The Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center for Human Rights (RFK Center) was established in 1986 to provide legal and technical assistance, marshal resources, increase public awareness, and generate domestic and international political support for the growing ranks of Award recipients. Today, the RFK Center has established itself as a key voice within the global human rights community and beyond with a capacity to wage and win important battles on Capitol Hill, in international institutions, and in its Laureates’ home countries.

The Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award was established in 1984 to honor creative individuals who are, often at great personal risk, engaged in strategic and nonviolent efforts to overcome serious human rights violations. Presented annually, the Award expressed Robert Kennedy’s admiration for moral courage and unequivocal opposition to tyranny. Today, there are 38 RFK laureates from 22 countries.
Interns will be asked to perform a variety of tasks in order to help with the Advocacy Team. (This is by no means an exhaustive list):
• Conduct factual research and draft memoranda on the human rights situation in countries of interest to the Center and on thematic issues (for example, the human right to health, the right to development, etc.);
• Conduct research on the application of international human rights norms to country conditions, developments in the domestic legal systems of specific countries and their implications for human rights, and other questions;
• Prepare documents for submission to government or U.N. officials;
• Attend and report on briefings, Congressional hearings, symposia and other meetings;
• Monitor sources of information on countries and issues of concern to the Center; and collect, organize and analyze relevant information;
• Provide administrative support to Center Staff on an as-needed basis.

Applicants must have completed at least one year of graduate school and have a demonstrated interest in human rights. Ability in one of the following languages is helpful, but not required: Arabic, French, Haitian Creole, or Spanish. Please note that internships are unpaid. Email (intern@rfkmemorial.org) or fax (202-463-6606) a cover letter, resume, three references, and a brief writing sample. For more information about the RFK Center, please visit: www.rfkmemorial.org.

Summer intern applications must be received no later than May 1st, 2009.