HRIP graduates have gone on to become leading human rights lawyers across the globe and play key roles in a wide range of social justice efforts, including drafting the South African Constitution, documenting human rights abuses of gay and lesbian youth in U.S. prisons, establishing international criminal tribunals, helping write a Freedom of Information Act for Guatemala, and working to improve environmental law in Hungary. On the domestic front, HRIP alumni lead community economic development efforts, head legal services offices, fight against employment discrimination, and defend death row inmates.
Program Goals
- Educate students about human rights law
- Help students work in the service of their beliefs
- Create relationships to advance students’ professional development
- Connect human rights activists within the Law School
- Build a worldwide network of Columbia graduates and host agency advocates devoted to human rights
How to Apply
The HRIP application for the 2025-2026 cohort will open on October 31, 2025 and close on November 30, 2025.
For more information about requirements, expectations, benefits, and timelines, read the 2025-2026 Human Rights Internship Program Guide. (Requires UNI log-in.)
