Human Rights First

About Human Rights First

Human Rights First is a non-profit, non-partisan organization. Established in 1978, Human Rights First's mission is to ensure that the United States is a global leader on human rights. The organization works in the United States and abroad to promote respect for human rights and the rule of law. In 2024, we secured asylum for 382 individuals and partnered with over 2,000 lawyers through our pro bono network. We support human right defenders, publicly demanding rights for LGBTQI+ Ugandans and equipped Ukrainian activists to document war crimes. We held extremists and abusers accountable. We innovate to empower human rights advocates.

Reviews

Refugee Representation Bilingual Intern

August 2018 • Washington, DC

“As a Latin American Studies major this internship has allowed me to have personal interactions with the culture and the people which I hope to eventually help in my professional life through an NGO such as HRF. Helping asylum seekers is extremely gratifying work and has helped me to really understand the struggle they go through on a firsthand basis. ”

Refugee Representation Intern

June 2018 - August 2018 • New York City, NY

“I loved getting the opportunity to work directly with clients, I loved getting to work with all the professional staff members and getting exposed to different aspects of the refugee representation process from going to detention centers, going to the courts, escorting clients to different government offices, and working in the refugee representation office. I also loved learning from people in other offices as well as speakers that would come and talk about their careers and experiences. ”

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