Deadline: On a Rolling Basis
Applications are open for the UNHR Summer Fellowship Program 2026. Summer fellows will spend eight to ten weeks in Lisbon, Portugal, where they will contribute legal research, writing, and organizing on UNHR’s community-based human rights projects under the supervision of expert attorneys and advocates.
Fellows responsibilities include:
- Legal Research: Draft memos, briefs, and contributions to submissions to human rights bodies.
- Research and Advocacy: Support human rights fact-finding through desk research and data analysis; prepare concise backgrounders, country summaries, and thematic briefs; prepare materials for public-facing events, briefings, and meetings with partner NGOs.
- Program Support: Help with coordination and materials for UNHR’s educational programs; support communication and collaboration between UNHR supervisors, their European and U.S. university partners, and student cohorts.
- Writing and Communications: Contribute to reports, briefs, social media, and website content; assist with writing and editing reports, articles, and blog posts; support news and social media tasks by drafting posts and creating accessible updates that translate UNHR’s advocacy and project work for the general public.
Eligibility
- Open to law and graduate students, as well as exceptional undergraduates with demonstrated experience in human rights and/or social justice.
Application
To apply, send an email to [email protected] with the subject line Summer Fellowship Application – [NAME]. Include the following in your email:
- Brief statement of interest
- CV
- Contact details for two references
- Links to any publications, if applicable
Note that UNHR can provide funding in exceptional cases, based on demonstrated need and unique skills or experience. They expect students to seek additional funding through their university, external scholarships, and other sources where possible.
For more information, visit UNHR Summer Fellowship.
