Human Rights Internships

The Institute for Human Rights maintains priviliged contacts with several national and international institutions and non-governmental organisations. Each year, promising students of human rights law can apply, through the Institute for Human Rights, in cooperation with the faculty's placement services (plaatsingsdienst), for an internship placement at one of these organisations.

We firmly believe that internships which live up to the highest standards will provide an invaluable and enriching experience, both for the intern and the hosting organisation. Through the careful selection of the participating organisations and candidate interns (through a competitive application procedure), the Human Rights Internship Programme and the law faculty's placement services aim at guaranteeing excellence. We therefore make sure only our best students can do an internship at the organisation which best meets their qualifications.

For whom?

The internship scheme is competitive and open to all current Master students of the K.U.Leuven Faculty of Law with a proven interest in human rights law. This includes regular Master students, LL.M. students, Erasmus students and Masterini of the European Master in Human Rights and Democratisation. Exceptionally, Bachelor students can be admitted into the programme as well, provided they can show specific background knowledge/experience.

The selection criteria are based on merits (grades), proven interest, experience, language skills and motivation. Note that every organisation or institution may require specific qualifications.

When are the internships organized?

The period in which the internship is offered can vary depending on the needs and preferences of both the intern and the hosting institution or organisation.

The duration of the internship will be established on the basis of the needs and preferences of both the intern and the hosting institution or organisation.

Summer internships typically last between 1 and 3 months, and start in June, July or August (until September).

As regards internships during the year, the modalities will be communicated on a case-by-case basis.

Most internships are offered on a full-time basis, although other arrangements are possible in certain specific cases.

Which language skills are required?

For internships at Belgian organisations, proficiency in Dutch, English and French is generally required.

For internships at international organisations, proficiency in English is required.

Specific requirements regarding language skills are possible depending on the need of the organisation or institution in question, and will be communicated in advance.

Is the internship funded?

At this moment, the Institute for Human Rights, unfortunately, cannot foresee in any funding.

For which organisations or institutions can I apply?

We currently offer a number of summer internships, as well as part-time and full-time internships during the year. Requirements, duration and starting dates vary for each organisation.

**Please click here to read about the modalities of each specific internship.** 

Please note that this information is updated regularly.

Currently, the following institutions and organisations have agreed to collaborate with us for the academic year 2011 - 2012 (click on the logo to go to the respective website):

Amnesty International Flanders --- the (Belgian) Centre for Equal Opportunities and Opposition to Racism --- the (Belgian) Institute for the Equality of Women and Men --- the International Labour Organization Office for the European Union and the Benelux Countries --- the (Flemish) League for Human Rights --- the Flemish Refugee Action --- the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights / Regional Office for Europe --- the (Flemish) Expertise Centre on Migration and Integration --- Human Rights Watch / Brussels Office --- the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women / Brussels Liaison Office - the (Flemish) Office of the Commissioner for Children's Rights.

How can I apply?

Summer internships, if you are a Flemish-speaking student

• The deadline is 27 april 2012. APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED
• Please visit the website of the plaatsingsdienst, and fill out the required forms;
• You will receive further information by 13 May 2012.

Summer internships, if you are an English-speaking student

• The deadline is 27 april 2012. APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED
• Please fill out the application form which you can find here;
• You will receive further information by 13 May 2012.

Part-time and full-time internships during the year, for everyone

• Applicaton is on a rolling basis;
• Please fill out the application form which you can find here;
• You will receive further information within 3 weeks.

Please note that the selection process is competitive and we do not guarantee placement.

More information

For more information, please contact Michaël Merrigan by e-mail or by phone (0032-16-325476).