Voluntary human rights jobs with Projects Abroad Pro

Human Rights volunteers

We are looking for recent graduates, retired seniors or lawyers on a career break to take part in voluntary human rights jobs with Projects Abroad Pro. In order to ensure high standards we have listed a set of desired qualifications for each available post. Ideally, anyone interested in human rights work abroad would also possess at least two years’ experience of practicing law professionally.

Projects Abroad Pro work with law firms and advocacy centres throughout the developing world in an attempt to increase attention on the important subject of human rights. While many developing countries are improving their economies and spending money on basic rights such as shelter and education, the issues of poverty and crime still hang over many of the poorest communities. Cases such as sexual discrimination, children’s rights and police accountability are of great importance in these countries as they enter the modern world and the global economy. In the same way that you cannot improve education without qualified teachers; human rights and legal practices will not move forward unless qualified lawyers are available. This is where volunteers with a skill or qualification can be of great help, using their experience to advise people effected by human rights violations or to improve the working standards of existing lawyers. Some of the firms we work with possess highly experienced lawyers that will value a capable volunteer who understands legal processes and can get to work quickly and efficiently. In other practices the standards may not be so high and you will be needed to coordinate and design plans for reorganising their working methods. With a wide range of projects available, we can work with you to decide the placement that best suits your experience and abilities.

Human rights work abroad

We see our projects as being a two-way process where you will gain just as much from the experience of human rights work abroad as the people you are helping. It is a fact that as an experienced, qualified professional you will meet less experienced individuals who need you help and guidance to improve their standards. This process in itself can be both challenging and incredibly rewarding – it is the best way of ensuring that the work you do will be continued in the long-term. On the other hand, you are sure to meet experienced professionals in your industry who share your attitude, commitment and knowledge and are keen to offer advice for coping with the frustrations of the developing world. These people will want to discuss new ideas and share their expertise as well as looking for every opportunity to work with you to develop plans for the future. It is this peer to peer contact that makes our projects so special and ensures that your experience will be both professionally and personally fulfilling.

"I got involved in looking into Human Rights abuses… interviewing witnesses and documenting their testimonies, and researching material for the state of prison conditions in Ghana. I was also able to attend Human Rights conferences; among the attendees being the Presidential advisor on HIV/AIDS and met parliamentarians to discuss the state of family-planning services across Ghana."
Danica Mullarkey – Human Rights Volunteer in Ghana

Skilled volunteers and our volunteer human rights work

There are numerous examples of volunteer human rights work on offer for skilled volunteers and you can access detailed descriptions of each post by clicking on the links at the top of the page. You can work in law firms in Ghana, South Africa, Senegal and Cambodia.

Even if you feel you do not possess the required skills or qualifications for these specialist roles, you can still help on the same projects. Please visit our website for more information about voluntary human rights with Projects Abroad.