Health and Human Rights Research Intern

Health and Human Rights Research Intern, Spring 2025 

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), which shared in the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, is a U.S.-based international advocacy organization working at the intersection of medicine, science, and law. With a global network of thousands of medical, scientific, and legal experts, PHR uses the power of medical and scientific evidence to document human rights and humanitarian law violations and prevent abuses, protect survivors, and promote justice and universal human rights for all. 

Building upon its highly respected place in the field, and supported by a committed and talented team, PHR seeks a Health and Human Rights Research Intern. 

Location: New York City (New York), Washington (District of Columbia), or Remote. Onsite & hybrid. 

Reports to: Health and Human Rights Researcher 

Organizational Overview 

Physicians for Human Rights was founded in 1986 by five physicians who were united in the belief that health professionals, with their specialized skills, ethical duties, and credible voices, are uniquely positioned to prevent harm and promote respect for human rights. Since its founding, PHR has built a long and distinguished record of accomplishment by conducting groundbreaking investigations and advocacy, in concert with strategic partners. 

PHR’s approach includes extensive documentation of the use of illegal and inhumane weapons in armed conflicts, attacks on civilians, and the physical and psychological impacts of torture and sexual violence as a weapon of war. Other core activities include protecting the rights of those seeking asylum in the United States, the human rights implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, and halting attacks on medical facilities and frontline health professionals. 

Internship Description  

The Health and Human Rights Research Intern will support PHR’s research on human rights violations and their impact on health, focusing on the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sub-Saharan Africa. This role is ideal for those passionate about human rights and public health, offering hands-on experience in a nonprofit environment. Working as part of the Research team under the guidance of PHR’s Deputy Director of Research and Health and Human Rights Researcher, the intern will engage in data collection, media monitoring, and in-depth research on the impact of violence and conflict on health care. This opportunity offers hands-on experience in analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, supporting advocacy initiatives, and developing research methodology and human rights reporting skills. 

The Health and Human Rights Research Intern will attend departmental and staff meetings, as well as regular learning and social events with other PHR interns and staff to round out the learning experience and complement PHR-provided career mentoring. 

PHR offers stipends to student interns. The specific stipend amount will be determined by the average number of hours worked by the intern per week. Details will be further provided during the interview process. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

Duties and responsibilities of the intern may include the following:  

• Contribute to Research and Analysis: Support research on the targeting of health care and its impact on the right to health, and other human rights issues, including evidence-based insights and analysis. 
• Conduct Comprehensive Open-Source Research: Identify and document human rights violations, focusing on attacks against health care in conflict areas, with particular emphasis on regions such as the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sub-Saharan Africa. 
• Monitor Global Developments: Track and analyze daily incidents related to human rights and violations of health care access, with attention to current global hotspots. 
• Maintain Data Accuracy and Integrity: Organize and update a detailed database documenting attacks on health facilities and personnel, ensuring accuracy and prompt entry of new information. 
• Support Advocacy and Reporting Efforts: Contribute to reports and briefings that highlight health-related human rights abuses, supporting advocacy efforts to safeguard health care in conflict zones. 

Qualifications and Experience 

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in a relevant field, such as international relations, medicine, public health, or human rights. 
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Arabic, Ukrainian, French or another language is preferred. 
• Demonstrated interest in human rights issues, particularly the right to health in conflict zones. 
• Strong analytical, writing, and verbal communication abilities, with attention to clarity and detail. 
• Mature judgment and a proactive work approach, with the ability to handle sensitive content and maintain confidentiality. 
• Exceptional organizational skills, with close attention to detail and follow-through on tasks and the ability to work independently. 

Location and Hours 

• The internship will follow a hybrid work model, with some work conducted remotely and some in our office located in Midtown, Manhattan (depending on the interns location). 
• We welcome applications from candidates located out of state. 
• Hours can be flexible to accommodate different types of schedules. 
• The internship will commence in February with at least a 12-week commitment.

How to Apply  

Please send a cover letter and resume, to resumes@phr.org. Include “Health and Human Rights Research Intern, Spring 2025” in the subject line. Please include in your cover letter the number of weekly hours you would be able to commit to the internship