioneered work for better arms control. The London-based organization has since expanded policy work and in-country programming. Today, they work in 10 countries across Central Asia, the Middle East, East Africa, and other regions. SaferWorld’s work includes gender, peace and security, justice, development, and community security.

Frank Jennings internship

The Frank Jennings internship gives students experience working in an international NGO and at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Internships take place in April and October. Interns spend 3 months at Front Line where they’re trained in areas like the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, the role of Front Line and other organizations, and the Mandate of the UN Special Representative. Interns then move to Geneva for 6 months. They finish the internship back at Front Line for the last 3 months. Qualified internships should have good analytical skills, a basic knowledge of the UN system and international human rights law, working knowledge of Spanish and English, and good communication skills. Previous human rights experience is desirable. While in Dublin, interns are paid €1050 per month. While in Geneva, they earn €1350 per month.

Founded in 2001, Front Line Defenders works to protect human rights defenders through international advocacy, grants for practical security needs, trainings and resources, and opportunities for rest and stress relief.

World Food Programme

To intern for the World Food Programme, candidates must be currently enrolled in a recognized university (with at least 2 years of completed undergrad studies) or a graduate within the last six months. Working knowledge of English is also required, while further knowledge of UN languages can increase a candidate’s chances. Internships last between 2-8 months with a maximum stipend of $1000.00/month. Interns must show proof of medical insurance. They are also responsible for travel and accommodation arrangements, though WFP will reimburse travel tickets for interns who are nationals of developing countries or who are pursuing studies in their own country.

The World Food Programme (which is part of the United Nations) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization. It works in over 80 countries providing food aid. Work includes emergency food assistance, nutrition assistance, support for smallholder farmers, and school feeding programs.

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The Master of Science in Humanitarian Action is a 100% online career-building advanced degree within the University of San Diego’s Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies. This program is designed for both recent graduates and experienced professionals and provides the opportunity for students to learn from executive-level directors, experienced consultants and regional coordinators who work directly for humanitarian-related organizations.

This master’s program takes a multidisciplinary approach to prepare students to become the type of critical thinkers and humanitarian leaders who will help solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. Blending conflict analysis, transformation and social innovation with peacebuilding practices, the M.S. in Humanitarian Action intentionally dissolves the barriers between international humanitarian and domestic emergency management.

The 20-month program admits candidates throughout the year to begin their degree in either the Spring, Summer or Fall. Students will take two courses during each 14-week term, focusing on one 7-week course at a time. Course curriculum includes topics such as assessing humanitarian needs, aid delivery, management and logistics, leadership, effective communication, and more. The program culminates in a capstone simulation exercise where students will tackle a complex humanitarian emergency demonstrating their learned skills and knowledge in order to design, implement and evaluate creative solutions in a real-time scenario.

Spring 2024 Application Deadline: 1 December 2023

Duration: 20 months

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (official transcripts required).
  • Candidates with a GPA under 3.0 will be asked to provide an essay in support of their candidacy. It is recommended that candidates with a GPA under 3.0 complete a standardized test such as the GRE or GMAT, but it is not required.
• One personal statement comprised of four short essays each addressing a different prompt provided in the application
• Resume or CV
• One letter of recommendation from the candidate’s professional supervisor or professor or two letters of reference
• For international applicants:
  • A TOEFL exam score of 83 or higher
  • A course-by-course transcript evaluation and report by an approved agency

Apply now

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As a universal language that transcends cultural barriers, music is a medium where people and artists alike can have their voices heard in a manner that words alone cannot. Music has often been used to foreground pressing political and societal issues, including the promotion and protection of human rights. These 15 artists have used their musical talent and platform to share awareness of human rights issues across the world and bring a voice to marginalized members of society.

Pete Townshend

Pete Townshend is an English musician, songwriter and vocalist of “the Who” rock band, one of the most influential rock ensembles during the 1960s and 1970s. Alongside his career in the rock music industry, Townshend has a long history of charity and philanthropic work for human rights issues, advocating for greater drug rehabilitation and activism for children’s rights. In 1979, Townshend was the first musician to perform for Amnesty International’s Human Rights Concerts and inspired other renowned rock musicians to support the human rights cause. Townshend is quoted saying, “Amnesty does things that I can’t do in my work. It deals with the specifics of injustice… It makes them public. It was 1979 that I appeared at ‘The Secret Policeman’s Ball’… It was amazing subsequently to see what ‘The Secret Policeman’s Ball’ triggered. Quite big names got involved in supporting Amnesty. And it became apparent that big names in music and Amnesty melded very well. It’s good to see that what I did kicked that off…”

Sting

Performing under the stage name, “Sting”, Gordon Sumner is a Grammy-Award winning guitarist, vocalist and songwriter who is renowned for his work as both a solo musician and an ensemble musician with the rock band “the Police” between 1977 – 1984. Sting is heavily involved in human rights activism, having written songs inspired by his concern for world hunger and oppressive political regimes, and has also extended his activism beyond music by writing an open letter for the decriminalization of drug possession in the United Kingdom in 2011. He has also signed several petitions against the death penalty in Belarus and has cancelled concerts in response to human rights issues in several countries. Sting’s humanitarian activism has been recognized by Amnesty International and he has performed for the NGO’s Human Rights Concerts on several occasions.

Bono

Described as the world’s best known philanthropic performers and most politically effective celebrity of all time by the National Journal, Bono (Paul Hewson) has worked extensively as a rock musician in the band U2, a philanthropist and human rights activist. Focusing much of his efforts into advocating the fight against AIDS and extreme poverty in Africa, Bono has lobbied governmental entities to adopt human rights-based policies under his positions as the co-founder of ONE, a global movement campaigning to end extreme poverty. More recently, Bono raised awareness of vaccination against COVID-19 and vaccine inequality around the world and in April 2022, Bono recorded an acoustic rendition of “Walk On” by his band, U2, for the Global Citizen’s Stand Up for Ukraine livestream, urging global leaders to support Ukrainian refugees. Bono was also invited by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to perform in a metro station in Kyiv, showing his solidarity to Ukraine under invasion from Russia.

Peter Gabriel

Rising to fame as the lead singer of the rock band Genesis, Peter Gabriel has been an active rock musician, singer and producer whose music has been awarded nine MTV awards, Brit Awards and Grammy Awards throughout his musical career. Aside from his musical accomplishments, Gabriel is the co-founder of WITNESS, a human rights non-profit organization that supports local organizations document human rights issues and advocacy. In recognition of his humanitarian work, Gabriel was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 and was named as one of the most influential people in the world in 2008 by Time Magazine.

Angélique Kidjo

Awarded “The Ambassador of Conscience Award” by Amnesty International in 2016, Angélique Kidjo is a Beninese singer-songwriter renowned for her creative music videos and unique musical style that integrates Afropop, Congolese rumba, jazz and Latin music genres. Within her 30-year musical career, Kidjo has been a prominent advocate for the expression of freedom, the education of girls in Africa and has expressed concerns regarding female genital mutilation and has worked as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2002. Alongside her major ambassador roles, Kidjo is the founder of The Batonga Foundation, a non-profit organization that empowers women in Benin and upskills these women for socio-economic mobility.

Lang Lang

Described as one of the most exciting and accomplished classical musicians in the world, classical pianist Lang Lang has not only revolutionized the classical music industry but has also used his music as a way to advocate for human rights globally. Appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and a Messenger of Peace, Lang Lang primarily advocates for children’s rights and access to education through concerts that raise funds for UNICEF and other humanitarian crises.

Buffy Sainte-Marie

As an Indigenous Canadian singer-song writer and composer, Buffy Sainte-Marie’s music primarily revolves around the issues faced by the Indigenous peoples of Canada and the United States. Buffy began her advocacy efforts for the protection of Indigenous artists, performers and their intellectual property by establishing the Nihewan Foundation for Native American Education in 1966 and has moved on to founding The Creative Native Project, an initiative which seeks to empower Indigenous youth in the performing arts. More recently, Buffy was awarded the Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award and was invited to the Canadian Music Week in 2020.

Maxim Vengerov

Hailed as one of the most talented violinists in the 21^st century, Maxim Vengerov was the first classical musician to be appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1997. Alongside his musical accomplishments, Vengerov has focused much of his advocacy on the promotion of children’s education and rights and has visited countries such as Turkey, Uganda and Bosnia and Herzegovina representing UNICEF. Vengerov has also performed at #EndViolence events in Bucharest, Romania for UNICEF Romania.

Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen is an American singer-song writer, known as one of the original founders of the heartland rock genre, which combines elements of mainstream rock music with narratives of the American working class. Throughout his musical career, Springsteen has been a long advocate for LGBT rights, the empowerment of women and democracy, using his international platform to raise awareness of social issues. Springsteen was first invited to perform for Amnesty International in 1988 and has since continued his advocacy of human rights through his music.

Nadya Tolokonnikova

As the leader of the Russian feminist punk band Pussy Riot, Nadya Tolokonnikova uses her musical platform to spread awareness of human rights issues through her music. As a passionate feminist, Tolokonnikova delved into themes of sexism and rape culture in her newest EP, Panic Attack, and has agreed to donate a portion of the proceeds from her EP to a shelter for domestic violence in Russia. Tolokonnikova herself was recognized by a political prisoner by the Union of Solidarity with Political Prisoners and Amnesty International described her as a “prisoner of conscience” due to the “severity of the response of Russian authorities.”

Piera Van de Wiel

Piera Van de Wiel is a British singer and composer who uses her music as a platform for her human rights advocacy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Van de Wiel released a single, “Used”, to raise awareness of the increase in domestic violence and abuse against women during the pandemic with the support of the United Nations Spotlight Initiative. Alongside her musical pursuits, Van de Wiel is the founder of the non-profit organization, Stronger With Music, a movement that works towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Evan Greer

Evan Greer is a trans/genderqueer artist based in Boston who composes acoustic songs that advocate technological security, LGBTQ rights and movements for justice and liberation. Alongside their musical accomplishments, Greer is the founder of a non-profit organization called Fight for the Future, which aims to secure digital rights and banning unethical technological practices.

Max Richter

German-British composer and pianist Max Richter is one of the most prominent composers of the 21^st century, boasting over a billion streams of his music and a million album sales throughout his 25-year musical career. Richter has previously responded to the Iraq War, the 2005 London terrorist attacks and the Kosovo War through his music and his most recent album, “Voices” takes inspiration from the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. All ten of the tracks (except for the final song) incorporate text from the 1948 UNDHR document and Richter himself has stated that the album is a response to the human rights abuses around the world and the need for social justice and equality of humans around the world.

Hans Zimmer

Composer of award-winning films such as The Dark Night, The Lion King and The Rock, Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer has established himself as one of the most eminent film composers in history. Zimmer was invited to compose an anthem to celebrate Amnesty International’s 50^th anniversary, titled “One More Voice for Freedom” in commemoration for International Human Rights Day. Zimmer himself is quoted saying “it was a privilege to create this piece of music for a cause which is so close to our hearts” and that it is my “hope that the anthem will inspire people to support Amnesty’s vision of a world where fundamental rights are protected for everyone. We should all join Amnesty in standing up for justice, freedom and human rights”.

Alicia Keys

Dubbed as the “Queen of R&B”, American singer-song writer Alicia Keys has intertwined her passion for music with human rights activism through her extensive philanthropic work in her musical career. Keys is the co-founder of the non-profit organization, Keep a Child Alive, that provides treatment and social support to children and families affected by HIV in Africa and India. As part of her work in Keep a Child Alive, Keys host an annual fundraising gala called the Black Ball, where she invites major musical artists to perform at the event to raise funds for HIV and AIDS activism.

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NGOs (non-governmental organizations) are organizations that work on social and/or political issues like poverty, humanitarian aid, and human rights advocacy. They often work closely with governments and institutions (like the United Nations) and may even accept some funds from them, but the vast majority of NGOs are non-profit, independent organizations. Today, there are likely millions of NGOs of various sizes operating today. Why should you consider working for an NGO? Here are fifteen reasons:

#1. There are many types of NGOs to choose from

Name any social or political issue facing the world and you’ll find several NGOs working in that area. You’ll likely have at least a few choices about where to apply no matter what issue you’re most passionate about. You’ll also have choices about what kind of workplace you prefer. Do you like a smaller, tighter-knit office? Or are you looking for something bigger with a lot of room for promotion? You can find NGOs of all sizes. Factors like your level of education, your past work experience, and where you live affect your options, but the NGO world is rich with opportunities.

#2. NGOs offer a variety of career paths

You can find NGOs in just about every social or political area, allowing potential employees to work in fields like medicine, development, human rights law, and more. Within individual NGOs, there are many job options, as well. According to Sriram V’s blog post on the Harvard Business Review, the roles at an NGO can be divided into “on-the-ground implementation roles” (like field officer and trainer) and “enabler roles” (like researcher and fundraiser). No matter where your skills and interests lie, you are likely to find a role within an NGO that fits.

#3. Working at NGOs lets you develop a lot of skills

When you get hired at an NGO, it’s not unusual to move around within the organization, especially if the NGO is small and needs employees to fill more than one role. When you’re early in your career and not yet focused on a specialization, you get the flexibility to develop new skills, try different roles, and build on your strengths. Many NGOs also provide training and educational opportunities, so you should be sure to take advantage of those when they come your way.

#4. Working at NGOs can give you travel opportunities

There are many NGO jobs where travel is necessary. Medical professionals, emergency response managers, field directors, consultants, and more often travel frequently both nationally and internationally. You will likely need specific language skills to travel internationally, but there are still opportunities for conferences and other work-related trips even if you only speak one language. Working at an NGO can also open up opportunities for living in a different country.

#5. Working at an NGO can help you build great networks

It’s no secret that strong networks are part of a successful career. When you network within your field, you’ll meet a huge variety of interesting people from all over the world. You’ll hear about interesting job or project opportunities and have people happy to connect you with work. There will still be competition (not all of it healthy), but NGO work tends to attract people more interested in improving society than stepping on others to advance their careers. This helps you build a network committed to helping one another and helping the world.

#6. Working at an NGO may make you eligible for student loan forgiveness

Countries like the United States offer student loan forgiveness programs for eligible candidates. If you work at an NGO, you may be included in that group. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program is a popular option. Under this program, if you’ve been employed full-time through a qualified 501(c)(3) organization for 10 years and made a total of 120 monthly payments, you may qualify. You must also have loans through the Federal Direct Loan Program. Best of all, forgiveness is tax-exempt. This isn’t the only program of its kind, so if you have a lot of loans and aren’t sure if NGO work is right for you, remember that an NGO job may help you get out of debt.

#7. NGO work looks good on your resume

You should only go into NGO work if you believe in the mission and are committed, but an added benefit is that NGO work looks good on your resume. It gives hiring managers an idea of what you’re passionate about, the variety of skills you built, and your worldview. Any work for an NGO looks good if you’re continuing to apply for jobs in the NGO sector, but even if you leave that world, your experience at an NGO may give you an advantage over other applicants.

#8. Many NGOs can offer good pay

People don’t go to work at NGOs to get rich, but many NGOs offer salaries equivalent to work in the private sector. The best paying jobs can be found higher up in an organization, like NGO directors who make an average of $71,991 in the United States. Factors like seniority, responsibilities, your past job experience, the NGO’s size, and where you live all affect pay.

#9. Many NGOs can offer good benefits

In a 2019 article on The Balance, Joanne Fritz examined a report on the best nonprofits to work for and compiled what made these organizations popular with their employees. She found that while many nonprofits can’t pay as much as private organizations, the best ones offer benefits like dental plans, tuition reimbursement, life insurance, flexible scheduling, good vacation time, and bonuses. If the NGO jobs you’re considering don’t pay as much as you would like, check out their benefits and see if they’re making up for it that way.

#10. Working at an NGO can help you get into post-graduate programs

If you want to advance in the NGO world, you will likely need more than a bachelor’s degree. If you get a degree in human rights, development, humanitarian aid, or a similar field, you can often continue to graduate school. However, if you’ve ended up in the NGO sector without a relevant degree, you’ll find many post-grad programs asking for relevant work experience in place of a relevant degree. Sometimes, degree programs want both a relevant degree and a few years of work experience. Many programs are designed for working professionals, so you can continue at your job while you complete a program.

#11. Meaningfulness is important to on-the-job happiness

According to a 2019 CNBC/SurveyMonkey Workplace Happiness poll, 35% of workers ranked “meaningfulness” as the top contributor to their on-the-job happiness. That puts it above salary, which 20% said was the most important. Other research supports this, such as a study that found more than 9 out of 10 employees were willing to give up a percentage of their lifetime earnings in exchange for greater meaning at their jobs. What makes a job “meaningful” likely varies from person to person, but work that improves society, protects human rights, and helps the most vulnerable is undoubtedly meaningful for most people.

#12. NGO work saves lives

If you want to make a difference in the world, working at an NGO is one of the most effective ways to do that. Many NGOs focus on life-saving humanitarian aid like medical care, food, clean water, shelter, and more. Let’s look at the International Rescue Committee as an example. In 2021, the NGO and its partners reached over 31.5 million people. IRC supported 3,607 health facilities, treated 155,528 children under 5 for severe malnutrition, built (or rehabilitated) water supplies for 2,700,629 people, and much more. If your passion is saving lives, an NGO like IRC is a great place to work.

13. To fix the system’s flaws, NGOs need motivated, innovative people

NGOs have a positive impact on the world, but there are serious problems. It’s not unusual to hear stories about systemic discrimination, abuse, financial misconduct, and more. Even the most revered NGOs are not immune. Despite this, trust in NGOs remains strong. According to the 2022 Edleman Trust Barometer, trust in NGOs rose in 16 of 27 surveyed countries, though it fell in the Netherlands, the US, Germany, and South Korea. Overall, NGOs are still more trusted than the government and media, but less trusted than business. Want to change that and raise the public’s trust in NGOs? Consider working for one and advocating for progress.

14. By working for an NGO, you can help hold the powerful accountable

There’s a lot of injustice in the world. It can feel like the wealthiest people and the most powerful institutions in the world get away with anything. If you’ve ever felt powerless, consider working for an NGO that tracks, monitors, and exposes injustices and abuse. The Center for Countering Digital Hate is a great example. Based in London, the NGO tackles online hate and dis/misinformation with the help of academics and practitioners in fields like political science, behavioral psychology, and law. Its work exposes how powerful entities like social media platforms enable and reward hateful or harmful behavior like the spread of misogyny and antisemitism.

15. You can help protect the rights of the most marginalized groups in society

At its core, all NGO work is about the protection and promotion of human rights, especially the rights of those most endangered by discrimination, poverty, climate change, and more. Whether you’re working at an NGO focused on deploying humanitarian aid, establishing sustainable development programs, or tracking extremism, you are part of a system striving to make the world better and safer for the most marginalized people. That makes the world better for everyone.

The post 15 Reasons Why You Should Work For An NGO appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

For as long as humans have existed, they’ve helped each other. After emergencies like natural disasters or war, communities have collected and shared resources, often sending aid far away. This human impulse continues in the form of humanitarian aid. Today, “humanitarian aid” refers to logistical and material help in areas like food, shelter, education, and medicine. It’s often deployed to address immediate, short-term needs until institutions like the government can step in. Why is humanitarian aid important? Here are fifteen benefits:

#1. Humanitarian aid targets a variety of needs

The first benefit of humanitarian aid is how many issues it addresses. Explore any humanitarian organization’s website and you’ll get an idea of the areas they work in. As an example, Islamic Relief Worldwide, a faith-based agency with a presence in 40+ countries, deals with emergency response, health, education, food, water, livelihoods, and more. UNICEF, a UN agency focused on children’s rights, works on adolescent development, gender, health, climate change and the environment, and social policy. Rather than focusing on one or two concerns, the vast majority of humanitarian aid organizations use a comprehensive strategy.

#2: Humanitarian aid helps millions of people

According to the Global Humanitarian Overview 2022, the UN and its partner organizations reached 107 million people in 2021. This number represents those who benefited from at least one kind of aid, such as food or medical assistance. As an example, organizations reached 1.23 million people in northern Mozambique, which more than doubles the number of people served in 2020. Many more need assistance. While the reach in 2021 was impressive, the UN and partner organizations had hoped to serve 174 million. In 2022, the goal is to benefit 183 million people.

#3. Food assistance saves people from starvation and malnutrition

Hunger is linked to chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It can also cause premature births, low birth weights, and stunted infant development. According to the Food Research & Action Center, food insecurity connects to the most common and expensive health problems in the United States. Food-focused humanitarian aid saves lives, improves health, and protects livelihoods. Looking at the Global Humanitarian Overview 2022 again, we can see the impact. According to the World Food Programme, almost 105 million people around the world received direct food aid in the first nine months of 2021. In South Sudan, over 500,000 “severely food insecure” people were helped. In Syria, almost 6 million people received regular food baskets.

#4. WASH services save lives and combat disease

WASH stands for water, sanitation, and hygiene. Without proper WASH, people are at severe risk for thirst-related issues and water-borne diseases. According to the CDC’s Global WASH Fast Facts, 2 billion people don’t have access to safe drinking water. Nearly half of the world’s population can’t access safely-managed sanitation, either. WASH-focused humanitarian aid helps. In 2021, half a million people in Iraq received access to WASH services, while in Venezuela, 1.8 million people got WASH help. UNICEF helped ensure that 34 million people got access to safe water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.

#5. Medical humanitarian aid benefits millions

Medical supplies and training are essential in just about every emergency. The COVID-19 pandemic is a prime example, although diseases like malaria and Ebola have also been concerns for a long time. In 2021, UNFPA provided 2 million people with PPE in 29 countries. Through COVAX, 362 million doses of the Covid vaccine were shipped. Sexual health was also addressed; in 33 countries, kids and young people (aged 10-24) received tailored sexual and reproductive services. 29 million women of reproductive received sexual and reproductive health services, as well.

#6. Many people need shelter following emergencies

Disasters like floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes often destroy homes or force people to flee. Refugees traveling to new countries need shelter, as well. Most humanitarian organizations include shelter as one of their priority issues. As an example, the UN Refugee Agency distributes tents from three centers in Durban, Dubai, and Copenhagen. They also provide plastic sheeting and matting, as well as funds for rehabilitating communal shelters or building new homes.

#7. Humanitarian aid benefits children’s education

When disasters unfold, children are uniquely affected. Education is disrupted more often than not, which can have serious long-term consequences. UNICEF lists several issues, such as reduced earning potential, barriers to employment, and decreased participation in politics. People without adequate education are also more likely to experience negative health outcomes. While the gender gap in education is closing, girls are still more likely to have trouble getting an education. In 2021, UNICEF helped almost 110 million kids access formal or non-formal education. The UNHCR also connected over 869,900 refugee and host community kids with connected or home-based learning.

#8. Humanitarian aid benefits the most vulnerable

Women, children, and refugees are three of the world’s most vulnerable groups. Their vulnerability only increases in times of crisis. Luckily, humanitarian organizations focus on the people most impacted. According to the Global Humanitarian Overview 2022, 2.4 million malnourished kids were admitted for treatment. 5 million kids and guardians received mental health and psychological support. 11.3 million people got protection services, including legal aid and referrals to gender-based violence support. 4.2 million refugees and asylum-seekers got essential healthcare services.

#9. Humanitarian aid reaches affected areas fast

When an emergency strikes, recovery can take a long time. In the meanwhile, people need help immediately. One of the main benefits of humanitarian aid is how quickly it can be mobilized and deployed. According to UNCHR’s guide for emergency deployment, members of the international emergency roster need to be ready to deploy within 72 hours. UNDAC (the United Nations Disasters Assessment and Coordination) can deploy within 12-48 hours of a request.

#10. Humanitarian aid helps communities prepare

Humanitarian aid doesn’t only benefit people following an emergency; it can help them prepare for one. Many organizations, many of them local or national, hold various public trainings. Information includes how to prepare for an emergency (like a wildfire, earthquake, or hurricane), how to recognize the warning signs, and what to do. Humanitarian projects are also increasingly including preparedness as part of their own systems. This saves money, but most importantly, it can save lives.

#11. Humanitarian aid helps communities rebuild

The main goal of humanitarian aid is to save lives and reduce suffering. However, humanitarian aid’s role in community restoration also matters. If assistance only focuses on the short-term issues, it leaves communities in the lurch for the more challenging, long-term concerns. In a 2016 piece on the World Economic Forum, Habitat for Humanity CEO Jonathon T.M. Reckford writes: “Collectively, those of us offering humanitarian aid should leverage our efforts and precious resources to bridge the gap between relief and development so we can help families create permanent solutions to the challenges they face.” When the gap between short-term and long-term closes, humanitarian aid and development efforts empower communities to rebuild.

#12. Humanitarian aid is part of combating climate change

Climate change is a factor in many crises. According to the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, storms, floods, and droughts have increased threefold over the last three decades. Because of population growth and urbanization, more people are affected by climate-related issues like reduced food security, unsafe water, increased migration, and disease. Humanitarian aid efforts must factor in climate change if they’re going to be effective. That necessitates more preparedness measures, more flexible cash assistance, programs, multi-risk management strategies, and so on.

#13. Humanitarian aid can help achieve the SDGs

The Sustainable Development Goals are a series of 17 interlinked global goals established in 2015 by the UN General Assembly. The deadline? 2030. If the world wants to meet these goals, humanitarian aid must become more innovative. In a post on the UNHCR Innovation Service, Dan McClure writes: “Reducing vulnerability and improving resilience needs to be seen as an essential component of humanitarian action.” A shift in how humanitarian aid is conceived could play a key role in achieving SDGs such as zero poverty, zero hunger, gender equality, and affordable and clean energy.

#14. Humanitarian aid gives people their dignity back

Humanitarian aid meets physical needs like hunger and thirst, but one of the main benefits of aid is how it gives people their dignity back. In the UNHCR Emergency Handbook, there’s a section on humanitarian principles. It describes humanitarian aid’s purpose as “to save lives and alleviate suffering in a manner that respects and restores personal dignity.” Helping someone in a way that disrespects their autonomy and dignity is not true humanitarianism. When properly given, humanitarian aid has a significantly positive effect on a person’s emotional and spiritual health as well as their physical health.

#15. Humanitarian aid can fuel hope and motivation

The humanitarian aid system is far from perfect, but despite its flaws and limitations, it can change the lives of those both receiving and giving assistance. It proves people and organizations are willing to help and sacrifice for others. It saves lives and eases the suffering of millions. In a time where crises are constantly erupting – and hope can be hard to come by – humanitarian aid can make dire situations a little brighter and motivate people to keep working for a better world.

The post 15 Benefits of Humanitarian Aid appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Human rights can often seem abstract. The dry phrasing of conventions and court decisions can feel far away from the lived reality of people around the world. Photography is important because it brings these texts to life – it takes them off the page and into the reality of people like us. This is all the more so in a world where our attention spans feel ever shorter and the scroll of a social media feed needs to grab us in seconds, before we move on. 

Turning images into powerful human rights stories isn’t always easy. In this article I want to give you eight tips that I’ve found to be helpful in my own work, taking photographs for human rights and humanitarian organisations around the world. 

Hopefully these will be useful to you, regardless of whether you want to take better pictures yourself or are commissioning or selecting images to illustrate human rights stories.

#1 Think about your objectives

Before you go out and take photos or contract someone to take them for your organisation, spend some time thinking about what kinds of images you need and what you’ll need to get them. Think about what you might want someone to think or to feel or to do after they see your images. Then you can ask: what kinds of shots might help you achieve these objectives? Doing some planning in advance can also help you save time, so you just go out and try to get the one or two images you need to tell your story. Planning can also help you figure out what you’ll need to do to get the shots you want. Whether you can do it yourself, with your phone. Or whether you need dedicated time or equipment or professional help. 

#2 Remove distractions 

Once you know what your objectives are, try and take photos that show only the thing that’s important to your story. Phone cameras, in particular, are quite wide angle, so this might mean getting really close to your subject, so that it is obvious to the viewer, scrolling past, what your image is of. You can also use things like subframes (other objects in your photo that make a new, smaller, frame around your subject) to help focus attention on the subject of your story. Getting rid of distractions also means looking at the edges of your photo and behind people, to make sure there isn’t a pot-plant sticking out of someone’s head or other distraction at the edge of the frame. 

#3 Pay attention to the light

How you use light can make a big contribution to the kind of mood you convey through your shot. Bright sun or indoor overhead lights will make harsh and deep shadows, while morning or evening light or light diffused through a window is going to be much softer (and more flattering). None of these choices are wrong but decisions about them help tell particular kinds of stories, so be intentional about your lights, depending on what kind of human rights story you want to tell. 

© Ben Buckland

#4 Use composition to set the mood

Thinking about things like the direction your subject is looking or walking or pointing in your image can help you tell your story. From my western perspective, if something is going left to right or bottom to top then it suggests progress or hope (and vice versa). In the same way, if your subject has space in front of them or above them, then this can help the viewer imagine them moving forward into the future. So this kind of picture is more likely to convey a hopeful mood. 

The so-called “rules” of composition – the rule of thirds for example – are a good starting point. But by using them we create balanced images. And maybe the mood or story you want to tell isn’t one of balance and harmony – so intentionally ignoring the rules can help us tell particular kinds of stories as well. 

© Ben Buckland

#5 Get consent

Because the people we are working with in human rights contexts are often in situations of vulnerability, questions of ethics and consent are all the more important. 6 principles should guide all of our work in this area. These are: Take the time to understand the situation and people you’re working with. Be clear with everyone involved about who you are and how and why you are using their image. Get consent and ensure that people can withdraw it later.  Build trust, including by being clear and accurate. Find creative solutions, including by taking photos of objects or places when photographing people doesn’t work. And do no harm by sometimes not taking a photo at all. 

#6 Stay away from cliches

We are often attracted by the dramatic. In human rights contexts this means we often focus on images that show the pain and suffering of victims. But sometimes stepping back, showing the context, the lived reality, can be even more powerful. People expect to be shocked by human rights photography and by staying away from cliches or biases that reinforce negative stereotypes, we can often surprise and engage them in unexpected ways. 

#7 Get up high or stay down low

Often when we pick up a camera we are standing. And so we stay standing when we take the shot. But more interesting compositions can very often be found if we crouch down or climb up high. This can also help us tell particular kinds of human rights stories. By getting down low, we make our subjects look bigger and more powerful. By getting up high and shooting with a wider angle, we make them look smaller and maybe more vulnerable. Thinking about the story you want to tell in advance and then getting up high or down low can really help us tell it. 

© Ben Buckland

#8 Take the time

The final piece of advice is to take the time. All the tips here, from planning to ethics and consent require some dedicated time. It doesn’t have to be much but making sure that there is dedicated time in your agenda for just this can really help. And most importantly, taking the time with your subjects is going to help you understand and tell their stories in a far more compelling way. 

Get in touch with Ben here: www.benbuckland.photo

The post 8 Tips for Human Rights Photography appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

What are the most pressing issues in the world today? What will demand the most attention in the next 5, 10, and 20+ years? In this article, which frequently refers to the World Economic Forum’s 17th Edition of the Global Risks Report, we’ll highlight 20 current global issues we must address, including issues related to climate change, COVID-19, social rights, and more. While it’s hardly a comprehensive discussion, it’s a solid introduction to the kinds of concerns facing our world today.

#1. Poverty

In fall 2022, the World Bank will update the International Poverty Line from $1.90 to $2.15. This means anyone living on less than $2.15 is in “extreme poverty.” Why the change? Increases in the costs of food, clothing, and shelter between 2011-2017 make the “real value of $2.15 in 2017 prices equal to $1.90 in 2011 prices. As for the World Bank’s goal to reduce extreme poverty to 3% or less by 2030, the pandemic has made it even harder. Extreme poverty isn’t the only poverty we have to contend with. 62% of the global population lives on less than $10/day. While there’s been progress over the years, the end of poverty is still far off.

Learn more about tackling poverty with an online course: Poverty & Population: How Demographics Shape Policy (Columbia University)

#2. Climate change

The IPCC released its sixth report in 2022. In its summary for policy-makers, the report’s authors outlined a series of near-term, mid-term, and long-term risks. If global warming reaches 1.5°C in the near term (2021-2040), it would cause “unavoidable increases in multiple climate hazards,” as well as “multiple risks to ecosystems and humans.” In the long term, climate change will present major health issues, premature deaths, risks to cities and settlements, and other dangers. Mitigation is desperately needed – and fast. Because of climate change’s connection to other issues on this list, it’s one of the most serious challenges facing humanity.

Learn more about climate change with an online course: Science and Engineering of Climate Change (EDHEC Business School)

#3. Food insecurity

According to the 2022 Global Report on Food Crises, which is produced by the Global Network against Food Crises, the number of people in crisis or worse is the highest it’s been in the six years since the report has existed. Close to 193 million people were experiencing acute food insecurity in 2021, which is an increase of almost 40 million since 2020. This represents a staggering 80% increase since 2016. Causes include “economic shocks,” like an increase in global food prices. Domestic food price inflation in low-income countries also rose a lot. “Weather-related disasters” are also a big driver. For 15.7 million people in 15 countries, it was the primary driver of acute food insecurity.

Learn more about food insecurity with an online course: Feeding the World (University of Pennsylvania)

#4. Refugee rights

According to UNHCR, the war in Ukraine sparked the fastest-growing refugee crisis since WWII. Almost 6 million (as of May 10, 2022) people have fled. The UNCHR’s Refugee Brief, which compiles the week’s biggest refugee stories, has recently described situations in places like Somalia, where thousands of people were displaced due to severe drought. Between January and mid-April, more than 36,000 refugees from Nigeria, Mali, and Burkina Faso arrived in Niger. These are only a few examples of the refugee crises, which endangers already marginalized groups – like women and children – and puts them at an increased risk of trafficking, violence, and death.

Learn more about refugee rights with an online course: Refugees in the 21st Century (University of London)

#5. COVID-19

The WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic in March 2022. It will continue to be a major issue for the world. The WEF’s Global Risks Report 2022 discusses COVID’s effects at length, including major economic recovery disparities and social erosion. According to a January 2022 article from NPR, there are also issues with vaccinations as many countries continue to have trouble getting doses. Distribution, vaccine hesitancy, healthcare systems, and other problems also factor into low vaccination rates. While we may never know the exact impact, the WHO estimates that between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2021, there were around 14.9 million excess deaths linked to COVID-19.

Learn more about the impact of COVID-19 with an online course: Life After COVID-19: Get Ready for our Post-Pandemic Future (Institute for the Future)

#6. Future pandemic preparation and response

COVID-19 taught the world the importance of prepardeness. In a Harvard blog, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the WHO, outlined the lessons the world should take to heart. The first: science has to guide policy. The politicization of the pandemic led to a lot of unnecessary damage. Another lesson is that science must pair with equity or it can actually make inequalities worse. This is obvious when looking at how low-income countries struggled to get the vaccines while wealthier countries stocked up. More resilient healthcare systems are also a must, as well as more coherent, global plans on how to respond. The world must also invest in research on contagious diseases, zoonotic diseases, the effectiveness of outbreak responses, and more.

Learn more about future pandemic response with an online course: Pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response (Politecnico di Milano)

#7. Healthcare

The healthcare industry has experienced major shifts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the World Economic Forum, there’s been new investments and innovations, especially from the technology and telehealth sectors. In 2021, $44 billion was spent on health innovation. The world will be seeing the effects of these innovations for years to come, though equity will no doubt be a major issue. In places like the United States, the pandemic also reaffirmed how broken healthcare systems can be. In an MIT News blog, Andrea Campbell, a professor of political science, says the pandemic revealed a “dire need” for investments in public-health infrastructure, as well as a need to expand healthcare access and insurance coverage.

Learn more about health inequity issues with an online course: Addressing Racial Health Inequity in Healthcare (University of Michigan)

#8. Mental health

Globally, almost 1 billion people have some form of mental disorder. The pandemic made the world’s mental health worse. According to a scientific brief from the WHO, there’s been a 25% increase in anxiety and depression worldwide. Causes include social isolation, fear of sickness, grief, and financial anxieties. Health workers were also severely impacted, as well as young women and girls. The brief also highlights how the pandemic disrupted many mental health services, including services for substance abuse. Countries need to ensure access to mental health services as part of their COVID-19 recovery plans and beyond. It’s an economic decision, as well. The Lancet states that anxiety and depression alone cost the global economy around $1 trillion a year.

Learn more about mental health with an online course: The Science of Well-Being (Yale University)

#9. Disability rights

According to the WHO, over 1 billion people have some form of disability. Half can’t afford healthcare. They’re also more likely to live in poverty than those without a disability, have poorer health outcomes, and have less access to work and education opportunities. Human Rights Watch lists other discriminations disabled people face, such as an increased risk of violence. There’s been progress regarding disability rights, but many countries lack strong protections. The world still has a long way to go to ensure equality for those with disabilities.

Learn more about disability rights with an online courses: Disability Awareness and Support (University of Pittsburgh)

#10. LGBTQ+ rights

Members of the LGBTQ+ community face discrimination in many forms. According to Amnesty International, discrimination can target sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics. Even in more progressive countries like the United States, people face violence and discrimination. According to the Human Rights Campaign, more than 300 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were proposed in 2022. At least a dozen states are considering legislation that forbids schools from discussing or using a curriculum that covers sexual orientation and gender identity. Considering the United States’ influence in the world, this attack on LGBTQ+ rights will likely have consequences that need to be addressed.

Learn more about LGBTQ+ issues with an online courses.

#11. Reproductive justice

Reproductive justice – which encompasses more than just abortion rights – is threatened by legislation, lack of funding, lack of education, and restricted healthcare access. In most places, wealth is a big determinant of whether a person can access reproductive services. It’s better in some places than others, but as we’ve seen with other issues on this list, even “progressive” countries like the United States are experiencing major shifts. In June 2022, the Supreme Court is expected to overrule Roe v. Wade, a milestone court case that protected a pregnant woman’s right to abortion. The impact would be immediate and will likely influence other countries.

Learn more about reproductive justice and women’s rights: International Women’s Health and Human Rights (Stanford University)

#12. Children’s rights

Children are a very vulnerable group. In 2019, around 5.2 million children under five from mostly preventable and treatable causes. 2.4 million were newborns under 28 days old. Leading causes include preterm birth complications, pneumonia, and malaria. According to UNICEF, the climate crisis also represents a severe threat to kids. Around 1 billion kids live in “extremely high-risk countries” that are hit by the worst effects of climate change. 920 kids have trouble accessing clean water and 600 million are exposed to vector-borne diseases like malaria. Child labor also remains an issue. At the beginning of 2020, around 160 million were forced into labor while COVID-19 put 9 million more kids at risk. That’s almost 1 in 10 children globally. Almost half are in dangerous environments. As is often the case, the other issues on this list – climate change, poverty, COVID, gender equality, etc – factor into children’s rights.

Learn more about children’s rights: Children’s Human Rights – An Interdisciplinary Introduction (University of Geneva)

#13. Gender equality

Global gender equality has gradually improved over the years, but data from the 2021 Global Gender Report shows that the end of the global gender gap is still 135 years away. The pandemic played a huge role in reversing positive trends as women were hit harder financially. According to Oxfam, women experienced a 5% job loss while men experienced 3.9%. That means women lost about $800 million in 2020. This is a low estimate since it doesn’t count the informal economy, which includes millions of women. Women are also more likely to live in poverty, more affected by gender-based violence, and more affected by climate change.

Learn more about gender equality: Gender Analytics: Gender Equity through Inclusive Design (University of Toronto)

#14. Cybersecurity

The WEF’s Global Risks Report 2022 (page 9) listed cybersecurity vulnerabilities as a concern. The reason is rapid digitalization, which was triggered in part by COVID-19. Many “advanced economies” are now at a higher risk for cyberattacks. GRPS respondents identified cybersecurity failure as a critical short-term risk. In 2020, malware and ransomware attacks went up by 358% and 435%. There are a few reasons for this, including better (and easier) attack methods and poor governance. Cyberattacks have a swath of serious consequences and erode public trust. As countries become more dependent on digitalization, their cybersecurity needs to keep up.

Learn more about cybersecurity: IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate (IBM)

#15. Disinformation

Rapid digitalization comes with many issues, including the lightning-fast spread of disinformation. The WEF report describes deepfakes, an accessible AI technology, and its potential to sway elections and other political outcomes. Disinformation doesn’t need to be sophisticated to be successful, however. Through social media posts and videos, twelve anti-vax activists were responsible for almost ⅔ of all anti-vaccine content on platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Their content flooded the internet with the type of harmful, fear-mongering disinformation that played a significant role in vaccine hesitancy and political radicalization. Because disinformation travels faster online than the truth, it’s a global issue that should be addressed.

Learn more about tackling disinformation: Communicating Trustworthy Information in the Digital World (University of Rotterdam)

#16. Freedom of the press

According to the Varieties of Democracy Institute (as reported in The Economist), about 85% of people live in a country where press freedom has gone down in the past 5 years. After peaking at .65 in the early 2000s and 2011, the global average dropped to .49 in 2021. Major countries like China, India, Russia, Brazil, and Turkey saw significant declines. Journalists and news organizations face threats like violence, imprisonment, lack of funding, and coordinated online attacks and harassment. A free press is essential to a functioning democracy. Without press freedom, all human rights are at risk.

Learn more about freedom of expression: Human Rights for Open Societies (Utrecht University)

#17. Debt crises

In the WEF Global Risks Report (page 7), respondents named debt crises as one of the most pressing issues over the next decade, though respondents believe they will become most serious in just 3-5 years. COVID-19 is a big reason why. Government stimulus was necessary, but many countries are now left with debt burdens. For corporate and public finances in large economies, debt burdens can lead to defaults, bankruptcies, insolvency, and more. This is a far-reaching issue as it affects budgets for areas like healthcare and green energy.

Learn more about the debt: Finance for everyone – Debt (McMaster University)

#18. Corruption

Corruption encompasses a host of actions such as bribery, election manipulation, fraud, and state capture. The World Bank Group names corruption as a barrier to ending extreme poverty and “boosting shared prosperity” for the poorest populations. When it comes to addressing poverty, climate change, healthcare, gender equality, and more, corruption gets in the way. Because corruption is a global problem, global solutions are necessary. Reform, better accountability systems, and open processes will all help.

Learn more about tackling corruption: What is Corruption: Anti-Corruption and Compliance (University of Pennsylvania)

#19. Authoritarianism

According to Freedom House, global democracy is eroding. That includes countries with long-established democracies. In their 2022 report, the organization reveals that global freedom has been declining for the past 16 years. 60 countries faced declines in the last year. Only 25 saw improvements. Only 20% of the global population lives in Free countries. China, Russia, and other authoritarian countries have gained more power in the international system, while countries with established democracies – like the United States – are losing their freedoms. What can be done? Freedom House says success “requires a bold, sustained response that establishes support for democracy and countering authoritarianism.” Governments and citizens engage and stand for democracy.

Learn more about tackling authoritarianism: Citizenship and the Rule of Law (University of London)

#20. Global cooperation

Addressing the issues in this article is not an easy task. True progress is only possible through global cooperation, a fact which is woven through the WEF report. Everything from addressing cybersecurity threats to humanitarian emergencies to protecting democracy depends on strong cooperation between countries. As the report says in its preface: “Restoring trust and fostering cooperation within and between countries will be crucial to addressing these challenges and preventing the world from drifting further apart.” The challenges threatening global cooperation are just as clear as the need, however, which makes it one of the most serious issues of the day.

Learn more about global cooperation: Global Diplomacy: the United Nations in the World

The post Top 20 Current Global Issues We Must Address appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Human Rights Watch Japan

Human Rights Watch Tokyo is the Japanese subsidiary of Human Rights Watch, which works to investigate and research human rights abuses both globally and within Japan. Human Rights Watch Japan regularly lobbies local governments, businesses and other groups to adopt a human rights based approach in their practices and encourage them to change their policies and laws. As an independent research entity, Human Rights Watch Japan receives its funding from its donors and refuses government and corporate funding.

Human Rights Now

Human Rights Now (HRN) is an international human rights NGO based in Tokyo, Japan with UN special consultative status. HRN was established in 2006 by a group of human rights professionals, as the first international human rights NGO based in Japan. With over 700 members comprised of various human rights specialists, HRN works for the promotion and protection of human rights for people in the world, with a special focus on Asia. Furthermore, HRN looks to contribute to the development of international human rights standards and norms through the UN and other international institutions and promote the incorporation of international human rights standards within the domestic framework of Japan.

Japan International Cooperation Agency

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is a governmental institution that delivers the majority of the Japanese government’s official development assistance (ODA). JICA is chartered with assisted economic and social growth in developing nations and the promotion of international cooperation and human rights protection.

Amnesty Japan

Amnesty International Japan is the Japanese subsidiary of Amnesty International, which works to create a world in which the freedom and dignities of people are equally protected. As the world’s biggest NGO founded in 1961, Amnesty International has amassed over 10 million advocates in 200 countries around the world and through its international presence, Amnesty distributes its independent research and proposes recommendations to the United Nations and other governmental entities. Amnesty International Japan was founded in 1970 and works to inform Japan and the wider community of human rights violations occurring around the world, with a special focus on Japan and the broader Asian region.

World Vision Japan

World Vision Japan is the Japanese subsidiary of World Vision, an international NGO that provides development assistance, humanitarian assistance and advocacy based upon the spirit of Christianity. World Vision Japan was established in 1987 and in 2021 alone, has implemented 169 projects in 36 countries and provided development assistance and emergency humanitarian assistance in over 100 countries. Alongside its international activities, World Vision Japan amassed over 60 million yen in donations and used its funding for supporting local business activities and human rights advocacy.

Hurights Osaka

Hurights Osaka (otherwise known as the Asia Pacific Human Rights Center) was established in 1994 with ambitions to collect and provide comprehensive human rights research in the Asia-Pacific region. As an international human rights NGO that aims to foster mutual understanding and friendship across the Asia-Pacific, Hurights Osaka hopes to contribute towards the international exchange of Osaka and nurture the understanding of human rights within the prefecture. Currently, Hurights Osaka works towards the human rights cause through research, human rights training courses and seminars, public relations and consultations with stakeholders.

The International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR)

The International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR) is an international human rights NGO established in 1988 in Tokyo, that aims to eliminate all discrimination and racism globally. As the first human rights NGO based in Japan to obtain consultative status with the United Nations, IMADR has set up an office in Geneva and works with UN agencies across the world. In Japan, IMADR’s work centres around the support of the Indigenous Ainu people in Hokkaido and the Ryukyu people in Okinawa, alongside Zainichi Koreans living in Japan. By amplifying the voices of marginalized social groups in Japan, IMADR actively shares their research and experiences to governmental entities to ensure such issues are recognized by the world.

JANIC

JANIC is a network of civil society organizations based in Japan promoting to solve international human rights issues by uniting and supporting over 100 organizations to help eradicate global poverty, inequality and injustice. Founded in 1987 in the heart of Tokyo, JANIC’s mission centres around the strengthening the institutional capabilities of Japanese human rights NGOs and the facilitating of collective action to the wider Japanese civil society to influence the policies and practices of governments and institutions at both the domestic and international levels. Alongside JANIC’s commitment to supporting NGOs, the organization itself also works to disseminate information and knowledge concerning people’s living conditions in developing regions of the world and enlighten the general Japanese public on the role of NGOs and encourage them to participate in NGO activities in any form.

Tokyo Metropolitan Human Rights Promotion Center

The Tokyo Metropolitan Human Rights Promotion Center was initially founded as the Tokyo Dowa Business Promotion Association in 1971, which aimed to address the “Buraku” discrimination issue, a human rights issue unique to Japan that is based upon the social, cultural and economic discrimination of certain social groups due to historical prejudices in Japanese society. Later, the organization broadened its scope of activities to include human rights violations against children, women, the disabled, foreigners, the Indigenous peoples of Japan and criminals. Since its establishment, the Tokyo Metropolitan Human Rights Promotion Center has worked to raise awareness of human rights among the citizens of Tokyo by implementing human rights education projects to contribute to the solution of human rights issues in Japan.

Centre for Human Rights Education and Training

The Centre for Human Rights Education and Training was established in October 1987 under the management of Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications to address discrimination and human rights issues in Japanese society. Currently, the organization is focusing its efforts on educating the Japanese public on human rights issues by supporting and coordinating with various human rights institutions, alongside governmental entities, public organizations and companies. Alongside the centre’s human rights research and training programs the organization opened a human rights library endorsed by Japan’s Ministry of Justice in 2000 to provide greater education and awareness of human rights issues both abroad and domestic.

AAR Japan

AAR Japan was founded in 1979 with a mission to help refugees from Indochina as a civil organization without any political, religious or ideological affiliations. Since its beginnings in the late seventies, AAR Japan has grown into an international human rights organization approved and registered with the United Nations that reaches out to the most vulnerable populations around the globe. Active in over 60 different countries, AAR received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997 for their international activities providing emergency assistance, support for disabled people, mine clearance, action against infectious diseases and raising public awareness.

Japan Civil Liberties Union (JCLU)

The Japan Civil Liberties Union (JCLU) is a public interest corporation whose sole purpose is to protect basic human rights. Established in 1947, JCLU conducts research and proposals focusing on the freedom of expression, education and the human rights of foreigners, alongside supporting plaintiffs in human rights proceedings. JCLU is also a member of the International Federation for Human Rights (ILHR) and the International Federation for Human Rights (ICJ) and obtained the special consultative status of the United Nations Economic and Social Council in 2003. Alongside its research initiatives and pursuits, the organization publishes a JCLU newsletter every quarter.

Japan Association for Refugees (難民支援協会)

The Japan Association for Refugees is a Japanese NGO that provides comprehensive assistance for refugees from their arrival in Japan until they have comfortably settled in their new homes. The Japan Association for Refugees works as a project implementing partner under contract with the Office of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and provides legal, social and integrative support for refugees, alongside publish an annual report on their activities and advocacy in both Japanese and English.

Japan Alliance for Legislation to Remove Social Barriers based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (J-All)

The Japan Alliance for Legislation to Remove Social Barriers based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (J-All) is a Japanese organization founded in 2015 with ambitions to legislate laws in Japan to remove social barriers based on sexual orientation and gender identity. J-All advise and evaluate a wide range of policies by referring to past cases, data, views of experts and track records of cooperation with local governments, alongside provide legal support and consulting for private businesses. To advocate their cause to the greater Japanese public, J-All also hosts lectures and study sessions regarding the various systems and social trends of LGBTQ issues on behalf of local governments, private companies, labor unions and educational institutions.

Japan International Center for the Rights of the Child (C-Rights)

The Japan International Center for the Rights of the Child (C-Rights) is a certified NPO that works towards the realization of the rights of all children around the world. Established in 1992, C-Rights works to promote and realize the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in Japan and abroad, particularly in developing countries and achieve a world where the rights of every child set forth in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child are realized, and children can pursue the happiness regardless the situation they are in or country where they reside. Much of their advocacy and activities are centred around supporting children in Cambodia, particularly issues of child labor and human trafficking.

The post 15 Organizations Advocating for Human Rights in Japan appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

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

University of Hong Kong – Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong

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

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

Soochow University – Taipei, Taiwan

Master Degree in Human Rights Program

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

Mahidol University – Phutthamonthon, Thailand

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

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

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

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

Paññasastra University of Cambodia – Phnom Penh, Cambodia

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

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

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

University of Jember – Jember, Indonesia

Master Program in Human Rights (MA/LLM)

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

Hitotsubashi University – Tokyo, Japan

Democracy and Human Rights Program, Institute for Global Governance Research

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

The post 6 Human Rights Law Schools in Asia appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Want to begin a career in the nonprofit world? In some cases, you might start at a higher-level job (like if you are transitioning from another career), but for most people, an entry-level job is much more common. Here are ten examples of jobs and where you can apply:

Canvasser

Canvassers work as fundraisers for organizations, going door to door to educate people on issues and collect donations. They can also help launch campaigns, build and train trains, and develop fundraising strategies. You’ll learn about the most pressing issues and what resonates most with people. Passion and excellent communication skills are important. Previous experience in sales or working with the public can be an asset, but many nonprofits will hire people without much experience.

Grant writer

Grant writers are fundraisers. They’re responsible for organizing and writing compelling grant proposals, collaborating with a team, and developing relationships with stakeholders. You’ll need excellent writing skills, an understanding of fundraising, and the ability to find grant opportunities. Organizations typically require at least a bachelor’s degree in writing or a related field, as well as a few years of grant writing experience.

Help desk coordinator

Most nonprofits today rely on technology to run smoothly. Someone at the nonprofit needs to know how to troubleshoot technical issues. Help desk employees – like help desk coordinators – provide hardware and technical support to employees and users, improve processes, and install software. Most organizations require at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a year or two of experience. Desired skills include excellent problem-solving, good communication regarding IT, and excellent time management.

Project assistant

Project assistants work with a project manager and team to meet deadlines, keep things organized, and contribute to a project’s success. Responsibilities can include monitoring schedules and budgets, assigning tasks, completing administrative tasks, and reporting on updates. Most organizations want a candidate with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, as well as two years or so of relevant work experience.

Social media associate

Social media associates run an organization’s social media brand on various platforms. That includes creating content and developing strategies to raise brand awareness. Associates also work closely with other marketing teams or the social media director if the organization is large enough to have one. You’ll likely need a bachelor’s degree in communication or marketing, though a strong knowledge of social media marketing may be good enough for some nonprofits. A few years of experience – either in general marketing or social media specifically – may be required, too.

Event coordinator

Many nonprofits hold events to fundraise or thank stakeholders. Most event planners start as event coordinators. Coordinators handle the details laid out by the event planner and make sure the logistics work out. They manage all the steps through the event. Higher education isn’t usually required, but degrees in marketing or hospitality can help. You’ll need excellent organization and time management, as well as strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Finance officer

Finance officers are part of the finance and administrative team at a nonprofit. They work on budget monitoring, financial records, and other processing. Most organizations require at least a bachelor’s degree in financial management and accounting and a few years of experience. Desired skills include excellent analytical skills, good time management, and knowledge of finance and accounting software and procedures.

Human resources assistant

HR assistants support an organization’s human resources specialist. Assistants will learn about recruitment, training, records, and benefits. They’re responsible for clerical details such as maintaining personnel files, posting job announcements, reaching out to job applicants, and helping employees change their benefit plans. Desired skills include excellent communication, administrative writing, strong organizational skills, and time management. Most nonprofits ask for at least a bachelor’s degree and maybe 1-2 years of relevant experience.

Administrative assistant

Administrative assistants support the administrative team. Responsibilities include filing, typing, and copying, as well as answering calls, scheduling meetings, managing databases, and other operational work. You’ll need skills like excellent time management, organization, problem-solving, and administrative writing. Education requirements can vary, but an associate’s degree or certificate is often sufficient. A few years of relevant experience also helps.

Research assistant

Many nonprofits rely on good research for their work. Research assistants work with a team on administrative and academic tasks. Responsibilities can include conducting background research, creating documentation, assisting with surveys and interviews, and more. You should be organized, detail-oriented, and great communicators. A strong academic background is important, as well as a master’s degree or sometimes a doctorate.

Where to apply

Beginner non-profit jobs can be found at the local, national, and international levels. Locally, you can find jobs at organizations like food banks, tutoring centers, addiction recovery organizations, and other social service organizations. Local organizations are often smaller and may not require as much experience for certain jobs, so they’re a great option if you’re starting your career or transitioning to non-profit work.

Here are some examples of where to apply:

• International Rescue Committee (IRC) – This international NGO responds to human rights crises, resettles refugees, and rebuilds communities in more than 40 countries.
• Oxfam – This organization (which has its international secretariat in Oxford, London) works with thousands of partner organizations to combat poverty. Regional and national offices offer many entry-level jobs.
• Amnesty International – One of the best-known international organizations, AI monitors human rights records and advocates for justice. Many entry-level positions (like assistant roles) are available at their offices.
• Doctors Without Borders – The world’s leading independent medical relief organization, Doctors Without Borders is found in 72 countries. It focuses on emergency humanitarian and medical assistance.

Online nonprofit job boards (like Idealist, DevEx and Human Rights Careers) can help you narrow down your search by experience level, location, salary range, and more.

The post 10 Entry Level Non-Profit Jobs and Where To Apply appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

The United Nations is the world’s largest intergovernmental organization. Currently made of five main organs – the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the International Court of Justice, and the UN Secretariat – the UN serves an important role in the world. How does it protect human rights? In this article, we’ll discuss the history and purpose of the UN, how it fulfills its goals, and what challenges the organization faces.

The story of the United Nations

In 1920, at the Paris Peace Conference that ended WWI, the League of Nations was born. It was the first intergovernmental organization with the goal to maintain world peace. While the organization proved to be ineffective, the concept of a unified group of nations lived on. The United Nations was officially established in 1945 in response to WWII. The League of Nations officially dissolved in 1946.

When the UN first met, there were 51 Member States who ratified the United Nations Charter. In 1948, the assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which elaborated on the Charter’s principles and established universal human rights. This was a high priority for the UN following the Holocaust and other atrocities during the war. The UDHR has since become a guiding document for various human rights treaties and instruments. Currently, the UN has 193 members and is headquartered in New York City.

The purpose of the UN

Article 1 of the UN Charter lays out the purpose of the organization in four parts, which are paraphrased here:

1. To maintain international peace and security (which includes preventing and removing threats, suppressing acts of aggression, and settling disputes)
2. To develop friendly relations among nations based on respecting the equal rights and self-determination of people
3. To achieve international cooperation in solving economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian problems (including promoting respect for human rights and freedoms)
4. To be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations as they try to accomplish these goals

How does the UN protect human rights?

The UN has lofty goals. These are challenging to accomplish, especially given the size and complexity of the UN system. What instruments and entities are used to protect human rights? There are more than we can cover in this article, but here are some key examples.

Treaties and legal instruments

The International Bill of Human Rights

The International Bill of Human Rights is made of three instruments: The UDHR, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The UDHR is the foundation of international human rights law. The two covenants reiterate many of the articles in the UDHR, but the covenants are legally-binding treaties.

Conventions

A convention is a legally binding agreement between contracting countries and the UN. Several conventions address human rights issues, such as the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination; the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women; and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Entities that address human rights:

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

Based in Geneva, the OHCHR is the main UN entity that protects and promotes human rights. It supports the human rights aspects of peacekeeping missions and maintains offices in different regions such as Africa, the Americas, the Middle East, and Europe and Central Asia. The High Commissioner for Human Rights has the authority to investigate human rights situations, publish reports, and comment on human rights issues.

The Human Rights Council

In 2006, the HRC replaced the UN Commission on Human Rights. Its mission is to promote and protect human rights. The Council has 47 elected members that address human rights violations, make recommendations, and discuss “thematic human rights issues and situations.” Members are elected for staggered three-year terms on a regional group basis.

The Security Council

The Security Council frequently deals with human rights abuses, especially in conflict zones. The Council has the authority for certain actions. They can investigate, mediate, dispatch a mission, appoint special envoys, dispatch a peacekeeping force, and issue a ceasefire directive. They can also establish travel bans, economic sanctions, arms embargoes, and more.

UN peacekeepers

The UN sends out many peacekeeping operations and peace-building missions. Working on the ground, human rights teams are responsible for protecting civilians, addressing conflict-related human rights violations, and strengthening respect for human rights and the rule of law.

The UN Development Group’s Human Rights Working Group

This group was established in 2009 at the request of the UN Secretary-General. Abbreviated as UNDG-HRWG, this group’s role is to advance human rights mainstreaming efforts with the UN development system. The OHCHR serves as the Chair. Priorities include making human rights expertise available to national development actors and helping the UN development system deliver rights-based development results.

Treaty bodies

There are ten human rights treaty bodies made of independent experts in human rights. They are elected for fixed renewable four-year terms by State parties. Their role is to monitor the implementation of the core international human rights treaties, such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Special advisors/experts

Special Advisors

There are two Special Advisors (who are individuals appointed by the Secretary-General) that focus on human rights: the Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide and the Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect. The Special Advisor on genocide raises awareness of the causes and nature of genocide, warns when there’s a risk of genocide, and advocates for appropriate action. The Special Advisor on protection leads the “conceptual, political, institutional and operational development of the Responsibility to Protect.” The Responsibility to Protect is an international norm identifying the international community’s responsibility to stop genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity.

Special Representatives

In addition to Special Advisers, the Secretary-General also appoints special representatives who advocate against major human rights abuses. There are currently three special representatives focused on Children and Armed Conflict; Sexual Violence in Conflict; and Violence Against Children.

Special Rapporteurs

The Human Rights Council appoints Special Rapporteurs, who are human rights experts. Their role is to monitor, advise, and report on human rights situations in specific countries and worldwide. They respond to individual complaints, conduct studies, and travel to countries to assess human rights situations.

What challenges threaten the UN’s role in protecting human rights?

The UN has many entities and instruments addressing human rights, but the organization faces significant challenges in its role as a protector of human rights. Here are three problems:

The Security Council veto power

There are mechanisms within the UN system that cause problems. The veto power system of the Security Council is a key example. Because of their role in founding the United Nations, the US, UK, China, France, and Russia get special status as permanent members of the Security Council. They’re also given a special voting power: “the right to veto.” That means if any one of these five Members decides to vote “no” in the 15-member Security Council, the decision or solution won’t move forward. A decision could have support by every single member except one of the five Permanent Members, but their veto stops it cold. When a decision involves a human rights issue – which it often does – that veto power is significant.

The veto system is controversial and often debated. In 2018, Member States called for removing the veto power and expanding the Security Council’s permanent seats. The African Group pointed out that most of the issues the Council discusses relate to the African continent. The meeting coverage reads: “Despite having the largest number of Member States in the United Nations, Africa continues to be undermined and has no representation in the permanent category…”

A damaged reputation

Many scandals and controversies have tainted the UN’s record on human rights. One of the most pressing issues involves the Human Rights Council. In 2020, the General Assembly elected fifteen new members, including China, Pakistan, and the Russian Federation. China managed to be elected despite weak support; compared to its previous election, it lost the support of 41 Member States. Of the countries elected, it got the fewest votes. This is due to China’s deteriorating reputation on human rights, which includes a violent response to pro-democracy protestors in Hong Kong and abuses targeting China’s Uyghur Muslim population. The fact that States with poor human rights records can hold a place on the Human Rights Council does not inspire confidence in the UN.

Not enough power to address global issues

The last main challenge facing the UN is the scope and scale of human rights issues. As an intergovernmental, global organization, the UN has a responsibility to deal with all of them. Issues include poverty, climate change, sustainability, children’s rights, disarmament, healthcare, food security, gender equality, forced migration, and more. The cost and complexity of addressing these issues are hard to fathom, but there’s another factor that affects the UN’s effectiveness as a human rights protector: its power.

Despite its size and influence, the UN does not hold much actual power over its Member States. It doesn’t take long to find evidence that many of the 193 Member States are not upholding international human rights law. While Article 6 of the Charter does give the UN power to expel Members who have “persistently violated the Principles contained in the present Charter,” it never has. Even if it did expel a Member, how does that halt the human rights violations still going on? What can the UN do about countries not bound to its treaties? The UN’s toothlessness leaves many wondering just how effective the organization can be at upholding human rights. As the world deals with increasingly complex issues – like climate change and a rise in authoritarianism – can the UN in its current state fulfill its role? Drastic reform may be needed. For now, the future remains uncertain.

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

UVA Law

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

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

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

St. Thomas College of Law

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

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

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

Fordham University, School of Law

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

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

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

Georgetown University Law

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

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

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

Columbia Law School

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

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

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

Yale Law School

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

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

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

Harvard Law School

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

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

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

University of California Berkeley School of Law

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

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

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

CUNY School of Law

Long Island City, NY
Justice Centers/Clinics

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

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

Stanford Law School

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

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

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

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In 1942, representatives from 26 countries signed the Declaration of the United Nations, marking the first usage of the term “united nations.” It wasn’t the first time the international community had attempted to come together, but the League of Nations, which had been founded in 1920, was failing. The League had its final meeting in 1946, one year after the signing of the United Nations Charter. Three years later, as WWII came to an end, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights established universal human rights and freedoms. Since those early days, the UN has sought to achieve four goals: keep world peace; develop friendly relations between nations; help nations improve the lives of the poor and encourage rights and freedoms; and serve as a center for achieving these goals. What is working for the UN like? In this article, we’ll describe the UN’s structure, the advantages of working for the organization, and the disadvantages.

The structure of the United Nations

The UN is the world’s largest and best-known intergovernmental organization, which is a type of organization made of sovereign states established by a treaty. The UN has five main organs:

The General Assembly

The GA is the main deliberative body. It consists of representatives from all the Member States. Each State gets one vote. It’s based at the UN headquarters in New York City, New York.

The UN Secretariat

This organ is made of staff representing all nationalities that work at duty stations around the world. The Secretariat handles the everyday work of the UN and administers the programs and policies. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is part of this organ.

The Security Council

Made of 15 Members, the Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security.

The Economic and Social Council

This organ debates economic, social, and environmental challenges and issues policy recommendations. The World Health Organization (The WHO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) are specialized agencies within this council.

International Court of Justice

As the judicial organ of the UN, the Court settles legal disputes between States and provides advisory opinions to the UN and its agencies.

Advantages of working for the UN

The UN has offices in 195 countries and around 37,000 employees. Here are the pros of working for this huge organization:

There are lots of career opportunities

Within the UN system, there are 45 job “families” and nine job networks. Job families are occupations and sub-occupations grouped in a common work field. The job networks are flexible groupings of job families. The reason for this structure is so employees can get multidisciplinary opportunities for new skills and experience within different parts of the UN. The nine networks are:

• Management and Administration- Families include administration, audit, ethics, finance, and human resources
• Economic, Social and Development – Families include environmental affairs, social affairs, sustainable development, and statistics
• Political, Peace and Humanitarian – Families include civil affairs, rule of law, human rights affairs, and electoral affairs
• Information and Telecommunication Technology – Families are media technology, telecommunications technology, and information management systems and technology
• Legal – Families are jurists and legal affairs
• Public information and conference management – Families include conference services, language, protocol, and public information
• Internal security and safety network – Families are security and safety
• Logistics, transportation and supply chain – Families are engineering, facilities management, human settlements, and transportation
• Science – Families are medical and natural and life sciences

The UN works to promote justice and protect human rights

Through its many entities, the UN is the world’s largest organization working for human rights and justice. Whether you want to work in women’s rights, public health, food security, sustainable development, or other similar areas, the UN has many career opportunities.

• UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) – the UN fund focusing on children’s rights and health
• WHO (World Health Organization) – the specialized agency responsible for directing and coordinating international health in the UN system
• WFP (World Food Programme)- the UN program focused on eliminating hunger and malnutrition
• UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) – the UN body responsible for protecting refugees

You have opportunities to travel

For those who’ve always wanted to travel the world, the United Nations is a great place to work. An employee will likely need to travel at some point. The UN is also a great place to work if you’ve wanted to live in another country. Traveling opens you up to different cultures, food, languages, and experiences. There are offices in 195 countries, including:

• Armenia
• Bahamas
• Chile
• Djibouti
• Greece
• Nepal
• Samoa
• Zambia

The UN generally pays well

There’s a wide range of salaries within the UN system, but generally, the pay is good. The UN has a specific pay structure for Field service and Professional & higher categories. The salary level for Professional staff is set by referring to the highest-paying national civil service. The salary scales for (P) jobs are based on five grades (P-1 to P-5) and two Director levels (D-1 and D-2).

• Entry level (P1 – P3): 37,000 USD – 80,000 USD
• Mid-career (P4 – P5): 67,000 USD – 106,000 USD
• Senior level (D1 – D2): 95,000 USD – 123,000 USD

You can look for salary scales for specific years on the UN’s Salaries, Allowances, Benefits, and Job Classification website. Depending on where you live, even a salary on the lower end can go far.

The UN has great benefits

Many UN careers come with excellent benefits. Not every job comes with the same perks, but the UN is known for good remuneration packages. Benefits can include:

• Dependency allowances for eligible spouses and/or children
• Travel and shipping expenses when you’re moving from a different duty station
• Hardship allowances for working at certain duty stations
• Hazard pay for hazardous and stressful locations
• 18-30 days of vacation time per year
• Possible home leave travel
• UN-sponsored medical insurance plans

Disadvantages of working for the UN

Before considering working for the United Nations, it’s important to understand its downsides. This gives you a realistic and not rose-colored view of the organization and its complexities. Here are the main cons to know about:

It’s hard to get a job at the UN

The first downside of the UN is how challenging it is to get a job there. As the world’s most prestigious international organization, it makes sense that it would have extremely high standards. It’s rare for anyone to just waltz into a (P) level job. Most start with short-term contracts like positions with the United Nations Volunteers. These positions offer a small living allowance and medical insurance to volunteers (who must be at least 25-years old) who serve 6-12 months. There are also Junior Professional Officer positions at agencies like UNICEF and UNHCR. There are age and national restrictions, as well as requirements like a few years of experience. With a structure like this, your career will likely not be stable for quite a while.

The UN system is bureaucratic and complicated

As a huge organization, the UN is difficult to navigate. Settling into a career in such a complex system is frustrating to many people. Recruitment, job structure, and trying to move up in the organization are frequent sources of stress for workers. The UN also has a reputation for depending on processes and systems even when they aren’t effective. This is serious business for an organization dedicated to protecting human rights and striving for world peace. Working for an organization bogged down by bureaucracy can be infuriating and disheartening when lives are on the line. In 2016, Anthony Banbury resigned his position as the Assistant Secretary-General for Field Support. In an opinion piece for the New York Times, he wrote: “If you locked a team of evil geniuses in a laboratory, they could not design a bureaucracy so maddeningly complex, requiring so much effort but in the end incapable of delivering the intended result.”

The UN has a history of scandals

There have been several scandals at the UN, including child sexual abuse by UN peacekeepers. An AP investigation in 2017 exposed a child sex abuse ring in Haiti run by more than 100 UN peacekeepers over 10 years. None were imprisoned for their crimes. The report also found more than 2,000 global allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation over 12 years. In the article covering the abuse, a survivor was quoted: “As far as the U.N. goes, they came here to protect us, but all they’ve brought is destruction.” With the abuse so widespread, it’s reasonable to suspect the problems are systemic. While any organization as large and significant as the UN will have abuse and corruption, the UN must be held to a higher standard.

Working for the UN can be dangerous

Many UN field offices are based in dangerous areas. According to UN data reported by NPR, 56 peacekeepers died from violence in 2017. This represented the highest number of fatalities since 1994. The reason for the increased danger is the heightened violence in conflict areas, as well as the UN’s deeper involvement in the conflicts. According to Conor Foley, who worked as the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations from 2010 to 2012, peacekeepers are pushed to be more assertive in protecting civilians. This is part of the job, but it does put peacekeepers at more risk. Not all UN careers are risky, but it’s important to know that they can be.

Final thoughts

The United Nations is a huge, complicated organization with some serious systemic issues. It is also the world’s largest and most respected international organization committed to peace and human rights. It has access and resources no other organization does. Even if you don’t spend your entire career working at the UN, there are many opportunities available there, including travel, good pay, good job benefits, and projects that make a real difference in the world.

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NGOs are non-governmental organizations. This means they operate independently from governments. Typically nonprofit groups, many NGOs focus on humanitarian issues such as poverty, gender inequality, and other social injustices. It’s unclear how many NGOs are currently in operation, but just in the United States, there are around 1.5 million NGOs in operation. As organizations that are separate from governments, how do NGOs protect human rights? What roles and responsibilities do they have?

A brief history of NGOs

Before diving into the role of NGOs, it’s useful to understand a bit of their history. While the term “NGO” is fairly recent, the concept isn’t. Early on, religious orders ran most NGOs, but things changed by the mid-19th century. International NGOs focusing on women’s rights, peace, or ending slavery were common. One of the most influential organizations of that time no longer exists, but it has a fascinating history. It was called The International Shipwreck Society. Founded by Auguste Godde in 1835, the Society expanded quickly in its focus on shipwreck victims. By 1837, it had branches in places like the United States, Europe, Brazil, China, and the Ottoman Empire. However, a conflict erupted between the Society’s journal editor and Godde. According to Godde, the editor wanted to control the organization. The journal, however, revealed that Godde had lied about his titles and was exploiting the organization to make himself rich. By 1943, the Society folded.

Another NGO founded around this time endured and is still around today. In 1839, abolitionists formed The Anti-Slavery Society to campaign against slavery. A year later, they held the world’s first anti-slavery convention. Their projects included organizing “slave-free produce” consumer action groups, helping establish the first comprehensive anti-slavery treaty, and campaigning against King Leopold’s slavery system in the Congo Free State. In modern times, the organization (now known as Anti-Slavery International) has successfully participated in efforts to create new anti-slavery legislation. It is considered the world’s oldest human rights organization.

NGOs and the United Nations

The phrase “non-governmental organization” came into being alongside the United Nations in 1945. The UN Charter lays out the relationship between NGOs and the United States. Article 71 reads:

The Economic and Social Council may make suitable arrangements for consultation with non-governmental organizations which are concerned with matters within its competence. Such arrangements may be made with international organizations and, where appropriate, with national organizations after consultation with the Member of the United Nations concerned.

Consultative Status is divided into three categories: General Consultative Status (the highest status level that gives organizations the right to deliver oral presentations during the council’s meetings); Special Consultative Status; and Roster. NGOs with the highest consultative status include Save the Children, Doctors Without Borders, CARE International, and Amnesty International.

The types of NGOs

The World Bank defines two groups of NGOs: operational NGOs and advocacy NGOs. Operational NGOs focus on designing and implementing development projects. Advocacy NGOs promote causes and try to influence public policy. Within these two broad groups, there’s a handful of acronyms that pop up around the subject of NGOs:

• INGO – an international NGO
• BINGO – a big international NGO or business-friendly NGO
• ENGO – an environmental NGO
• RINGO – a religious international NGO
• GONGO – a government-organized NGO
• CSO – a civil society organization

How do NGOs protect human rights?

Depending on the NGOs’ specific scope of work, these organizations protect human rights in a variety of ways. Here are some of their main purposes:

They hold human rights abusers accountable

Many NGOs, especially advocacy NGOs, focus on exposing human rights violations and holding abusers accountable. Amnesty International is a good example. In 2020, they released a briefing entitled COVID-19 Crackdowns: Police Abuse and the Global Pandemic. Using data from 60 countries, AI documented cases where law enforcement agencies committed human rights abuses under the guise of controlling the disease. The briefing highlighted a series of abuses, such as beatings and killings, discrimination, arbitrary arrests and detentions, and restrictions on peaceful assembly. While some restrictions are necessary during a pandemic, law enforcement had – in AI’s words – “often played a far too prominent role in what is fundamentally a public health issue.”

They lobby for change

Calling for an end to harmful policies and advocating for change are common activities for NGOs. Anti-Slavery International participated in lobbying the League of Nations to act on slavery. In 1926, the League signed The Convention to Suppress the Slave Trade and Slavery. Slavery and the slave trade were banned, and concrete rules and articles were established. Recently, NGOs have become more influential in the world by playing roles within the UN, governments, and corporations. Ideally, the most influential NGOs should serve as a bridge between grassroots activists and smaller organizations that lack access to the halls of power. By lobbying for policy and law changes, NGOs can help address the root causes of humanitarian and social justice issues.

They provide essential healthcare

Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights names a right to health. That right is threatened in many ways, including during crises like natural disasters and conflicts. There are many NGOs focused on providing medical care, including the International Committee of the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders. Responsibilities include providing medical, social, and psychological services, as well as educational programs, training, and health advocacy. Certain NGOs may focus on one specific area, such as children’s health, reproductive health, or nutrition. Many partner with local organizations.

They respond quickly to emergencies

When disaster strikes, government support can take a long time and it’s often not sufficient. Many NGOs focus on responding to emergencies with medical care, food, water and sanitation services, and shelter. A presentation by Dr. David .W. Muriuki describes the benefits of NGOs during complex emergencies, which come with challenging levels of political and security risks. NGOs, however, have fewer barriers to overcome. They’re able to mobilize quickly, which often means they are the first actors on the ground. They are also more flexible and adaptable, which puts them at an advantage over governments. NGOs are also able to reach more remote areas and populations faster. The last advantage is that NGOs tend to have a close relationship with the media. This increases public awareness of an emergency, which can encourage donations. When NGOs respond quickly, they’re able to protect human rights like the right to life, safety, health, shelter, and more.

Can NGOs play a harmful role in human rights work?

NGOs play an important part in the protection of human rights, but problems within an organization can have the opposite effect. Critics also aren’t simply raising concerns with individual organizations. The whole NGO world has some systemic problems that need addressing. Here are two examples:

Abuse

For years, there’s been concern regarding NGOs, transparency, and accountability, especially when it comes to sexual abuse. In 2018, the House of Commons International Development Committee released a report addressing harassment and sexual misconduct allegations. It found “endemic” sexual abuse and exploitation within the international aid sector, ranging from unwanted sexual comments to rape. Major NGOs like Save the Children and Oxfam were implicated.

In 2021, the IDC released a follow-up report. In a survey by the IDC, 73% of respondents believed abuse by aid workers was still a problem. 26% of respondents claimed to have observed suspected sexual exploitation or abuse of aid recipients. Also troublingly, 57% of respondents felt whistle-blowing policies and practices were inadequate. Without consequences for abuse, perpetrators can continue their abuse and jump from organization to organization.

Racism and discrimination

International development, which includes many NGOs and their projects, can manifest as colonialism by another name. Governments have long used humanitarianism as a way to exert their power and influence on countries. The “aid” ends up holding communities back from self-empowerment and sustainability. There are also issues with how organizations treat staff. In 2020, 1,000 former and current Doctors Without Borders staff members wrote a letter accusing the organization of systemic racism. They said MSF (the acronym refers to the org’s French name) was built on “white supremacy” that spread to staff, policies, hiring practices, workplace culture, and the programs themselves.

MSF has addressed the accusations, acknowledging that “progress is nowhere fast enough.” They also acknowledged that governance and where the positions of power lie within the organization don’t reflect the organization’s diversity. In 2022, MSF released a progress report listing initiatives to combat institutional racism and discrimination. Whether MSF will become a successful example of an organization embracing accountability and change remains to be seen. For now, it’s a clear example of how NGOs that undeniably do important work can also contribute to harm.

Final thoughts

NGOs have a responsibility to protect human rights, but problems (some systemic) within organizations can threaten the very rights those NGOs seek to protect. That doesn’t mean NGOs should be thrown out. In an article on how “well-meaning NGOs” can end up causing harm by replicating government services, researchers said their takeaway was not to avoid funding NGOs, but for NGOs and governments to coordinate better. Even in the face of evidence showing NGOs ’ downsides, the researchers also pointed to evidence showing “sustainable, positive impact on people’s lives.” That’s what needs to be replicated by every NGO in existence. When NGOs successfully perform their role, their positive impacts are clear.

The post What Role Do NGOs Play in Protecting Human Rights? appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Humanitarian aid refers to mostly short-term assistance in the form of materials (like medical supplies, food, water, etc) and logistic aid. It’s intended to provide help quickly in the aftermath of various crises (floods, conflict, disease outbreaks) until the government and other organizations can develop long-term plans. The goal is to save lives, relieve suffering, and protect human dignity. Meeting these goals is expensive but necessary. Using data from sources like UNICEF’s Global Annual Results Report 2020 as a guide, we can identify 15 key reasons why humanitarian aid is so important:

#1. Hundreds of millions need humanitarian aid

According to a 2021 United Nations report, an estimated 274 million people will need humanitarian aid in 2022. This represents a year-over-year increase of 17%. The report gives more reasons for the higher number, such as a rise in extreme poverty. 43 countries (and 45 million people) are also at risk of famine. To meet this record need, it will take $41 billion, a budget experts like Martin Griffiths, UN Humanitarian Affairs chief, are doubtful about receiving. Humanitarians will do what they can with the funds they get. Last year, even in the face of extreme need due to COVID, the humanitarian system was able to reach 70% of its target. While aid doesn’t fix the causes of a crisis, it undeniably lives and relieves suffering.

#2. Aid saves millions

Saving lives is the main goal of humanitarian aid. When food, water, medical supplies, and other resources are mobilized, human lives are saved from dangers like disease, hunger, thirst, and exposure to the elements. Let’s look at UNICEF as an example. In 2020, 4 million children with severe acute malnutrition were admitted to treatment programs. Without these programs, these kids would likely have died. 17 million kids (age 6 months-15 years) were vaccinated against measles, a disease that killed over 200,000 people in 2019. Without programs targeting issues like hunger and disease, death counts would be higher.

#3. Aid is needed quickly in emergencies

Humanitarian aid is essential during crises like droughts, natural disasters, or conflicts. With very quick turnarounds, organizations mobilize huge amounts of resources and deploy wherever they’re needed. As an example, the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) can deploy within 12-48 hours anywhere in the world. Their role is to help during the first phase of an emergency and assist in coordinating incoming international relief. Governments move much slower, so emergency aid is needed as a stop-gap measure.

#4. Aid meets nutritional needs

Food is one of the most important concerns during crises. Without proper nutrition, people are at risk for a host of health problems, as well as death. Organizations like the World Food Programme focus on meeting nutritional needs. It’s the largest humanitarian organization providing school meals to children. In 2020, WFP provided 15 million children with school meals. With UNICEF, WFP also supports governments in adopting an integrated approach to children’s nutrition and health, which includes school meal programs.

#5. Aid addresses water and sanitation issues

WASH (which stands for water, sanitation, and hygiene) is a major focus for many humanitarian groups. Without access to clean drinking water and sanitation, people face the risk of waterborne disease, dehydration, and other problems. A variety of crises can threaten WASH, including natural and man-made disasters. Humanitarian organizations mobilize to build proper systems (like garbage and waste disposal), hand out clean water, and provide education on WASH.

#6. Aid meets health needs

Humanitarian efforts include medical and mental health projects. In just about any crisis, health is a primary concern. Some crises are specifically health crises, like disease outbreaks. Aid consists of things like medical supplies and medical professionals who can deliver services like vaccinations. The COVID-19 pandemic is a prime example of the need for medical humanitarian aid. Vaccinations, supplies, personal protective equipment, and medical personnel are all needed.

#7. Aid addresses a lack of shelter

According to the UNHCR, shelter is “a vital survival mechanism in times of crisis or displacement.” It’s essential to “restoring personal security, self-sufficiency and dignity.” Providing shelter during crises can be complicated. In urban areas, refugees often have to live in public buildings and other informal settlements where conditions can be poor. Shelter concerns include shelter materials, technical support, rental support, cash assistance, safety, privacy, and more. Without proper shelter, it’s very difficult for a community to regroup and rebuild.

#8. Aid protects education for children

Crises disrupt education for children and deprive them of schools, which are a shelter from abuse and exploitation. School is also where many children receive essential services like food, clean water, healthcare, and hygiene. Schools are also a source of psychosocial support, which children will need more of during emergencies. Humanitarian aid should include education, although currently, the education sector gets less than 3% of aid. There are other complications like staff shortages and coordination issues. Organizations like UNICEF work to protect education for children by creating safe learning spaces, training teachers, and supplying materials.

#9. Aid helps communities recover and rebuild

Humanitarian aid addresses emergency needs, but it can also play an important role in communities recovering and rebuilding. This approach, known as “Early Recovery,” is a multidimensional process that begins alongside addressing emergency needs. It focuses on building resilience, strengthening capacity, and contributing to fixing long-standing problems. Local ownership is prioritized, so communities can quickly become self-sustaining. Humanitarian organizations help in this process through various methods, including cash distributions, micro-finances, and livelihood development programs. Humanitarian aid is different from development aid, but in early recovery, humanitarian aid serves as a bridge to longer-term development.

#10. Aid helps communities prepare for crises

Disaster preparedness is part of humanitarian aid. As an example, for five years, 56% of all EU-funded humanitarian projects included a disaster preparedness component. These measures, which include governments, organizations, communities, and individuals, help areas better prepare and respond to disasters. Things like early warning systems, contingency plans, and stockpiling supplies and equipment can save lives, mitigate the effects of crises, and increase community resilience. This makes disaster preparedness a very cost-effective decision that helps aid organizations save more money.

#11. Climate change is a major humanitarian crisis

According to NOAA, the impacts of climate change on food and water are significant and interconnected. Drought harms food production and human health. Flooding spreads disease and damages infrastructure and ecosystems. Existing socio-economic inequities put marginalized groups at an increased risk. According to many experts, climate change is the worst threat humans currently face. This challenges the effectiveness of humanitarian aid, which is already unable to meet the needs of populations around the world. For years to come, humanitarian aid will need more funding to address the effects of climate change.

#12. Women and girls are affected differently by crises

Crises like drought, flooding, and conflict affect everyone, but certain groups are more vulnerable. Women and girls face more risks during displacement and when protective structures and support dissolve. They often handle risky responsibilities, as well, such as caring for people who are sick. In some crisis settings, more than 70% of women experience gender-based violence. COVID-19 worsened gender equality, as well. The global gender poverty gap for women aged 25-34 is expected to increase from 118 women for every 100 men in 2021 to 121 women in 2030. According to the World Economic Forum, COVID-19 added another 100 years to the journey toward gender parity. Many humanitarian organizations prioritize the most vulnerable girls and women to ensure they get the support and resources they need.

#13. Aid protects children and mothers

Like girls and women, children and mothers face unique risks during crises. In 2017, around 295,000 women died during and following pregnancy and childbirth. 94% took place in low-resource settings. Most could have been prevented. Factors like poverty, travel distance to facilities, and poor-quality services contribute to maternal mortality. Groups like UNICEF coordinate initiatives and campaigns targeting the specific needs of moms and kids. In 2020, over 500,000 children and pregnant/lactating women received health services and education. In Yemen, more than 260,000 children under 5 received treatment for severe acute malnutrition. In South Sudan, UNICEF worked with partners to provide 1.9 million pregnant and lactating women with counseling on infant and young child feeding.

#14. Aid is needed to deal with the long-term effects of COVID

The COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the world, reversing positive trends in extreme poverty, gender equality, and more. By the end of 2020, 270 million people were facing acute food insecurity. This represents an 82% increase since COVID started. The humanitarian world mobilized in a way it never has before, but the road to recovery is long and hard. If the world hopes to recover and rebuild from the pandemic, humanitarian aid (as well as government support) is needed now more than ever.

#15. Aid protects human rights (but needs to be anti-racist and equitable)

All human rights matter, but humanitarian aid protects what most people consider the most essential: life, water, food, sanitation, shelter, safety, and education. Governments are primarily responsible for providing and protecting these rights – especially after a crisis – but for one reason or another, many are unable or unwilling to. Humanitarian aid steps in to fill the void. Because of their responsibility, humanitarian organizations must be held to a high standard. That means reckoning with the history of aid and colonialism. In “Race, equity, and neo-colonial legacies: identifying paths forward for principled humanitarian action,” Saman Rejali writes: “In order to create more equitable and anti-racist institutions, the humanitarian sector must first acknowledge the role neo-colonial legacies continue to play in humanitarian assistance and protection activities and within humanitarian organizations, which are most at need of equity-driven systemic changes.”

The post 15 Reasons Why Humanitarian Aid is Important appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

An NGO (non-governmental organization) is a nonprofit group separate from the government. Beyond that, there is no universal definition of “NGO,” but many NGOs focus on humanitarian issues, including but not limited to gender equality, poverty, and international development. How much do NGO workers get paid? In this article, we’ll describe what factors determine salary, the types of jobs NGO workers fill, and what salaries are common for those jobs.

Factors for an NGO worker salary

Several factors determine an NGO worker’s salary. By knowing what these factors are, you can understand how an organization structures its salary and recognize whether an NGO falls short on how much it pays its employees. Key factors include:

• Seniority: Where in the organization’s hierarchy does an employee fit in? Jobs with more seniority and leadership in an NGO pay more.
• Responsibilities: The responsibilities an employee has and the difficulty of those responsibilities should factor into salary. Jobs with more specialized responsibilities often pay more because the candidate pool is smaller.
• Employee’s past job experience: An employee with more experience earns more than an employee early in their career. The employee’s compensation history is also a factor.
• Job comparability: How much do similar NGOs pay for similar jobs? What is the industry standard for the job given its responsibilities?
• Geography: A job based in an area with a higher cost of living should pay more than a similar job in an area with a lower cost of living. Jobs based in more dangerous areas (think NGO workers in conflict zones) also often include hardship pay.
• Size of the organization: Organizations with smaller budgets (like local NGOs) tend to pay less than well-known NGOs with larger budgets for paying staff.

NGO jobs and common salaries

There are most likely millions of NGOs around the world, so there’s a huge range of jobs and salaries. Here are some examples of careers and the range of salaries you can expect.

International aid worker

Job description: International aid workers often work for government agencies, but NGOs hire these workers, as well. They’re sent wherever their NGO wants them based on their skills. They could work in healthcare, education, development, and so on. The work is often dangerous because of problems like violence, disease, or natural disasters.

Salary: International aid workers tend to have fairly modest salaries. Schmoop estimates a yearly salary of $30,000, but depending on where the job is based, even a small salary can go a long way. Aid workers also often receive stipends for housing, insurance, and utilities.

Researcher

Job description: NGOs, especially NGOs that publish reports, hire researchers to investigate and compile data on a variety of topics. A researcher’s responsibilities can include figuring out research goals and sources, collecting and verifying information, and organizing and analyzing data. Researchers may be on staff or hired as contractors.

Salary: It’s tricky to get a salary range for a researcher at an NGO. The salaries are typically less than what a researcher with a government agency or large corporation would receive. According to Glassdoor, a researcher at Amnesty International London is paid an average of £52,180 per year.

Grant specialist

Job description: NGOs depend on funding sources like donations, but grants are just as important. A grant specialist’s job is to seek out grants relevant to the NGO and complete applications. They might also be responsible for managing any grant money the NGO receives.

Salary: According to ZipRecruiter, the average pay for a “nonprofit grant writer” in the United States is $55,592 a year. Salaries can range as low as $20,500 and as high as $86,500. This wide range shows that many of the job factors we listed earlier (past job experience, size of the organization, etc) are in play.

International social worker

Job description: While often thought of as a job with a government agency, social workers also work in NGOs. If they work internationally, social workers primarily work for NGOs. International social workers work for organizations like the International Rescue Committee and Oxfam on coordinating various human services projects. That includes providing education, counseling, resources, and other assistance for children, refugees, people with disabilities, and others.

Salary: According to Indeed, social workers make around $60,000 a year. The Psychology School Guide lists a range of $35,000-$75,000. Experience and skills like fluency in multiple languages will likely mean a higher salary.

Community health worker

Job description: Social service agencies, clinics, and NGOs hire community health workers. To help establish trust, community health workers are typically hired from within the served community or – at the very least – a community whose culture the worker is extremely familiar with. Community health workers provide health education, advocate for services and resources, and assist other health workers, like health educators and doctors.

Salary: A community health worker’s salary varies significantly based on where they’re working. According to Salary.com, workers in the United States make an average of $39,079 per year. It can go as high as $45,148.

NGO program director

Job description: NGOs depend on program directors for management, fundraising, strategic planning, and monitoring. As a higher-level job, directors must be excellent leaders and communicators. Specific responsibilities vary based on the NGO’s vision and goals, but the director is responsible for crafting successful programs. They often serve as a public face of the NGO, as well.

Salary: According to ZipRecruiter, the average NGO director in the United States makes $71,650 a year. Salaries can go as low as $39,500 and as high as $168,000. As a leader, directors will make one of the higher salaries in an organization, so it seems reasonable to say that specific pay depends heavily on factors like the NGO’s size and job location.

Accountant

Job description: On the surface, an accounting job at an NGO isn’t too different from an accounting job anywhere else. Responsibilities include preparing monthly payroll, maintaining and managing financial documents, processing financial transactions, and reviewing documents for compliance. What is unique, however, is the difference between for-profits and nonprofits. An accountant working at an NGO must understand all the financial laws. NGO accountants often work alongside bookkeepers, who also work in finance but are not the same as accountants.

Salary: According to ZipRecruiter, an NGO accountant in the United States makes $53,315 a year. Salaries range as low as $24,000 and as high as $95,500. Non-profit bookkeepers, who don’t have as much specialized education as accountants, make an average of $37,243 a year. The high end is $41,000, which indicates there’s not as much room for growth within the bookkeeping field. Many accountants start as bookkeepers, and with more education and experience, they can earn higher salaries.

Do NGOs pay well?

The underpaid NGO worker is a common stereotype. Research does show that people are willing to earn lower salaries if they find their work meaningful. Is it true that people have to sacrifice a good living for the greater good? The answer is more complicated than a simple “yes” or “no.” A PayScale salary survey compared eight distinct positions within the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, including marketing managers, staff accountants, and administrative assistants. Payscale found that nonprofit workers are twice as likely to say their job makes the world a better place. They also found that in seven of the eight positions, nonprofits workers earned 4-8% less than their for-profit counterparts. Marketing managers earned 18% less.

As always, factors like past work experience and geography determine a specific salary, so it isn’t always true that a nonprofit worker earns less than they would at the same job at a for-profit organization. There are also significantly more than eight jobs in the nonprofit world, so PayScale’s survey represents just a piece of the puzzle. What we can take from this, however, is that people who go into nonprofit work are consistently willing to take smaller salaries in exchange for work they find meaningful. NGOs should still pay employees well and ensure they aren’t financially struggling. NGO workers should also not feel guilty about wanting higher salaries or negotiating for their salary.

How to find out what NGOs are paying their workers

When you’re applying for a job at an NGO, they might not be clear about the salary right away. There are a few reasons for this, including the fact that the salary will be different for a candidate with, say, three years of professional experience than for a candidate who just graduated school. Want to get at least a vague idea of what the organization pays their people? In the United States, nonprofits are required to disclose information to the IRS about their top employees’ salaries through Form 990. To give the public access to this data, some nonprofits put the forms right on their own websites. You can also check sites like GuideStar and ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer. The IRS requires all U.S. tax-exempt nonprofits to make their three most recent 990s public. You can also look at sites like CharityNavigator for info on an NGO’s admin expenses, program expenses, governance, and transparency. For insight into how past and current employees view their NGO, see if there are views on Glassdoor.

The post How Much Do NGO Workers Get Paid? appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

“Advocacy” often refers to legal advocacy, which is when an individual represents another person within the legal system. Advocacy extends beyond courtrooms and law offices, however. Put simply, advocacy is arguing for a cause. In the nonprofit, humanitarian, and human rights world, advocacy is about promoting social change. It can include researching, educating the public, building coalitions, and developing policies. Advocacy jobs are diverse in their scope, responsibilities, and locations, but they’re all based on the idea that change and progress are within reach. Here is our quick guide on advocacy jobs, including why they matter, what advocacy professionals do, and how to become an advocate.

Why are advocacy jobs important?

Advocacy has a two-pillar function: it raises awareness and fuels action. On the awareness side, advocacy takes research and data and presents it to the world. An advocate’s audience can include politicians, businesses, other advocacy groups, and the general public. Without research and education, it would be near impossible to bring about effective change. Advocacy also fuels action by supporting communities, amplifying the voices of those most affected by issues, and holding the powerful accountable. Mobilization is as important to advocacy as research and education. The best advocates understand the significance of grassroots organization and coalition-building. With the two pillars of awareness + action, advocacy jobs make the world a better place.

What do advocacy professionals do?

Specific responsibilities vary significantly depending on the field you’re in. When working at NGOs and human rights bodies, advocates engage with international rights organizations, governments, communities, and other relevant entities. The goal is to represent an organization’s or group’s cause, which can include putting pressure on governments and/or companies to stop harmful practices. Advocates also call for practices and policies that change things for the better. While lobbying is a type of advocacy, advocates undertake additional activities that fall outside the formal scope of lobbying. Here are some examples of different advocacy jobs and what these professionals do:

Victim advocate

Victims advocates work within the legal system serving victims of crimes. The advocate’s role is to guide and support the victim through the justice process. That can include offering counseling services and other practical support, as well as providing informational resources. Victim advocates work in places like prosecutor’s offices, government offices, and organizations committed to helping victims.

Patient advocate

Patient advocates work in hospitals, healthcare facilities, or other healthcare-focused organizations. They help patients coordinate treatment plans, answer billing questions, and represent an individual’s best interests. Some healthcare systems are more complicated than others, but even in countries with fairly straightforward healthcare, there will always be people who need extra help. Advocates serve as essential liaisons and guides.

Advocacy researcher

Advocacy researchers gather the data necessary for developing strong strategy and action plans. Responsibilities include tracking and monitoring issues, collecting photographs and other visual evidence, writing reports, working with databases, conducting surveys, and more. A researcher’s work ensures that organizations are relying on accurate information.

Housing advocate

Housing advocates are a type of social worker. They focus on finding individuals and families temporary or permanent housing, depending on their needs. Responsibilities include serving as a liaison between clients and landlords, as well as connecting clients with other needed social services.

Public policy advocate

Public policy advocates work on legislation, so they need to understand the interests of the organization and any rules surrounding formal lobbying. These advocates often represent their organization to the media by explaining what various policies are and what the organization’s position is. They communicate public policies to governments, companies, nonprofits, and the broader community.

Voter outreach specialist

This job can have a handful of titles (like outreach manager or election specialist), but it always involves responsibilities like voter education, election awareness campaigning, and seasonal election worker recruitment. The goal is to educate and encourage voters. County offices and voting rights organizations hire these kinds of advocates.

Where do advocacy professionals work?

Many types of organizations offer advocate jobs, but for those interested in human rights and humanitarian advocacy work, here are some of the most prominent organizations:

Amnesty International

Amnesty International focuses on research, advocacy, lobbying, and campaigning. Created to advocate for political prisoners, AI has expanded to human rights violations such as torture and the death penalty. Researchers compile data on these violations and push governments and other decision-makers to take action. Letter-writing and protests are just two examples of the type of advocacy the organization undertakes.

Civil Rights Defenders

Founded in 1982, this Swedish-based organization defends civil and political rights. The organization collaborates with 200 local partners around the world while also acting as Sweden’s civil rights watchdog group. Using litigation, public campaigns, and advocacy, Civil Rights Defenders provide support and expertise to human rights defenders. Advocacy work includes raising awareness of issues through seminars, public reports, and the media. In repressive countries, the group provides independent information through alternative media. The organization works to improve access to freedom, justice, and accountability.

Girls Who Code

Girls Who Code is a US-based nonprofit dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology by supporting young women in computer science. Work includes after-school clubs, a seven-week Summer Immersion Program, and a two-week specialized Campus Program. Girls Who Code works with legislators on their Policy Agenda, which recommends actions like expanding computer science courses to middle schools and funding gender inclusion training within professional development. The organization has worked with state governments to pass legislation in states like Colorado, Washington, and Indiana.

Human Rights Without Frontiers

This Brussels-based international nonprofit encourages respect for human rights and advocates for democracy. Abbreviated as HRFW, the organization is very active in EU institutions. International treaties and covenants on human rights direct HRWF’s mission. The organization’s advocacy work includes publishing research, sharing information, organizing public events, and engaging with political leaders.

International Federation for Human Rights

Formed from nearly 200 organizations in 117 countries, this NGO defends and promotes respect for human rights. Its advocacy includes investigative missions, political dialogue, public awareness campaigns, and other tools to raise awareness of human rights violations. Using its network, FDIH responds to abuses and calls for accountability for perpetrators. FDIH advocates at the United Nations, European Union, African Union, and other regional organizations.

How do you become an advocacy professional?

Because there are many types of advocates, career paths can look very different. While specifics vary, every path includes some version of the following: getting an education/training, finding a job, and developing essential skills.

Education/training

Most advocates have at least a bachelor’s degree. While you’re in school, consider your interests and the field you want to be an advocate in. As an example, if you want to work as a victim advocate, you’ll need a degree in criminal justice, social work, or psychology. Most advocacy jobs don’t require a specific degree, but it’s a good idea to make sure before choosing your path. Depending on where you live and the advocacy you’re interested in, you may need to become certified. As an example, to become a victim advocate in the state of Oregon, individuals need to complete mandated training and be a current employee (or volunteer) in an advocate capacity with a “qualified community, campus, or tribal-based victim advocacy program.” There isn’t one standardized certificate for advocacy, so check what your area/field requires.

Finding a job

Advocacy is a broad field with many options. For advocates wanting to go into nonprofit work, volunteering is often the first step. Many nonprofits have small staffs, but always welcome qualified volunteers. While volunteers are rarely guaranteed a job, building a good track record with nonprofits as a volunteer increases your chances when a position opens up. Working with nonprofits in any capacity also helps you build a network of people who can provide references and information about employment. Networking and relationship-building are essential for an advocate, no matter what field they’re in.

Essential skills

Victim advocates have different responsibilities than advocacy researchers or housing advocates, but all advocates share a core set of skills. They all have excellent communication abilities, no matter what format (speaking, writing, etc) they’re working in. Advocates communicate all the time – to team members, to other organizations, to politicians, to the press, and to the public. They have to adjust their messaging based on their audience and go beyond simply sharing information. Advocates aren’t just sources of knowledge. They’re facilitators. Through their communication, good advocates persuade their audience to take action.

Because advocates represent the interests of individuals or organizations, they need to maintain a high standard of professionalism. That means collaborating, negotiating, and resolving conflicts. In emotionally-charged environments, staying calm and professional can be difficult, which is one reason why being an advocate is a challenging job. Advocacy is also difficult because many barriers block meaningful progress. Victories can be few and far between. Due to the stressful (and often dangerous) nature of the work, many advocates experience high levels of burnout. Stress management is another essential skill advocates must sharpen if they hope to sustain their efforts. In the face of slow progress, a big-picture perspective is also helpful. An advocate is unlikely to see all their hopes fulfilled in their lifetime, but recognizing they played a part holds back despair.

How much do NGO advocates get paid?

An advocate’s salary depends on the size of the NGO they’re working in and their particular role. Here’s a sample of salaries from Payscale under the industry tag for advocacy and human rights organizations:

• Victim advocate: $30,000-$48,000
• Community organizer: $29,000 – $57,000
• Public policy associate: $39,000-$73,000
• Communications specialist: $34,000-$69,000
• Research associate: $42,000-$64,000

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

Women are entitled to human rights like the right to an education, healthcare, and housing, but for centuries, progress has been slow. Barriers like sexism, racism, poverty, and climate change hinder women’s ability to achieve their goals, build economic independence, and gain political power. How do we change things? Empowerment is an essential solution. Women’s empowerment isn’t about “saving” women; it’s about increasing access to opportunities (like education and career training) and giving women power over their own lives. In this guide, we’ll cover topics such as why women’s empowerment jobs are important, what people in this field do, and how to become a women’s empowerment professional.

Why are women’s empowerment jobs important?

There’s a difference between helping someone and empowering them. Helping someone can include providing food through a food bank. This meets an immediate need – we all need to eat every day – but shopping at a food bank isn’t an empowering experience. It also doesn’t address the underlying issue, which is poverty. Empowerment looks like job training and organizing for higher wages (so people can afford to shop at a regular grocery store) or starting a community garden.

Empowerment helps everyone, but there’s a gender gap that makes women’s empowerment important. Metrics like education, health, and political empowerment show that gender parity has not been achieved yet. According to a 2021 report, it will take just over 14 years to close the global gender gap in Educational Attainment. In Health and Survival, 96% of the gender gap is closed. Political Empowerment has the largest gap with only 22% of it closed. The World Economic Forum estimates it will take 145.5 years to reach gender parity in politics. These gaps have huge effects on international development, quality of life for women and children, a country’s economy, and more. When women are empowered, everyone benefits.

What do women’s empowerment professionals do?

Women’s empowerment jobs are found in every field. Here are four examples:

Community health workers

Community health workers serve everyone, but because women experience higher rates of poverty than men, free/affordable healthcare and women’s empowerment are closely linked. Community health workers can also specialize in women’s reproductive care, maternity care, and so on. This job can vary depending on geography, but workers are typically from the area they’re serving. They work with people who lack resources or access to other healthcare. Health workers serve as a bridge between a community and medical system, making sure that language services are available and that care aligns with the community culture.

Responsibilities can include developing treatment plans, helping patients understand their medical rights and insurance, connecting patients with other needed social services, and making home visits when necessary. Language translation is also often a big part of the job. Community health workers can also be called health educators, health coaches, health interpreters, public health aides, and so on.

Tutor

Education is essential to women’s empowerment. Tutors play a vital role in helping girls and women achieve their goals, especially in areas where girls aren’t receiving enough support at school or home. Tutors work independently, in schools, or with education nonprofits. When beginning in the field, most tutors need at least a high school diploma, though many have bachelor’s degrees. Specializations include math, science, and English. Some tutors are also teachers (or have been teachers), but tutoring work can be a person’s main job or even a supplement to another career.

Tasks include reviewing assignments; assisting students with homework, test prep, and projects; working with students on subjects they’re struggling with; and teaching strategies like note-taking and test-taking. Tutors can also work with adults learning a new language or preparing for specific tests, like the GED, graduate school exams, and more.

Program officer

Nonprofits that focus on women’s rights and empowerment run a variety of programs. They need program officers. People with more experience and education tend to fill these roles. A master’s degree is usually preferred, as well as a few years of experience in project management. The specific degree may vary depending on the program, but most organizations want someone knowledgeable about women’s rights and empowerment.

Responsibilities can include monitoring programs, meeting with stakeholders, managing budgets, managing a program team, and creating progress reports. The goal is to design and implement effective programs while staying on top of the day-the-day management.

Researcher

Women’s empowerment depends on thorough, accurate research. Without research, it would be impossible to measure metrics like Educational Attainment or Health and Survival. Women’s empowerment researchers consider many factors in their work, including women’s health, political influence, safety, education, jobs, and so on. They’ll also consider the impact that discrimination against women has on children and families. The issues that affect women never just affect women, so researchers consider this when compiling and analyzing data.

Researchers collect data through many methods, such as holding interviews and tracking media reports. They also need to know how to organize and analyze the data. Good methodology is key to this field. Researchers might also be responsible for presenting the data in reports, which come out at different times depending on the organization. Some organizations release annual reports while others come out every few years.

Where do women’s empowerment professionals work?

Women’s empowerment professionals work in places like nonprofits, government agencies, and schools. Here’s a brief list of organizations hiring these types of professionals:

Global Fund For Women

Since 1987, the Global Fund for Women has supported women’s rights initiatives throughout the world. It provides support grants to activists and works in more than 170 countries on education, health and sexual rights, economic justice, and political participation.

UN Women

UN Women is a United Nations agency that focuses on sustainable peace and resilience; women’s economic security and autonomy; women in leadership, and humanitarianism. The agency has a series of flagship human-rights-based programs that support ongoing programming work. UN Women also prioritizes tech innovation, intergovernmental support, and training for gender equality.

Women For Women International

Focused on empowering girls and women during conflict and war, Women For Women International offers a year-long tiered program with job training, financial aid, and emotional counseling. The goal is to provide female war survivors with the tools necessary to move forward in their lives. As an international NGO, it’s empowered women around the world.

Center for Reproductive Rights

Since 1992, the Center has focused on reproductive rights and creating a world where all people have access to healthcare and freedom from discrimination. This global legal advocacy group has worked in 50 countries on strengthening reproductive rights through laws and policies. The Center also promotes human rights education and legal scholarship.

Grassroots organizations

Many women’s empowerment jobs are found in smaller, local organizations. People with roots in the area and a deep understanding of the issues facing girls and women there tend to hold the positions. Based on grassroots organizing and collective power, local organizations are the bedrock of women’s empowerment. Some women’s empowerment professionals spend their whole careers in this work.

How do you become a women’s empowerment professional?

There are three parts to becoming a women’s empowerment professional: education, early experience, and essential skills.

Education

The women’s empowerment field doesn’t require a specific degree. It depends on what you want to focus on. A tutor will need a different degree than a researcher or health worker. Whichever degree you get, take as many classes as you can that focus on gender, women’s rights, international development, or other relevant topics. This will give you the best foundation for women’s empowerment, no matter what field you go into.

Early experience

Most entry-level jobs ask for some experience. That usually comes in the form of volunteer work, internships, or fellowships. Volunteer opportunities are not hard to find as most organizations always need help. Some degree programs require an internship, but if yours doesn’t, try to fit an internship in if you can. Unpaid internships are unfortunately still common, but many organizations pay their interns. Fellowships, which are paid merit-based programs, can also give you great experience and opportunities early in your career.

Essential skills

The skills needed for a job in women’s empowerment can vary depending on the field, but all women’s empowerment professionals have a few things in common. Excellent time management and organizational skills are a must. Most professionals also need good communication skills, especially if you’re working with the public in some capacity. Emotional resilience, patience, and perspective are also essential, considering how many years it will take to reach global gender parity. In some areas, those timelines are even longer. Women’s empowerment professionals need to be dedicated, but also able to manage the associated stress.

How much do women’s empowerment professionals get paid?

Women’s empowerment is a broad field with a broad range of salaries. According to Indeed, community health workers earn an average of $18.12 in 2021. Tutors, specifically private tutors, charge between $25-$65 an hour in the United States. It depends on how much education and experience the tutor has, as well as their specialization. Researchers (which is a broad tag that encompasses all types of research positions) make close to $68,000 a year in the US. Under the “women empowerment” tag on ZipRecruiter, salary ranges from $34,000 to $114,000 a year. Your field, location, education, experience, and the size of the organization you work for all affect your specific salary.

The post Women’s Empowerment Jobs: Our Short Guide appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

The rise of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected billions of people around the world. Human rights are critical for response and recovery. To promote, claim and defend human rights, you first need to know them. We have compiled a list of 10 top-rated online courses to learn more about human rights, social justice, UN diplomacy and related issues. You can audit the courses for free or opt-in for a paid verified certificate for an extra fee. If you plan to obtain a verified certificate by multiple universities, all courses below are included in Coursera plus.

Table of Contents

#1 Children’s Human Rights (University of Geneva)
#2 International Migrations: A global issue (Sciences Po)
#3 Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace (Essec Business School)
#4 Social Norms, Social Change (University of Pennsylvania)
#5 International Organizations Management (University of Geneva)
#6 Global Diplomacy: The United Nations in the World (University of London)
#7 UN Sustainable Development Goals (University of Copenhagen)
#8 Indigenous Canada (University of Alberta)
#9 Feminism and Social Justice (University of California, Santa Cruz)
#10 Internal Displacement, Conflict and Protection (University of London)

#1 Children’s Human Rights (University of Geneva)

Millions of children experience emotional, physical, or sexual violence. Hundreds of thousands flee their homes due to persecution, conflict, and war. During precarious times and humanitarian emergencies child rights are often affected the most. In this course by Geneva University, you will analyze child rights instruments, explore protection mechanisms, and assess child rights interventions. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the course examines the rights of children from a variety of perspectives. The course is taught by leading experts in the sector of children’s rights from UNIGE’s Center of Child Rights Studies.

What you will learn (excerpt)

• Identify human rights violations, and specifically child rights violations
• Outline key elements of the UN Child Rights Convention (CRC)
• Describe the UN monitoring mechanisms with regards to child rights
• Explain strategies to promote, defend and protect child rights

How you will learn

The self-paced course takes roughly 11 hours to complete and is focused primarily on video lectures, readings, and quizzes. To obtain a verified certificate, you must answer at least 80% of the questions correctly. At time of writing the course was rated 4.7 out of 5 stars.

REGISTER HERE

#2 International Migrations: A global issue (Sciences Po)

More people than ever before live in a country they weren’t born in. People move. They always will. In this course offered by one of France’s leading universities, you will learn about international migration from a global perspective, with regional and local case studies. Throughout the course you will explore topics such as migration and development, statelessness, border controls, inclusion and exclusion, discrimination, and freedom of movement. Tackling a key human rights issue, the second week of the course is dedicated specifically to refugees and environmentally displaced persons. The course is taught by Catherine Wihtol de Wenden, Research Director at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and consultant to the Council of Europe (CoE) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

What you will learn (excerpt)

• Define and use crucial terminology regarding migration, refugees, and displacement
• Outline challenges and complexities related to international migrations
• Describe the right to mobility as a fundamental human right

How you will learn

The self-paced course takes roughly 11 hours to complete and is focused primarily on video lectures, readings, and quizzes. To obtain a verified certificate, you must answer at least 80% of the questions correctly. At time of writing the course was rated 4.7 out of 5 stars.

REGISTER HERE

#3 Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace (Essec Business School)

The competencies to leverage diversity and facilitate inclusion are more than an asset. They are essential for UN entities, NGOs, governments, and companies alike. Entities that value diversity and inclusion attract more talent and achieve better outcomes. Being one of the top valued skills of employers and HR recruiters, this course provides you with easy access to develop knowledge and skills in this area. The course is hosted by Junko Takagi, Chair of Diversity and Inclusion at ESSEC Business School and features a diverse group of speakers from a variety of backgrounds.

What you will learn (excerpt)

• Argue for the importance of diversity and inclusion
• Reflect on your own behaviors and reactions when experiencing diversity
• Outline key concepts of diversity and inclusion strategies
• Analyze and assess diversity and inclusion policies

How you will learn

The self-paced course takes roughly 9 hours to complete and features a broad variety of exercise types. Designed for active learning and engagement, learners will take part in peer-assignments, guided discussions, and complete quizzes. To receive a passing grade, you need to complete one evaluation quiz and two peer-graded assignments. The course was rated 4.7 out of five.

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#4 Social Norms, Social Change (University of Pennsylvania, UNICEF)

Social Change is the transformation of institutions, values, and behaviors. It’s essential for the realization of human rights and social justice. Offered through a partnership of UNICEF and University of Pennsylvania, this course explores how to eliminate harmful practices such as child marriage, female genital mutilation, and other forms of gender-based violence. The course consists of two parts, focused on theoretical aspects and practical implementation. The course is taught by Cristina Bicchieri, Professor of Social Thought and Comparative Ethics.

What you will learn (excerpt)

• Distinguish between different types of social practises
• Use a variety of tools to understand, measure and influence collective practises
• Create new beneficial norms and eliminate harmful ones
• Outline how issues such as child marriage and gender-based violence can be addressed

How you will learn

Both courses together take roughly 22 hours to complete. The lectures consist primarily of videos and readings. Each chapter of the courses also includes an optional discussion prompt. To receive a passing grade, learners must answer 70% of the quiz questions correctly. Learners rated the course 4.7 out of 5 stars.

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#5 International Organizations Management (University of Geneva)

Offered by the University of Geneva, International Organizations Management is a high-level introductory course to the structure, management and operations of the United Nations and other international organizations. Participants of the course will learn about important UN bodies such as the UN Security Council and the UN Secretariat, as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The course is taught by eight instructors and the content is adapted from Geneva Universities’ MBA on International Organizations. The course is a useful starting point for individuals who aim for managerial positions at the United Nations, international NGOs, or social enterprises. Current managers who are interested in transitioning into a career with international organizations might also find the course beneficial.

What you will learn (excerpt)

• Outline the theory and practice of international organizations
• Discuss the governance, structure, and mandate of the United Nations
• Assess the different types of leadership styles in the United Nations
• Identify challenges/opportunities involved in international organization partnerships

How you will learn

The entire course takes roughly 18 hours to complete and was rated 4.8 by previous cohorts of learners. To receive a verified certificate, learners must answer 80% of the questions in five quizzes correctly. The course mainly consists of video lecturers with additional reading materials and occasional optional guided discussions.

REGISTER HERE

#6 Global Diplomacy: The United Nations in the World (University of London)

Founded in response to the atrocities of the second world war, the main goal of the United Nations is to foster international peace and security, protect human rights and deliver humanitarian aid. To strengthen these goals the UN engages in diplomatic agreements, negotiations, and conflict resolution. Offered by the University of London, this course introduces the UN system, its bodies, functioning and mandate. Participants of the course will develop practical skills to analyze current UN affairs and explore important UN themes.

What you will learn (excerpt)

• Outline the core values of the United Nations
• Differentiate between crucial UN bodies, their functioning and mandate
• Analyze the connection between human rights and the United Nations
• Recognize key UN agencies and their role in providing crises response

How you will learn

The self-paced course takes approximately 12 hours to complete and is taught entirely in English. To receive a passing grade, learners have to submit 5 peer-graded assignments on the UN today, the origin of the UN, the UN security council, human rights and crisis response.

REGISTER HERE

#7 UN Sustainable Development Goals (University of Copenhagen)

The 17 UN SDGs were created in 2015 to achieve a better and more sustainable future for everyone. They address global challenges including hunger, poverty, inequality, climate action, clean energy, and economic growth. University of Copenhagen’s course introduces the history, scope, and development of the UN SDGs. Learners will examine multiple key stakeholders involved in the implementation of the SDGs and discuss climate action (SDG 17) more thoroughly. The course is facilitated by Professor Katherine Richardson, who was a member of the panel appointed by the UN Secretary General to write the 2019 Global Sustainable Development Report. Multiple other experts are featured throughout the learning experience.

What you will learn (excerpt)

• Describe the history, development, and scope of specific UN SDGs
• Outline the causes and mechanisms of climate change
• Discuss human inequality as central obstacle to achieving the SDGs
• Explain the role of key stakeholders in the realization of the UN SDGs

How you will learn

Rated 4.8 out of 5 by previous learners, the course takes around 10 hours to complete. To receive a passing grade, learners must complete three quizzes and answer 80% correctly. Each week of the course consists of video lectures, readings, quizzes and discussion prompts.

REGISTER HERE

#8 Indigenous Canada (University of Alberta)

Indigenous peoples play an important role in the protection of the environment, fighting climate change and the realization of the human right to a safe, healthy and sustainable environment. Yet they continue to face exclusion, marginalization, threats and worse. This course offered by the University of Canada explores indigenous worldviews and key issues indigenous peoples are facing in Canada. Participants of the course will learn about land claims, indigenous rights, and legal systems, as well as political conflicts and activism.

What you will learn (excerpt)

• Outline the history of indigenous worldviews, arts, and culture
• Describe the goals and principles of indigenous legal systems
• Recognize the consequences of resource extraction of indigenous territories
• Explain the positive impacts of cross-gendered, third and fourth gender identity and two spirited individuals in indigenous societies
• describe the rights pertaining to land that UNDRIP addresses for Indigenous peoples

How you will learn

Learners in previous cohorts rated the course 4.8 out of 5. The course takes approximately 21 hours to finish. To successfully pass the course, learners must answer 70% of the questions in 12 short quizzes correctly. The course primarily consists of videos, readings, quizzes and offers the opportunity to engage in optional discussions every week.

REGISTER HERE

#9 Feminism and Social Justice (University of California, Santa Cruz)

Feminist and social justice activism continue to transform our societies. In this course taught by scholar-activist Bettina Aptheker you will learn about the history and development of feminism and social justice through analyzing essential case studies and key events. Taking an intersectional approach, you will discuss issues related to domestic violence, voting rights, racism, poverty, and prison reform.

What you will learn (excerpt)

• Explain the definition of feminism and formulate your own definition
• Discuss the role of protests in feminism and social justice
• Analyze key events and case studies that changed our societies
• Assess the effects of contemporary movements such as the #metoo movement

How you will learn

Feminism and Social Justice takes approximately 8 hours to complete. The course includes videos, readings, quizzes, and optional discussion prompts. To receive a passing grade, learners must complete 4 quizzes and answer 80% of the questions correctly. Previous participants rated the course 4.8 out of 5 stars.

REGISTER HERE

#10 Internal Displacement, Conflict and Protection (University of London)

Internally displaced people (IDPs) are forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or war. Unlike refugees, they stay within the borders of their home countries because they are unable or unwilling to move to another country. In 2020, a record number of 55 million people were internally displaced. In this course by University of London you will learn about internal displacement as a major humanitarian challenge in today’s world and explore strategies to alleviate human suffering caused by internal displacement.

What you will learn (excerpt)

• Outline the scale, causes and effects of internal displacement
• Reflect on IDP protection at global, regional, and national levels
• Describe challenges of IDP protection during conflicts
• Explain the role of advocacy in elevating issues of internal displacement

How you will learn

The self-paced course takes around 27 hours to complete. While the course offers videos, readings, and quizzes, it also includes peer-assignments. To successfully pass the course, learners must complete two quizzes and four peer-graded assignments. The course has been rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by previous learners.

REGISTER HERE

If you plan to obtain a verified certificate by multiple universities, all courses above are included in Coursera plus.

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The primary goal for humanitarian aid? Save lives and help those who are suffering. Unlike development aid, humanitarian aid tends to focus on immediate needs rather than addressing underlying, more systemic issues. Organizations like the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the World Health Organization, governments, and countless national and international nonprofits help coordinate aid efforts. What kind of aid are they providing? Here are ten examples:

Disaster relief

Natural disasters are a major cause of the world’s death and suffering. According to the UN Report “Human Cost of Disasters,” there’s been a significant increase in the number of recorded disaster events in the last 20 years compared to the two decades before that. Billions of people have been affected. 2020 included a record-breaking Atlantic hurricane season, earthquakes, flash floods, wildfires, and more. Humanitarian aid in the face of this type of crisis includes shelter, meals, clean water, and more. The Red Cross responds to many disasters around the world.

Shelter

Speaking of shelter, it’s one of the most important aspects of humanitarian aid. It’s often needed when helping people displaced by things like disasters, war, or other conflicts. The UN Refugee Agency is a major distributor of shelters such as tents and plastic sheeting, though their official stance is that they want to avoid camps unless necessary. When creating camps, they have to consider how to keep the environment safe from fires and disease. The safety of women and girls is a high priority, as well. Providing shelter can also include aid like paying for hotel rooms. During the Covid-19 pandemic in the US, 70% of Continuums of Care (local governing bodies that coordinate homelessness services) used hotels at some point in a 5-month span.

Food

Food insecurity is a global issue. Issues like displacement, climate change, and conflict contribute to the problem. In fact, people from conflict-affected countries are three times more likely to suffer from undernourishment. The World Food Programme is the leading humanitarian organization focused on food. In 2020, they provided aid to over 115 million in 84 countries. Each year, they distribute more than 15 billion rations.

Agricultural crisis

Problems with agriculture are closely linked to food insecurity, though aid looks different when it’s focused on the farmers themselves. Famines are a big issue, as well as disruptions due to conflict and diseases that affect crops. Using a 2010 FAO project in Sri Lanka as an example, humanitarian aid for farmers can include vegetable seed kits, home garden kits, barbed wire, water pumps, and livestock.

Water

It doesn’t take people long to get sick or die due to a lack of clean water. According to a 2019 WHO report, a staggering 1 in 3 people can’t access safe water. Women are the most affected by water crises. They’re usually the ones responsible for collecting water for the community, which ends up taking up all their time. This keeps women (and their families) caught in the cycle of poverty. Humanitarian aid includes funds for water systems, filters, and more. This is an example of how meeting an immediate need – safe water – can create better conditions for long-term improvements.

Sanitation

Access to safe water and sanitation are closely linked. WASH – which stands for “water, sanitation, and hygiene” is an essential public health issue in the Sustainable Development Goals. According to the WHO report mentioned above, 2 billion people don’t have access to basic sanitation. ⅓ live in the Least Developed Countries and most are from rural areas. This matters because inadequate sanitation is linked to diseases like intestinal worms and diarrhoeal deaths. Good sanitation systems, toilets, and hygiene education are a few examples of sanitation-focused humanitarian aid.

Medical care

Medical care includes a wide variety of activities, such as pledging funds, materials, and personnel. The Covid-19 pandemic triggered a wave of promises and programs, such as a $2 billion coordinated response plan from the UN. The success of humanitarian aid in the face of such a severe emergency remains to be seen. Past examples of medical aid include the Guinea worm eradication campaign, which reduced incidences of the disease from 3.5 million in 1986 to 27 in 2020.

Children’s aid

In times of trouble, children are extremely vulnerable. Their human rights are often ignored or outright violated. Because of their lack of influence and power, they need adults to speak up for them. In Yemen, which has been suffering one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises for years, almost 2.3 million children younger than 5 are at risk of acute malnutrition. Organizations like UNICEF, the largest children’s aid organization, focus on providing children with shelter, meals, medicine, and more.

Refugee care

Refugees are vulnerable to just about every humanitarian issue on this list, making them a high priority for aid organizations. The International Rescue Committee has been responding to crises for 80 years. They assist in healthcare, education, and economic well-being. Because women and girls are especially vulnerable, many programs focus on them.

Education

Aid funding has not historically prioritized education. However, the disruption of education or the lack of education access is just as serious as other issues. While education clearly has benefits in the long term, schools are also places where children can have short-term needs met in the form of safe shelter, food, sanitation, and more. Schools often serve as community spaces, too.

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The MSc Politics of Conflict, Rights and Justice offered by the SOAS University of London is designed for those working or intending to work in international organizations, international non-governmental organizations, advocacy groups and think tanks in the fields of rights, transitional justice and humanitarian assistance.

The program’s curriculum is designed to focus on analysis of global human rights ‘’where, many claim, the influence of the West is declining and asks critical questions about the legitimacy and effectiveness of transitional justice mechanisms and humanitarian intervention’’. During the courses students learn about the politics of human rights, international and transitional justice, and humanitarianism within both conflict and post-conflict societies. Furthermore, students attending this program have an opportunity to participate in all of the activities of the Centre on Conflict, Rights and Justice, such as workshops, closed and public seminars, expert briefings and professional trainings, a student-led blog, and other regular social events. A small group of selected students undergo through a competitive application process to be included in the Centre’s internship scheme.

After completing the program, graduates do not only leave with a knowledge and understanding of some of the most complex cultural and political issues of the present, but also with a set of transferable skills that are important in many management and professional careers.

Admission requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Political Science or International Relations or a related social science
• English language proficiency certificate
• Supporting statement
• References

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The MA Human Rights Law offered by the SOAS University of London provides a unique opportunity for students to engage with relevant issues in this discipline. This MA program was designed to provide a specialization in a continually evolving area of law that deals with several issues relate to major present debates and developments. The program is taught by expert staff experienced in working and teaching in the field, at posts such as the UN and civil society organizations.

With a variety of modules that focus on core subjects in the field of human rights law, the program considers a critical perspective into the theory and practice in this field, as well as other related fields, particularly the ones focusing on the global South. The core modules include international human rights law, international criminal law, international refugee and migration law, international humanitarian law, and justice, reconciliation and reconstruction in post conflict societies. Students also have an option to choose a singular module on a specific legal approach and these include human rights and Islamic law, law, rights and social change, human rights and peacebuilding, the Israeli-Palestinian case, Darfur, anatomy of a human rights emergency, and human rights of women.

SOAS Human Rights Law graduates leave the program as civic minded and critically engaged individuals who can contribute to the needs of their communities and societies in an effective way. Besides building careers within the field, graduates usually use this master program as a strong basis towards a PhD leading to an academic career.

Admission requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a subject appropriate to the program
• Relevant work experience
• English language proficiency certificate
• Supporting statement
• References

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The Master in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action is an innovative master program that intertwines human rights and humanitarian action. It combines a blend of core social science practical and theoretical approaches and includes disciplines such as anthropology, history, sociology, and philosophy to human rights and humanitarians with ‘’an intent to deconstruct the intuitive familiarity between the two fields’’.

The goal of this program is to equip students with analytical skills to be able to deeply analyze issues, dilemmas and challenges related to the fields of human rights and humanitarian action. This intensive two-year program is divided into 3 semester and 1 semester away off campus for a purpose of completing an internship, master thesis, or an exchange study program at a partner university. During the program students attend the courses in international law, gender and human security, and learn about global and regional institutional actors and frameworks as well. Students are given an opportunity to develop their strategic skills that will be applicable in their future careers, including negotiation, monitoring, evaluation, and advocacy.

After completing the program, graduates may consider a variety of careers including non-governmental organizations, the diplomatic corps and national administrations, international organizations, journalism, and law such as practicing lawyer.

Admission requirements

• For international students the assessment of application is conducted on a double analysis of the candidate’s application file, on a rolling basis over the course of the application campaign.
• The application process for French students is divided into 2 phases: an analysis of the candidate’s application file, and an oral interview conducted with an admissions committee.

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The MSc in Human Rights offered by the London School of Economics and Political Sciences is a multidisciplinary master program that connects theory and practice and teaches students about important philosophical, legal, and sociological issues linked to human rights.

This program engages students in an academically rigorous way with some of the most prominent issues at the present field of human rights. The core courses introduce students to structures of human rights and engage students into discussions about the role of human rights. The thematic topics that are covered during the compulsory courses include human rights institutions, culture and human rights, genocide, humanitarian intervention, gender and sexuality and human rights, race and apartheid, and transitional justice.

This program serves as a strong foundation for many academic and non-academic careers. Upon graduating, students usually find employment in the fields of law, international law, advocacy, foreign policy, the humanitarian sector, development, civil liberties, welfare, as well as in specialized agencies dealing with rights of marginalized groups such as refugees, women, or victims of torture.

Admission requirements

• Upper second-class honors (2:1) degree or equivalent in law or any social science subject, or a degree in another discipline with demonstrable interest in human rights or relevant experience as a practitioner
• Additional entry requirements apply to international students

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Description (focus, learning outcomes, curriculum)

This master program was designed and developed by the University of London in cooperation with leading human rights activists to produce and empower new generations of human rights professionals. The program is intended for those who wish to develop or enhance their careers in a range of professional settings within the human rights or humanitarian fields.

During the program, students are presented with different perspectives dealing with human rights issues, including a practical, as well as a theoretical and legal perspectives. Students can choose from a wide range of elective modules and current emerging topics in human rights area, such as cultural genocide, relevant issues in human rights, the impact of environmental destruction in human rights, human rights and the sustainable development, and similar. A majority of graduates of this program benefit are known to be working for some of the biggest international human rights non-governmental organizations such as Amnesty International, Oxfam, Friends of the Earth and Anti-Slavery International, as well as at several UN agencies, government institutions, academia and businesses.

Admission requirements

• A bachelor’s degree which is considered at least comparable to a UK upper second class honors degree, from an institution acceptable to the University.
• A proof of proficiency in English if your first degree was not taught in English
• Computer requirements

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Master in Conflict Studies and Human Rights is an international graduate selective program that combines the learning of theory with an in-depth case study analysis. During the courses, students learn about both the dynamics of violent armed conflicts and the problems linked to international and national humanitarian or military intervention by organizations such as the UN, NATO, or non-governmental organizations.

The aim of the program is to tackle some of the most pressing issues in the world and answer the questions such as ‘’how is the term ‘human rights’ used and abused in times of violent conflict?’’ and ‘’why has ’nationalist’ violence erupted in Ukraine?’’.  To answer these questions and similar, students will be able to employ systemic analysis of collective violence, processes of inclusion and exclusion, and mobilization. Besides dealing with the theoretical part, as well as conducting research and writing a master thesis, students are also able to take an internship at on organization that works in the fields of conflict and/or human rights. The internship ideally helps students to collect empirical data for their thesis project.  Students can arrange internships by themselves at organizations such as CARE, INCORE, PAX, Cordaid, UNDP, War Child, Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, UNCHR, Embassies and Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs, and local NGOS working ‘in the field’, from Kampala, Paris, Sarajevo, Belfast, Beirut to Pristina and Guatemala City.

Admission requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in the humanities, law, and/or one of the social sciences.
• Knowledge of Conflict Studies and Human Rights demonstrated in a motivation letter.
• The ability to present a feasible and relevant preliminary research idea for master’s thesis.
• Excellent scholarly abilities demonstrated by an academic track record of high grades.
• Demonstrable practical or professional experience with work or research in conflict zones is an advantage.
• A good knowledge of English.

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This program offers 20-25 academic courses taught and led by legal experts from Europe, North America and Israel. The courses mainly deal with international humanitarian law, counter terrorism law, international courts and tribunals, transitional justice, the law of the United Nations, legal aspects of the Middle East conflict, international criminal law, international human rights law and similar.

Comprised of the faculty of top practitioners and academics, the program’s courses are taught by both past and present members of the UN Human Rights Committee, as well as legal advisers to government agencies and international humanitarian organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross. This M.A. program offers both theoretical and practical courses, seminars and workshops which provide students with an interdisciplinary grounding in the fields of transitional justice and human rights.  During the courses students deal with cases countries faced throughout history, with a special focus on the Israeli-Arab conflict and it’s resolution. The program is offered to graduates of political science, international relations, as well as other academic areas related to the fields of human rights and transitional justice.

Admission requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in political science, international relations or other academic disciplines related to the fields of human rights and transitional justice.
• A proof of proficiency in English if your first degree was not taught in English.
• CV
• Sample of academic writing
• Letter of recommendation
• Official academic transcripts

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The MA program in Social Justice and Human Rights focuses on understanding social injustices and human rights abuses, exploring key topics such as labor, migration, education, and the environment. The program provides a theoretical and methodological foundation for comprehending these issues within their legal, political, historical, and cultural contexts. Students develop an understanding of how these issues are defined by multiple and intersecting forms of inequality and social identity, including gender, race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, and nationality.

The program is designed for those interested in working towards ethical responses to social injustice and human rights abuses. Students may choose to focus on specific issues in international or domestic contexts, such as refugee resettlement, immigration and citizenship, human trafficking, racialized violence, and international human rights law and organizations. The program offers rigorous courses taught by experienced faculty from various disciplines, and many students complete internships domestically or internationally to gain hands-on experience and deepen their understanding of the complexities of these issues.

Students can choose to complete a traditional Master of Arts thesis, an applied project, or a capstone course as their culminating experience. Through the program, students gain practical skills in research and grant writing, and deeper insight into the theory and practice of social justice, human rights, and humanitarian efforts.

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

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

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

Admission requirements

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

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The MA in International Human Rights provided by the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver teaches students to explore issues affecting human dignity while critically assessing institutions, norms, and processes designed to promote and protect human rights. This interdisciplinary program aims to connect human rights to security, humanitarian assistance, health, development, while putting an emphasis on both the theory and practice.

The core curriculum of the program consists of courses in history, foreign policy, laws, human rights theory, economic development and foreign policy. To advance their practical skills, students are offered an opportunity to undertake an internship in the US or in another country. The program maintains partnerships with Amnesty International, Free the Slave and the Aspen Institute, all of which offer internship opportunities. Students also have an opportunity to participate in various human rights research and advocacy projects through conferences, film series, research centers, and guest lectures. Upon graduating students usually find an employment in international nonprofits, international rights advocacy organizations, international aid agencies, governmental and intergovernmental organizations, the human rights legal profession and academia.

Admission requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation
• Essay (Prospective students should write a 500-750 words essay discussing an international issue they wish to address in their careers and how the Korbel school will prepare them to do so.)
• CV

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The Master in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action is an innovative master program that intertwines human rights and humanitarian action. It combines a blend of core social science practical and theoretical approaches and includes disciplines such as anthropology, history, sociology, and philosophy to human rights and humanitarians with ‘’an intent to deconstruct the intuitive familiarity between the two fields’’.

The goal of this program is to equip students with analytical skills to be able to deeply analyze issues, dilemmas and challenges related to the fields of human rights and humanitarian action. This intensive two-year program is divided into 3 semester and 1 semester away off campus for a purpose of completing an internship, master thesis, or an exchange study program at a partner university. During the program students attend the courses in international law, gender and human security, and learn about global and regional institutional actors and frameworks as well. Students are given an opportunity to develop their strategic skills that will be applicable in their future careers, including negotiation, monitoring, evaluation, and advocacy.

After completing the program, graduates may consider a variety of careers including non-governmental organizations, the diplomatic corps and national administrations, international organizations, journalism, and law such as practicing lawyer.

Admission requirements

• For international students the assessment of application is conducted on a double analysis of the candidate’s application file, on a rolling basis over the course of the application campaign.
• The application process for French students is divided into 2 phases: an analysis of the candidate’s application file, and an oral interview conducted with an admissions committee.

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

LLM International Human Rights Law

The University of Law

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

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

LLM with a specialization in human rights

University of London

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

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

LLM in Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

Aberystwyth University

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

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

LLM in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

American University Washington College of Law

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

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

LLM in Transnational Crime and Justice

United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute

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

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

Explore more human rights masters here.

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Working for social justice and human rights organizations is both challenging and rewarding. Organizations look for passionate, organized employees who understand the threats to human rights and can work to develop and promote solutions. Canada is a democracy with a decent reputation as a human rights leader, but many issues remain. Indigenous rights, immigration detention, disability rights, and more need to be better addressed. Interested in working for an NGO in Canada? Here are 10 organizations offering jobs:

Action Against Hunger Canada

Action Against Hunger serves in more than 50 countries. They have programs focused on nutrition, safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and food security. There’s been an office in Canada since 2006. The organization is a member of the Humanitarian Coalition, which consists of 10 leading aid organizations that provide Canadians with an easy way to donate during international humanitarian disasters. For jobs, some examples include program development and financial analysis positions.

Alberta Human Rights Commission

The goal of this Alberta-specific human rights commission is to reduce discrimination in the province. They accomplish this by examining and resolving discrimination complaints through settlements, court hearings, and human rights tribunals. They are responsible for administering the Alberta Human Rights Act.

The Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children

Founded in 1989, this coalition of more than 50 NGOs is a leading children’s rights group in Canada. Using the Convention on the Rights of the Child as a guide, the coalition’s work includes monitoring and promoting children’s rights in Canada; connecting with other groups concerned about children’s rights; and educating the public about children’s rights.

The Centre for Law and Democracy

This nonprofit based in Nova Scotia works globally to promote and protect human rights. Their focus is on the human rights essential to democracy, such as the freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and the right to information. Their work includes consulting on legislation, conducting field research, publishing reports, and helping with litigation. Specific project examples include digital rights, global transparency work, and freedom of expression in Myanmar. Internships and volunteer positions are available on a rolling basis.

The HIV Legal Network

This organization is Canada’s leading advocacy group for the legal and human rights associated with HIV and AIDS. While based in Canada, the organization works internationally. Their work includes research, analysis, education, and advocacy. They also work on issues like drug policy, immigration, prisons, sex work, LGBTQ+ rights, and women’s rights.

Canadian Human Rights International Organization (CHRIO)

This nonprofit works with civil society to promote human rights. Their work involves monitoring human rights abuses, promoting solutions, and educating the public. Programs include human rights, mental health, and youth human rights. CHRIO is also committed to helping Canadian citizens, residents, immigrants, and people who live abroad access services like family counseling, employment training, translation, artistic training, and more. For immigrants new to Canada, CHRIO helps them settle down and transition smoothly.

Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion

This national charitable organization helps individuals and organizations be more inclusive. First founded to address antisemitism and to promote interfaith dialogue, the Canadian Centre for Diversity merged with another organization to become the Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. They promote awareness and action on diversity and inclusion issues.

Equitas

This organization uses human rights education programs in Canada and internationally to promote equality, human rights, and social justice. Their approach consists of three pillars: participatory human rights education, a human rights-based approach, and gender-based analysis. Their mission is that their human rights education activities address systemic discrimination and other human rights violations.

Amnesty International Canada

Amnesty International is one of the biggest human rights organizations in the world. It monitors, exposes, and protects against human rights violations. Priority issues include the death penalty, women’s rights, climate justice, indigenous peoples’ rights, and business and human rights. In Canada, AI focuses on how actions from the Canadian government and people can impact human rights. According to their website, job openings are rare at Amnesty International Canada.

Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies (MIGS)

MIGS is a leading Canadian research and advocacy institute focused on genocide prevention, violent extremism, and mass atrocity crimes. The institute performs in-depth research and proposes policy recommendations to stop conflicts from escalating. Through its DMAPLab, a policy hub, MIGS is currently working on countering violent extremism. In addition to research, MIGS provides consultancy services to national and international governmental agencies.

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When you’re starting on a human rights career, experience is just as important as a good education. Many entry-level jobs require experience, which can often only be gained through volunteer work or internships. In the recent past, it was assumed that any internship would be unpaid. Today, things are slowly changing, though it can still be challenging to find a human rights internship abroad with decent pay. Here are five examples:

Doctors Without Borders office internship

Location: New York, USA

Doctors Without Borders is an international humanitarian organization founded in France. Today, their headquarters are in Geneva, but they have offices around the world. Doctors without Borders focus on medical aid and can be found in conflict zones and countries affected by outbreaks of disease. According to information found on the website, the organization offers spring, summer, and fall internships at the New York office. Interns will gain practical skills, work experience, and an introduction to international medical humanitarian advocacy and aid.

To apply, candidates must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship. If you’re based outside the US, you are responsible for securing a U.S. work permit and your own accommodation. Interns are paid $15 an hour.

Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom internship

Location(s): Geneva, London, New York

Established in 1915, the nonprofit WILPF works to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. Areas of work include redefining security; and developing feminist perspectives on peace and conflict; and promoting socio-economic justice. Based in Geneva, WILPF has national sections in 37 countries and Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council. Internships are available at the International Secretariat in Geneva, the London office, and the New York office.

The ideal intern is interested in peace, women’s human rights, grassroots communications, and NGO management. WILPF’s working language is English, but other languages can help a candidate’s application. The organization pays interns 900 CHF per month.

International Aids Society internship

Location: Geneva, Switzerland

The IAS is the world’s largest association of HIV professionals with members in over 170 countries. The organization advocates for action on HIV through strategic programs, campaigns, and initiatives. IAS also hosts the world’s most prestigious HIV conferences such as the International AIDS Conference and the HIV Research for Prevention Conference.

Internships are posted periodically, but to give you an idea of what to expect, a 6-month internship that ran from September 2020 to February 2021 allowed an intern to work with the Journal of the International AIDS Society. Candidates needed to be currently studying or recently graduated in a scientific discipline. The internship paid 2,000 CHF per month and was based in Switzerland, so only candidates from Switzerland, an EU/EFTA country, or someone with a valid Swiss working permit were considered.

Human Rights Watch internship

Location: New York or Washington D.C.

Human Rights Watch is an international NGO headquartered in New York City. Through research and advocacy on human rights, it aims to address human rights abuses and hold governments, companies, policy-makers, and others accountable. Not all HRW internships are paid, but a 2021 internship posting for the MENA division was.

With this internship, interns worked closely with the Middle East and North Africa division associates and researchers. The most recent MENA internship took place during the fall 2021 semester. Interns monitored and summarized MENA political and policy developments; researched using English, Arabic, and other resources; helped staff members conduct phone interviews; and other tasks as needed. Students (with fluency in English and Arabic) currently enrolled in law, international relations, social studies, and related fields were eligible. Interns were paid $15.00 an hour. Check the HRW job board for other paid internships.

Action Against Hunger Corporate Partnerships Department internship

Location: Paris, France

Established in France in 1979, Action Against Hunger is an international humanitarian organization focused on ending world hunger. It has headquarters in six countries (France, Spain, Italy, the UK, Canada, and the United States) and focuses on nutrition, food security, sanitation, advocacy, and safe water. While their main

One Action Against Hunger opportunity placed interns within the Corporate Partnerships Department and Economic Societal Cooperation Pole. Responsibilities include organizing meetings, participating in the communication strategy, and completing other tasks related to the development of fundraising operations and the online store. Candidates should be in the process of getting a master’s degree. The posting also asked for experience in humanitarian work and fluency in written and spoken English. Interns will be compensated up to the legal minimum hourly rate, which is at least 3.90 € per hour and no more than 35 hours per week. Interns also receive restaurant vouchers and get up to 50% of their public transportation costs covered.

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Living in the Netherlands or interested in working there? The Netherlands is a good place to consider if you work in the human rights field or want to bring your skill set and experience into the human rights sector. Many NGOs work on international issues (such as poverty, gender equality, reproductive rights, and democracy) as well as local ones. Here are 10 organizations offering NGO jobs in the Netherlands:

Amnesty International

Amnesty International is a global advocacy organization with a presence in the Netherlands. Like all branches of this large organization, Amnesty International Netherlands focuses on a variety of issues, such as democracy, the rise of automation and surveillance in policing, free speech, and more. Current campaigns for AI include Qatar, Poland, and “Let’s Talk about YES,” a campaign promoting dialogue about sex and consent in the Netherlands, especially among young people. Jobs can be found on the “Vacancies” page on the website.

Global Human Rights Defence

Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD) is an international NGO based in The Hague in the Netherlands. It works to promote and protect all human rights but has a special focus on areas where human rights violations are at their worst. GHRD’s tasks include human rights reporting, humanitarian aid for victims of human rights abuse, and human rights education in Europe, the Netherlands, and South Asia. GHRD also prioritizes socio-economic and human rights empowerment through legal assistance, community-building, education, and skill/vocational training.

Oxfam Novib

Oxfam Novib is part of Oxfam International, which is a collection of 20 development organizations united to fight against poverty. The organization tackles poverty by focusing on several areas, such as food security, emergency aid, inequality, and education. Oxfam Novib can be found working in many countries with more than 10 million partners, such as teachers, farmers, donors, fishermen, and others.

Hivos People Unlimited

This international cooperation organization is based in The Hague. It provides support to civil society organizations in Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa. For over 50 years, Hivos has worked for a more just and sustainable world using five strategies: developing ideas with creative leaders; building coalitions; influencing policy and implementation; changing public opinion; and encouraging local ownership.

Wilde Ganzen Foundation

Founded in 1957, this NGO’s goal is to reduce poverty and inequality using community-driven initiatives. The organization supports community organizations in the Global South and their Dutch fundraising partners. Each year, the foundation supports hundreds of small-scale philanthropic initiatives, especially those that help children, people with disabilities, and women and girls. Wilde Ganzen also focuses on projects that are socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable.

Rutgers

For more than 50 years, Rutgers has served as the Netherlands Centre on Sexuality. The organization helps young people access quality sexual education, contraception, and safe abortions. Rutgers also works to prevent sexual and gender-based violence. Rutgers partners with other organizations internationally and participates in research, advocacy, and promoting public support.

UNICEF

UNICEF – which is a UN agency – is the world’s largest children’s rights organization. It focuses on meeting a child’s basic needs, including food, safety, and education. The organization also advocates for children’s rights and advises governments, companies, and other world leaders. The Netherlands Committee UNICEF Foundation is independent but associated with UNICEF.

Stichting Vluchteling (Netherlands Refugee Foundation)

This aid organization focuses on emergency aid to refugees and displaced persons. During emergencies, the foundation provides food, clean water, shelter, sanitation, and medical care. For longer-term problems, the foundation also supports vocational training and education. While based in the Netherlands, it works in many countries with international partners.

Netherlands Institute for Human Rights

This monitoring body protects and promotes human rights and human rights awareness in the Netherlands. Its core functions include publishing research and recommendations; reporting to international and regional human rights mechanisms; handling complaints; advising the government and other public entities; and supporting human rights education and training. While all national human rights institutions (NHRIs) are state-mandated, they operate independently. The Netherlands Institute monitors the European part of the Netherlands as well as Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba.

The Netherlands Helsinki Committee

This NGO promotes human rights and strengthens democracy and the rule of law in Europe and the Central Asian countries participating in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The committee’s work focuses on strengthening legal protections, improving public policies that affect vulnerable groups, and supporting human rights NGOs. The committee is active in several civil society human rights networks in Europe. Most of the work centers on the OSCE region.

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Interested in working for an NGO in London? While competitive, working in London can be a very rewarding experience that provides great networking opportunities. In this guide, let’s explore why London is a great location, what organizations are offering jobs, and how to land an NGO job in the city.

Why work for an NGO in London?

For years, many leading NGOs in human rights and humanitarian aid have established headquarters in London. Save the Children, Amnesty International, Doctors Without Borders, Anti-Slavery International, and Oxfam are just a few. With so many major organizations in the city, a person can gain valuable NGO experience, build network relationships, and access more career opportunities. London is also one of the most multicultural cities in Europe with more than 300 languages represented. Employees for NGOs can expect a diverse working and living environment.

What human rights issues do NGOs in London focus on?

London-based NGOs work on local and international human rights concerns. Locally, a big change came in the form of the UK leaving the European Union on January 31, 2020. That, combined with the COVID-19 pandemic, has affected human rights. Already vulnerable people bore the brunt of challenges related to health, housing, domestic violence, and discrimination. According to Amnesty International’s 2020 breakdown on the UK, the intersection of racial injustice, the effects of the pandemic, and police powers was also an issue. NGO jobs focusing on the London/UK area will no doubt prioritize these specific issues while internationally-focused ones continue human rights work on a global scale.

Which organizations offer NGO jobs in London?

There are many NGOs offering work in London. Here’s are some of the most prominent:

Amnesty International

Amnesty International has a country office and its main headquarters in London, making this organization a great choice if you’re based in London or hoping to move there. This international NGO first focused on abolishing the death penalty and torture, but has since expanded its priority issues to include deadly force and police accountability; gender, sexuality, and identity; climate justice; and technology. AI uses a “three-pronged approach” focusing on research, mobilization of activists and members, and advocacy.

Save the Children UK

Founded in 1919 to help children in the aftermath of the war, Save the Children UK is one of the world’s leading independent organizations for children. Not to be confused with the United States Save the Children nonprofit, the Save the Children Fund (or Save the Children UK) has its international headquarters in London. The umbrella organization has 29 national member organizations working in 122 countries. Activities are coordinated with a central body – Save the Children International – which also oversees humanitarian aid. The organization focuses on food, medicine, and medical care.

Médecins Sans Frontières UK

Also known as Doctors Without Borders, this organization has an office in London. MSF focuses on crisis response, including running various healthcare projects (short-term and long-term), responding to climate emergencies, running emergency logistics, and more. The organization works in more than 70 countries.

Other NGOs in London

The Equal Rights Trust – fights discrimination and promotes equality

Human Rights Watch – research and advocacy on human rights

ActionAid UK – focuses on women and girls in poverty

Anti-Slavery International – the world’s oldest international human rights organization that focuses on ending slavery and related human rights violations

The Refugee Council – provides support for refugees and asylum seekers in the UK

How to get an NGO job in London

Jobs in London will require fluency in written and speaking English. Depending on the job, knowledge of another language will be an asset. For NGO work specifically, relevant education and experience are a must. If you aren’t local to London, your chances of getting a good job are better if you have a master’s degree. NGOs prefer candidates with degrees in human rights, international development, economics, history, political science, or other relevant fields. Organizations also look for candidates with experience, so be sure to describe any applicable volunteer work, internships, or jobs you’ve had before.

Given the city’s reputation as a locale for prominent NGOs, expect competition. Through the application and interview process, make it clear why you and this organization are the best fit. A common mistake people make is being too vague. It’s one thing to want to work in the NGO field, but why is this organization the right one for you and why should they hire you? Proving you’ve done your research on the organization’s mission and goals increases your chances of getting the job.

Not from the United Kingdom? To work in the UK, third-country nationals need a visa. Visas come with different conditions, i.e. a highly-skilled migrant needs a Tier 2 visa, which requires a certificate of sponsorship from an employer. Because the UK left the EU, EU/EFTA residents are now classed as third-country nationals. You also need to apply for a biometric residence permit if you’re staying in the UK longer than six months. The visa process can be complicated (there’s more info on UK work visas here), but remember: you need to have the job before applying for any visas and permits.

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Everyone deserves human rights like freedom from discrimination and the right to an education, health, and housing. Unfortunately, people’s rights are often restricted and violated because of their sex and gender identity. Women and girls face discrimination across the world, making work on women’s rights and gender equality essential. In this guide, we’ll explore women’s rights jobs, including why they matter, what women’s rights professionals do, where they work, and how to get a job in the field.

Why are women’s rights important?

There’s been significant progress in women’s rights over the years, but it’s unequally spread across the world and not significant enough. According to data, there are just 22 women in the top positions of government (and that’s a record number), the gender gap in the labor force has not shifted for the past two decades, and women continue to perform most of the unpaid care and domestic work. The COVID-19 pandemic deepened existing problems, leaving more women in poverty than men, increasing unpaid work, and worsening domestic violence. Women’s rights were so impacted that it will now take about 136 years to reach gender equality, which adds a generation to past estimates.

What do women’s rights professionals do?

There are many career options within women’s rights, including but not limited to women’s healthcare professional, lawyer, researcher, educator, social worker, journalist, consultant, and more. Whatever field they work in, women’s rights professionals focus on protecting the rights of women and girls, advocating for accountability when women’s rights are violated, and empowering women through humanitarian aid and long-term development assistance.

Where do women’s rights professionals work?

Women’s rights professionals are found everywhere from governments to intergovernmental organizations to NGOs to corporations. Here are some examples of the organizations offering jobs in this field:

UN Women

An agency of the UN, UN Women focuses on areas such as women in leadership; freedom from violence; sustainable peace and resilience; women’s economic security and autonomy; and humanitarianism. The agency works with UN member states, governments, and civil society organizations on services for women, laws, and policies.

Global Fund For Women

Founded in 1987, this nonprofit funds women’s rights initiatives around the world. It now works in over 170 countries focusing on areas like education, economic justice, health and sexual rights, and political participation. The fund operates by providing support grants, including multi-year grants, to activists leading the way. The organization’s goal is to support grassroots movements and build collective power.

Immigration Equality

Women’s rights intersect with immigrant and LGBTQ+ rights. This organization helps LGBTQ+ individuals and HIV-positive immigrants in the United States and around the world. Its work includes providing free legal services to asylum-seekers, immigrant detainees, undocumented immigrants, and LGBTQ couples and families hoping to reunite.

Equality Now

This international organization promotes and protects the rights of women and girls through legal advocacy. The staff includes campaigners, lawyers, regional partners, and community activists. The goal is to press governments to create better laws for women and to enforce existing laws. Equality Now’s four main priorities are ending sexual violence; ending harmful practices like child marriage; ending sexual exploitation like trafficking; and ending discrimination in law.

How do you become a women’s rights professional?

Because “women’s rights professional” is an umbrella term, there are many career paths you can take. Here’s a general overview of what the job process can look like:

Education

Like most of the human rights field, the women’s rights sector doesn’t demand a specific degree. Most jobs require a bachelor’s (with higher-paying jobs asking for more education), but there are usually several disciplines that work. Women and gender studies or human rights seem like the most obvious programs, but depending on the specific work you want to focus on, a degree in economics, international development, history, sociology, communications, law, and others might fit better. For jobs not specific to human rights, but where you can specialize in women’s rights (think women’s healthcare/medicine), there will be other educational requirements.

Whatever degree you choose, seek out classes and other learning opportunities like workshops and lectures addressing women’s rights and gender equality. This provides the education you’ll want as a women’s rights professional.

Volunteering, internships, and networking

Gaining experience and building relationships is an important piece of the women’s rights career process. It’s rare to find even an entry-level job that doesn’t require some experience in the form of volunteer work or an internship. Many college programs have internship programs – some require you to have an internship to graduate – so always take advantage. Interning and volunteering with an organization can often help you get a job at that same organization or at least meet people who might lead you to other opportunities. You can also network by attending events and workshops for people in the women’s rights field.

Reluctant to volunteer or take an unpaid internship? Here’s a list of internships that pay.

How much do women’s rights professionals get paid?

Salaries for women’s rights jobs vary significantly because there are so many career paths you can take. On ZipRecruiter, the tag for “women’s rights jobs” shows a range of $33k-$119k a year. The average pay is $64,229. Your level of education, the size of the organization you work for, and your past job experience will factor into your salary.

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Many adults are unsure of their human rights, so it’s no surprise that kids are often in the dark, too. Children’s rights are preserved in documents like the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but the language isn’t accessible to young people. Engaging and understandable human rights resources like games, books, and activities help kids understand their rights, discuss them with their peers, and promote them in effective ways. Here are ten human rights resources designed for kids:

Activity: Child’s version of the UDHR from Amnesty International

This activity from Amnesty International simplifies the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for children. As an example, Article 1 in the original document reads: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” In the children’s version, that’s simplified to “We are born free and equal, and should treat others in the same way.” The activity includes a second part called “Right Up Your Street,” which is an illustration depicting the different rights. Children can study the picture and identify their rights.

Film: “Girl Rising”

First released in 2015, this film by Richard Robbins tells the true stories of nine girls from nine different countries fighting for an education. Education is a cornerstone human right, meaning it impacts a person’s ability to access other rights, such as the right to work for a good wage in safe conditions. Girls still face significant barriers to getting an education. This documentary introduces young people to the courage of girls fighting for their rights.

Book: Know Your Rights (And Claim Them)

Published in 2021, this book written in partnership with Geraldine Van Bueren, Angelina Jolie, and Amnesty International educates children on their rights. It describes the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the history of child rights, the types of rights, and the young activists fighting for them. Know Your Rights is a great resource for young people age 13 and older interested in human rights activism.

Game(s): Games For Change

Since 2004, the nonprofit Games For Change has facilitated the creation and distribution of “social impact games.” These games are used for educational and humanitarian purposes. Their work includes an annual Games for Change Festival and programs that empower creators and social innovators. Their website features curated games, some of which are free or have fees paid on external sites. “1979 Revolution: Black Friday” is a past example. Released in 2016, the choice-driven, narrative game developed by iNK Stories puts players in the shoes of a photojournalist in 1970s Iran.

Game: My Family Builders Happy Family card game

Designed for 2-4 players between 4-99 years old, this card game is a great option for families interested in fostering empathy and an understanding of diversity. There are 42 color cards depicting characters with a variety of cultures, genders, and ethnicities. The goal is to introduce children to the diversity of the world, including the diversity of abilities, gender, culture, and more. Parents can then explain why everyone – regardless of differences – deserves to have their human rights respected. Instructions are available in English, French, German, and Spanish.

Book: Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight For Desegregation

Seven years before the historic Brown v. Board of Education, a school turned away Sylvia Mendez and her brothers. Why? Even though Sylvia was an American citizen who spoke English, her family was Mexican and Puerto Rico. That was enough for the school to demand she attend a Mexican school instead. Written for kids 6-9 years old, this award-winning picture book by Duncan Tonatiuh describes how the Mendez family fought back and helped end segregation schooling in California.

Games and lesson plans: iCivics

The nonprofit iCivics was founded in 2009 by Sandra Day O’Connor. The org provides resources like lesson plans and games that educate students on civics. Since its founding, iCivics has served millions of kids in schools. Game examples include “Branches of Power,” which educates kids on the three branches of government, and “Do I Have a Right?” This game has players run a law firm and understand constitutional rights.

Book: Right Now!: Real Kids Speaking For Change

From author Miranda Paul and illustrator Bea Jackson, Right Now! profiles eleven young people fighting for human rights, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, peace activist Bana Alabed, and others. With engaging drawings and kid-friendly commentary, readers learn about their rights and how to take action themselves.

Game: The Human Rights Game

This 30-60 minute board game based on the UDHR principles teaches kids and teenagers about their human rights, freedoms, and responsibilities. The goal is three-fold: teach kids about their rights, help students make good choices, and reduce school bullying. The Human Rights Game has cards for 5-8 grade and 9-12 grade. 2-8 players can play at once. According to the website, there’s also an online version available.

Activities, lesson plans, and other tools: Equitas

Equitas is Canada’s oldest human rights education organization. In the “Children and Youth Participation” section, there are a variety of tools. One toolkit called “Play It Fair” teaches kids 6-12 years old the importance of human rights and respect for diversity. Participation and inclusion reference sheets are available, so activities in the toolkit are accessible to kids with different abilities. There’s also a Play It Fair activity guide and National Child Day activity guide.

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Most human rights careers have one thing in common: they depend on research. That means human rights researchers serve an essential role in the field, providing the data and analysis that can make or break an organization’s ability to reach its goals. Interested in this important work? Here’s a quick guide that answers the questions you might have about human rights research jobs.

Why is human rights research important?

Without accurate research, human rights work would be ineffective. No one would know where human rights violations are occurring, who is most affected, who is responsible, or what solutions are needed to preserve human rights. The stakes are high. If an organization’s research methodology is flawed, it can only be so successful. Poor research can lead to the waste of resources, the spread of misinformation, damaged reputations – and most significantly – continued human rights violations. Good research, on the other hand, provides organizations with much-needed clarity on the state of human rights, making a successful plan of action possible.

What do human rights researchers do?

Human rights research isn’t radically different from research in any other field. Researchers work to establish facts and find evidence for claims. That includes conducting interviews, tracking and monitoring news stories, studying satellite images and other photographic evidence, and using social media forensics. Many human researchers work from an office but often travel to talk to survivors or witnesses of human rights abuse.

Researchers also compile all the data they’ve collected into a comprehensive form. Most human rights organizations publish many reports a year on different topics, as well as an annual report summarizing their overall findings. These reports are distributed through the human rights world, but they’re also important for raising public awareness. The writing needs to be accessible.

Where do human rights researchers work?

Many nonprofit human rights organizations conduct their own research, so they need to hire researchers. Major research and advocacy groups include Amnesty International, Anti-Slavery International, and Refugees International. The United Nations employs researchers, as well, as do human rights institutes, academic entities, and governments. Any organization that puts out reports throughout the year depends on researchers. Human rights lawyers also often need help with research.  Examples of organizations regularly recruiting human rights researchers are:

• Human Rights Watch
• The United Nations
• Geneva Academy (Academy for International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights)
• Amnesty International
• Physicians for Human Rights (PHR)
• Refugees International
• Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
• The European Agency for Fundamental Rights
• Anti-Slavery International

How do you become a human rights researcher?

If human rights research interests you, here’s what you should know about the career:

Education

The first consideration is your educational background. Most human rights researchers have at least a bachelor’s degree, but you’ll find researcher jobs that ask for a master’s degree or even a doctoral degree, depending on the organization and what responsibilities the researchers have. As for what subject you should major in, jobs will typically have a variety of preferences, which is common for most human rights careers. Applicable degrees include political science, law, criminal justice, history, psychology, sociology, and of course, human rights. Researchers typically have an area they specialize in, so consider what you’re most passionate about and focus on it.

Work experience

Many research jobs require or prefer candidates with past work experience. For those searching for their first jobs after graduation, internships usually count. While you’re in school, take advantage of internship programs, especially if you aren’t required to complete one to graduate and feel tempted to skip that part. Past volunteer work can also be very helpful when you’re searching for jobs. While interning or volunteering with an organization rarely guarantees you a job at that organization, it’s not uncommon for researchers to be offered jobs after they’ve proven their skills.

Required skills

Human rights research is extremely detail-oriented and precise. The best researchers will have these skills, as well as excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills. They’re able to set and stick to their goals, understand the contexts their research takes place in, follow the facts, and articulate their findings to a wide audience.

Because human rights research involves human rights violations and working with survivors, researchers also need to demonstrate respect, empathy, and emotional resilience. Speaking to survivors, combing through photo evidence, and reporting on violations can be very challenging. Organizations want researchers who are compassionate, but who are also able to mitigate the emotional stress of the work.

How much do human rights researchers get paid?

Salary depends on the organization someone works for, their responsibilities, level of seniority and what level of education they have. According to Zippia’s description of a human rights investigator (a type of job within human rights research), people make an average of $61,556 per year. Those with a master’s degree make just over $68,000 while PhDs make over $70,000. If you work for a smaller organization, your salary will likely be less than what someone with the same job at a larger organization makes. As an example, Glassdoor says that a researcher with the large Human Rights Watch organization makes an average of $76,310 per year with some researchers there making over $90,000. That’s a fairly unusual salary, however. As with most human rights careers, high salaries are not the norm, but you can still find jobs that pay well.

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Learn about the challenges humanitarian organizations are facing in conflict zones. Explore how to mitigate dangers during aid work, develop the skills to stress test humanitarian aid projects and learn how to take action without inadvertently causing harm.

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When conflicts emerge and governments fail, non-profits join forces to help. But too often well-intentioned non-profits and humanitarian organizations can become part of the problem they are trying to solve. That’s why the ‘Do not harm’-principle is the first and most important rule of aid work. But how do you get there? How can you effectively plan for positive outcomes when working in conflict zones? How can you minimize the risk of causing harm? What do effective humanitarian projects in conflict zones look like? How do you plan for success?

Responding to these questions, University of Toronto is offering an online course on Doing Good in a Conflict Zones. The 4-weeks course is part of the ExpertTrack Field Ready! Planning for Success in a Conflict Zone and can be taken on its own or as part of the broader curriculum.

In this course, you will explore the potential perils and shortfalls of aid and development initiatives in conflict zones. You will learn how to critically assess humanitarian aid projects, and what steps you can take to avoid causing harm. Throughout the course, you will develop hands-on skills to mitigate challenges and risks associated with aid work in conflict zones and you will practically stress-test your aid plans before implementation. The course is designed for active participation, and you will have the opportunity to discuss pressing aid issues with humanitarian aid workers, students and professionals around the world.

The course is taught by Dr. Aisha Ahmad, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Toronto. Dr. Ahmad researches civil war economies and jihadist insurgencies and has been involved in conflict zones all over the world.

The course will be especially useful for aid workers, human rights professionals, humanitarian organizations, and volunteers engaged in a conflict-affected environment. Students of related subjects such as international development, humanitarian action and human rights, will also find the course beneficial.

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This year, Amnesty International releases a book written in partnership with Angelina Jolie and Geraldine Van Bueren. Titled Know Your Rights (And Claim Them), this book describes the history of children’s rights and what rights children are entitled to. It also explores the child activists who make a difference in the world and includes a guide on how children can claim their rights through campaigning, education, and protesting. With endorsements by Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg, this book aimed at kids 13-years and older is a great introduction to human rights. What can you expect from the guide?

A brief history of children’s rights

The concept of children’s rights is fairly new. For years, many cultures viewed children as property. As an example, under English common law until the late 1800s, fathers “owned” their children and their wives. In the 16th and 17th centuries, American colonists continued this tradition. Because children were property, they didn’t receive many rights. Governments looked away when children were abused, neglected, or exploited. This exploitation came to a head in the early 20th century with the rise of industrialization. Children worked the same hours and in the same dangerous conditions as adults but for less pay.

Educational reformers were involved in the movement for children’s rights. They argued that children needed a primary school education if the nation was going to prosper. This meant children shouldn’t work as if they were adults. In 1904, the National Child Labor Committee organized to raise awareness of child exploitation. In 1924, The League of Nations adopted the Geneva Declaration on the Rights of the Child. In 1946, the United Nations General Assembly established UNICEF, and just two years later, passed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which stated that mothers and children were owed “special care and assistance.” Other treaties and documents followed and in 1989, the UN adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which recognizes children as social, economic, political, civil, and cultural actors.

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What rights do children have?

The Convention on the Rights of the Child serves a few important purposes. First, it recognizes children as full human beings who deserve fundamental human rights. These rights apply regardless of a child’s “race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth or other status.” The CRC contains 54 articles laying out the rights that governments and other actors must promote and protect. There are four main categories:

Subsistence (or survival) rights

Survival rights include the basics, like the right to food, healthcare, and shelter.

Development rights

These rights ensure children receive the opportunities and resources they need to succeed. This includes the right to education, freedom of thought, and the right to leisure.

Protection rights

Children must be protected from neglect, abuse, and exploitation. That includes protection from neglect, sexual abuse, and unsafe work conditions.

Participation rights

Children have the right to participate in political life and within their community. They are free to join groups, assemble peacefully, and participate in social activities.

How children’s rights are threatened: why books like Know Your Rights matter

Why should a child read Know Your Rights? There are many threats to children’s safety and security. Common violations of rights include poverty, violence, and discrimination against children based on their gender, migrant status, disabilities, and more. While most governments claim to support children’s rights, there are still major issues.

These issues include violence and armed conflict. Children are uniquely affected when their parents are killed or they’re separated from their families. Numbers are hard to track, but according to UNICEF, there were more than 93,000 children recruited between 2005 and 2020. This is the verified number, but experts believe true numbers are much higher. Child soldiers are killed in high numbers because of their lack of training, inexperience, and use for the most dangerous missions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also significantly threatened children’s rights. According to 2021 data from UNICEF, progress in every key measure of childhood (which includes education, economic status, and health) went backward. Schools for more than 168 million children closed for almost a year. Only 1 in 3 were able to access remote learning. The social disruption caused by the pandemic also creates fuel for more child marriages, abuse, and labor exploitation. Many children also lost their guardians to the disease, making them even more vulnerable as orphans.

Know Your Rights: about the authors

Amnesty International is an NGO headquartered in the United Kingdom. Initially began as an organization for political prisoners, it has since expanded its mission in defending human rights. It is the third-oldest international human rights organization.

Angelina Jolie is an actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian. She’s worked as a Special Envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Geraldine Van Bueren is a professor and a barrister. She’s a member of Doughty Street Chambers.

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Learn about the mandate of the International Criminal Court (ICC), how it fights against impunity and how perpetrators of crimes against humanity are held accountable.

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In this online course offered by University of Padua you will explore the core concepts of human rights and international criminal law, their similarities, intersections, and their differences.

In the first week of the course, you will learn to distinguish between essential legal terms such as human rights violations, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The first week will also provide you with a well-researched primer to the origins and historic development of international criminal, human rights, and humanitarian law. Beyond the essential terminology and the history, you will start exploring the statute of the International Criminal Court.

The second week focuses on sexual and gender-based crimes and illustrates the international legal framework through case studies. You will learn about the procedural and evidentiary rules regarding sexual crimes and examine barriers to achieve justice. You will also learn to identify structural gender inequalities and discrimination and be able to outline how the affect individuals. At the center of this module is the question how the international community can ensure accountability and end sexual crimes.

In week three of the course, you will focus on the protection of children under international humanitarian and criminal law during armed conflict. You will explore the role of the international criminal court in protecting children and discuss the current case law. This module will specifically focus on child soldiers, re-integrating former child soldiers, protection of child victims, and the rights of children involved in armed conflict.

In the last week of the course, you will learn how human rights courts tackle human rights violations and about the cross-fertilization effects between human rights law, international humanitarian law and international criminal law. You will examine what human rights protection means in practice and learn to expose shortcomings in the current protection systems.

The course is specifically tailored towards master’s students, professionals, human rights defenders, and NGO workers but will be useful to everyone with an interest in international law and human rights. The course is taught by lecturers from the human rights masters at University of Padova and its Human Rights Center.

You can sign up for the course and start learning instantly. The course takes roughly 24 hours to complete. While taking part in the course is free, you can opt-in for a verified certificate and access to the graded activities for an extra fee. So far more than 18,000 learners have taken part in the course.

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International development projects are similar to international humanitarian aid, but include long-term solutions to poverty based on concepts like empowerment, sustainability, and dignity. International development (also known as global development) also includes classifications for developed and developing countries. As a field and practice, international development relies on the Sustainable Development Goals as its framework. Professionals work in areas like community development, law, legislation, advocacy, policy, and more. Interested in this field? You’ll want a master’s degree in international development. Australian schools offer many options.

Note: Information is subject to change. For up-to-date info, always check the program’s official page.

Table of Contents

#1. Master of International Development (The University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia)
#2. Master of International Development Practice (Monash University, Melbourne, Australia)
#3. Master of International Development (University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory)
#4. Master of International and Community Development (Online program, Deakin University)
#5. Master of International Development (RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia)
#6. Master of Global Development (Griffith University, South East Queensland, Australia)
#7. Master of International Development (La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia)
#8. Master of International Development (The University of Western Australia, WA, Australia)
#9. Master of Global Development (James Cook University, QLD, Australia)
#10. Master of International Trade and Development (The University of Adelaide, Adalaide, Australia)
#11. Master of Global Project Management (Torrens University, multiple campuses)
#12. Master of Development Studies (UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia)
#13. Master of International Community Development (Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia)
#14. Executive MBA in Entrepreneurship (University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia)
#15. International Relations (The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia)

#1. Master of International Development (The University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia)

This 2-year, 14-course program prepares students for careers at international organizations like the UN, the World Bank, NGOs, and more. Program participants explore key issues and practices about development, globalization, food security, and much more. They’ll also develop practical skills regarding donors, the role of NGOs, and project management. During each study period, students have the option to switch between full-time and part-time study.

To apply, students must have a Bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) or equivalent. You can also apply if you have relevant full-time equivalent work or experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. Tuition is A$23,874 per year, though fees are subject to change based on yearly increases and chosen courses.

#2. Master of International Development Practice (Monash University, Melbourne, Australia)

This program explores the political, economic, cultural, and ecological challenges of poverty, poor health, inequality, and more. Specialists guide students through a multi-disciplinary framework of sustainable development. There are six “streams” available, including Democracy, justice and governance; Gender, peace and security; and Global Migration. Students also gain practical experience through internships in countries such as South Africa, India, Fiji, and others.

Three admission criteria determine the program’s duration and how many credits are needed. As an example, students admitted through entry level 1 have an Australian bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with at least 60% average credit. For them, the program is 2 years of full-time study or 4 years of part-time study. In 2022, the rates were A$25,400/year for domestic students and A$36,400/year for international students.

#3. Master of International Development (University of Canberra, Bruce, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory)

This 48-credit program explores theories on sustainable development and cross-cultural practice. Students develop practice-led research skills and prepare for careers at places like NGOs, multinational businesses, and government bodies. Students also have an opportunity to enroll in the Development Research project unit, which includes a real-world development project often connected to current employment.

To apply, students need a degree or equivalent approved by the University. If a student has a bachelor’s degree in a related field, they may get 12 credit points of unspecified credit, as well as admission to the 1.5-year program. Ordinarily, the master’s degree is a 2-year program. For domestic students, tuition is A$30,000 per year. Domestic students pay A$21,600 a year.

#4. Master of International and Community Development (Online program, Deakin University)

The Master of International and Community Development is the longest-running course of its kind in Australia. Students can choose from three streams: international development, community development, or the combined stream of international and community development. Topics include poverty, inequality, and empowerment. Students will develop skills and hands-on experience through assessment tasks, seminars, and lectures.

This is a 1-year (full-time study) online program with a part-time option. To apply, you need either a bachelor’s honor degree in a related field; a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and two years of relevant work experience; a graduate certificate/diploma in a related field; or University-approved academic capabilities. For the 1-year track, the estimated tuition fee is A$22,600.

#5. Master of International Development (RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia)  

This 2-year, 96-credit program offers tailored study options like evening classes, full-day workshops, and online resources. Students will study gender, environment, sustainability, health, and more while developing professional skills in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating international development projects. Unfortunately, this program is not available to international students on a student visa.

If a student has a bachelors honors degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, or degree qualification in a different discipline, they may be eligible for up to 48 credit points of exemption. The international development program is a full-fee place; the 2022 tuition is A$24,960.

#6. Master of Global Development (Griffith University, South East Queensland, Australia)

This 160-credit program aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and addresses issues like climate change, development economics, health and development, and more. Students work with experts to develop practical skills, build a network, and enhance their knowledge and perspectives.

The program’s length and credit requirements vary depending on your entry path. If you’re coming in with only a bachelor’s degree, the program is 2 years full-time. The program is offered on campus and online, though it’s not available online to international students on a student visa. In 2022, domestic students pay A$26,000/year while international students pay A$30,500/year.

#7. Master of International Development (La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia)

In this 2-year program, students learn about policy and practice frameworks; how to drive social change through organizing and government policy; and how to design and deliver development projects. Students have a variety of specializations to choose from and an opportunity for an internship.

To apply, students will need an Australian bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Relevant work experience or professional accreditation may be considered if it’s equivalent to earning a Bachelor’s degree. For domestic students, the program costs $21,800 per 120 credit points, which is one year of full-time study.

#8. Master of International Development (The University of Western Australia, WA, Australia)

This 1.5-2 year program educates students on international development concepts, theories, and approaches. Using an interdisciplinary curriculum, students gain analytical and practical skills that prepare them for work in development policy, research, practice, and more.

To apply, students first need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Then, they need either the equivalent of a UWA-weighted average mark (at least 50%) or at least two years of experience in international development. Significant work experience (at least five years with a “material” level of responsibility) is also acceptable. For domestic students, the typical 2022 annual fee (CSP only) ranges between A$3,985-$14,630. For international students, the total course fee in 2022 was A$79,400.

#9. Master of Global Development (James Cook University, QLD, Australia)

This 2-year program teaches students to blend and apply advanced theoretical and analytical knowledge. That includes evaluating and creating solutions to complicated development problems. The course consists of six core subjects and electives from eight main areas, such as Public Health; Sustainable Development Planning and Policy; and Governance and Social Change.

To apply, students need an AQF level 7 bachelor’s degree or equivalent. For domestic students, fees range from $A11,040 (estimated annual Commonwealth-supported fee) to A$30,150. The estimated fee for a full-time study for International students is A$32,960.

#10. Master of International Trade and Development (The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia)

This 36-unit program prepares students for a variety of careers. Over 1-1.5 years, they’ll study the roles of domestic, regional, and global players, as well as the challenges facing businesses and economies. They’ll also develop advanced legal and commercial knowledge and negotiation strategies. Students take courses in Trade, Economics, and Law.

To apply, students must have a completed Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. The tuition for domestic students isn’t listed, though the website says it’s an Australian full-fee place. The indicative annual tuition fees (24 units) for the international student place is A$47,500.

#11. Master of Global Project Management (Torrens University, multiple campuses)

With a typical duration of 18 months, this course focuses on industry standards, planning, budgeting, and execution. Students will develop strong skills and expertise in global project management processes, giving them what they need to work in fields like manufacturing, healthcare, education, commerce, and more.

To apply, students need a Bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) and at least two years of professional experience. Those without formal qualifications are welcome to apply if they have at least 7 years of professional, administrative, or managerial work experience. For domestic students, the 2022 domestic subject price is A$3,150. For international students, the annual fee is A$27,500.

#12. Master of Development Studies (UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia)

This 2-year degree offers specialist studies in international development using a participatory approach to the philosophy of social justice, community development, and human rights. Students learn about the geopolitical, economic, social, cultural, and ethical contexts of development.

The program has three admission “streams.” Which one fits best depends on how much relevant academic and/or professional experience a student has. For the standard 2-year program, students will need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline with a UNSW-approved credit average of 65%. For domestic students, 2022 CSP first-year fees were A$14,630. Full fees were A$26,360. International students owe A$38,210 for their 2022 first-year fees.

#13. Master of International Community Development (Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia)

In this program, students study topics such as community development project design and management; participatory research and evaluation; globalization and social movements; and much more. To complete the master’s, students must complete 192 credits, including core courses (72 credits), electives (72 credits), and a community-based research or research thesis (48 credits).

To be eligible, international students need either an Australian bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline or an Australian diploma (or equivalent) in a similar discipline with an overall score of 6.5 on the IELTS (or equivalent) with no lower than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Tuition is A$12,200 per semester. For domestic students, fees depend on whether you’re offered a CSP or a full fee-paying place.

#14. Executive MBA in Entrepreneurship (University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia)

A 1-2 year intensive program designed for innovators and entrepreneurs, this Executive MBA helps students develop a project while they continue working. What does this have to do with international development? Many entrepreneurs work in development. Students get access to a project space, masterclasses, and events.

To apply, students need a UTS-recognized bachelor’s degree or equivalent. There’s also a professional experience requirement of at least six years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant work experience. Fees at UTS vary depending on what type of student you are and what subject you’re enrolled in.

#15. International Relations (The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia)

Students in this 32-unit program gain conceptual and technical knowledge and skills in international relations. There are core courses and electives that allow students to specialize in fields like Security and Statecraft; Globalization and Development; or Law and International Politics.

As with the other programs on this list, there are a handful of admission pathways. For the standard 2-year pathway, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline or 3 years of study toward an approved qualification at an overseas partner institution with a formal pathway to the MIR. You’ll need an average 5.0 GPA on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification. At the time of writing, fee information was not available.

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

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

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

How much does an LLM in Human Rights Law cost?

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

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

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

12 LL.M. Human Rights Programs for Your Consideration

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

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

#1 University of Law (United Kingdom)

LLM International Human Rights – Full-time
LLM International Human Rights – Part-time

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

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

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

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

#2 Columbia University (United States)

General LLM with specialization in Social Justice and Human Rights

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

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

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

Students are required to pay $85 for application.

#3 Geneva Academy (Switzerland)

LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights

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

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

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

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

#4 Leiden University (The Netherlands)

LL.M. in European and International Human Rights Law

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

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

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

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

#5 Queen Mary University (United Kingdom)

Human Rights Law LLM

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

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

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

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

#6 University of Dundee (Scotland)

Business and Human Rights LLM

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

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

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

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

#7 American University (United States)

LL.M. in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#8 University of Bristol Law School (United Kingdom)

LLM in Human Rights Law

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

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

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

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

#9 University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)

Master of Laws in Human Rights

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

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

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

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

#10 Europa-Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Germany)

Master of International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law – LLM

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

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

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

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

#11 University of Edinburgh (Scotland)

LLM in Human Rights