.:Resource Guides:Human Rights-What to Know in the Work Field.
Human Rights
What Do I Need to Know to Work in the Human Rights Field?
The most prized skills vary based on the organization you choose to work for. This variety is a good thing; it gives you the opportunity to research organizations and apply to those that value your talents. Job descriptions for human rights advocates generally advertise
for the following skills: research, writing, analytical thinking, public speaking and/or grassroots organizing.
Organizations or government agencies that work on policy development, legal cases or complex international treaties want employees with advanced degrees in law, medicine, journalism, anthropology, etc. Recently new organizations have emerged that focus on alerting the
media and general public to human rights abuses. The ability to communicate through writing or public speaking is highly valued by these groups. Similarly, there are many grassroots groups working on a local issue or mobilizing communities around a prevalent abuse. These
groups want people with community organizing skills who can inform and lead communities to confront and publicize whatever form of injustice they are addressing.
Though human rights groups need different skills and talents based on their individual mission, some specific pieces of knowledge are helpful, if not critical. Exposure to or familiarity with primary human rights documents is highly recommended. These are the:
These documents provide critical history on the human rights movement as well as definitions of what human rights are and why they are important.
If you choose to work in a human rights organization that focuses on international issues --- the ability to speak one or more languages other than English may be a requirement. These organizations need to work collaboratively with communities and agencies in other
countries and cross-cultural skills, including languages and knowledge of other cultures, may be crucial. There are, however, dozens of US-based human rights groups that work on local and national issues. If you don't possess a foreign language skill or if your skills
are not proficient --- don't despair. You can find work in this field to match your skills and interests.
Other knowledge to consider acquiring during your undergraduate education is a background in human rights issues. Today, on almost any college campus, classes are taught on human rights abuses, causes and ramifications. Students can find these classes in Political
Science, History, Sociology, Psychology and Anthropology as well as other departments. Undergraduates are creating their own fields of study in human rights issues through independent projects and self-designed majors. For someone wanting to learn more about this field
or seeking ways to enter it as an advocate or young professional --- taking classes may offer opportunities for both.
Human rights groups --- especially those working internationally, also value living abroad or having a cross-cultural experience. Consider participating in study-abroad programs, international community service projects, internships or just international travel. As you
explore these options, consider those that will give you direct human rights experience. These opportunities are numerous and will give you the exposure human rights groups may desire.
Just as skills, knowledge and experience can help you break into this competitive field, so can your attitude or value system. Human rights groups look for a shared sense of purpose. Human rights work can be challenging, intense and can involve everything from risking
your life to extended traveling overseas. Employers want to know that you have the commitment to do this work and that you view it as significant as they do. Wanting to change the world and a dedication to social justice is a requirement!
The ability to work collaboratively with others is universally acknowledged as important in this profession. So much human rights work, whether local or international, touches on other issues and organizations. Also, many human rights campaigns are addressed through
multiple groups or coalitions. The capacity to work well in a team setting with individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives is necessary.
