International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission Internship

STUDENTS

International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission Internship

The Center, in collaboration with the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission (IHFFC), provides current NYU School of Law JD students with the opportunity to intern with the Commission and deepen their knowledge of international human rights law both in doctrine and in practice while exploring careers dedicated to advancing respect for international humanitarian law.

The IHFFC is a permanent fact-finding body established to serve the international community with expertise, efficiency, and operational readiness. With established field capabilities, a roster of specialized experts, and extensive institutional knowledge; it offers a reliable alternative to ad hoc mechanisms created for single purposes. The Commission is committed to increasing awareness of and access to its services among states worldwide, and encourages the international community to make use of its unique and permanent mandate.

Working with the IHFFC has provided me with first-hand insight into the complex world of enforcement of International Humanitarian Law. In addition to improving my substantive knowledge, I had the opportunity to practice diplomacy as a representative of the Commission before international bodies and at various conferences.

Anna Braverman, 2024-2026.

2026-2027 Program

The intern will:

  • monitor the activities of the UNGA and other international humanitarian organizations (OHCHR, ICRC, OCHA etc.) in New York in relation to fact-finding and other relevant issues for the IHFFC
  • attend other Meetings and Conferences, at the request of the President, where this is considered useful in accordance with the scope and aims of the Commission
  • report the results of this monitoring and observation to the President and the Secretariat of the IHFFC
  • draw the attention of the President and the Secretariat of the Commission to events which might require the presence of members of the IHFFC
  • support the members of the Commission when attending meetings in New York both in administrative and substantive tasks (e.g., preparing meetings with relevant parties, creating programs and itineraries, accompanying and assisting members during their stay, reporting, etc.)
  • attend the Annual Meeting and Bureau Meeting in Switzerland in May/June 2027 to record minutes, provide meeting and drafting assistance, and complete any additional follow up tasks
  • provide regular updates via email on relevant work to the President and Secretariat of the Commission
  • participate and take notes on the occasion of virtual Bureau meetings

Applicants must:

  • be a NYU JD Law Student
  • be eligible to intern and get compensated in the U.S. 
  • demonstrate commitment to human rights and social justice 
  • have excellent analytical, research, and writing skills
  • have knowledge of the international legal system
  • be able to work independently and with people from diverse backgrounds

The IHFFC internship placement is a part-time opportunity (6.5 hours per week ) offered over a 14-month appointment term. The intern will be hired by the Center and compensated as a Research Assistant.

  • June 26, 2026, at noon: Application deadline 
  • July 1, 2026: Internship start date 

The following documents will be required to be submitted via this application form:

  • letter of motivation (max 500 words) 
  • CV 
  • any relevant certificates or certifications
  • any supporting additional information

Transitional Justice Leadership Program

STUDENTS

Transitional Justice Leadership Program

Each year, the Center selects a cohort of incoming NYU Law LLM students to take part in the Transitional Justice Leadership Program.

Developed in consultation with prominent figures in the transitional justice field, the program provides an opportunity for NYU Law LLM students to engage through coursework, scholarship, and internships with the Center’s Prevention Project which:

  • seeks to transform prevention practices through research, conceptual clarification, and integration of knowledge and expertise
  • engages diverse stakeholders to develop a comprehensive prevention framework of evidence-based approaches and initiatives with proven preventive potential.

This program offered me an unmatched opportunity to develop my expertise in this vibrant field and to move my career toward the next stages

Jorge Carlos Peniche Baqueiro, Transitional Justice Scholar 2016-2017

Program Not Offered (2026-27)

Senior Fellow and Professor de Greiff who served as UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence (May 2012-May 2018) leads the Transitional Justice Program and teaches the associated course.

  • The course offers insight into the legal, moral, and political questions governments and civil society must confront as they seek to come to terms with a legacy of human rights violations.
  • Students admitted to the leadership program are guaranteed enrollment and are required to take the course.

Students not selected for the program may still register for the course through the normal registration process; however, as with all NYU Law courses, enrollment for those outside the program is not guaranteed.

Following the orientation session, scholars will take leadership in organizing, leading and hosting monthly meetings at the Center. These will take the form of discussions with experts and writing workshops, as well as other activities. 

Scholarship is vital to preparing students for careers in transitional justice. Scholars are expected to develop original works of legal scholarship to submit to the annual Emerging Scholars Conference, a forum that provides students with the unique opportunity to receive detailed feedback from experts and peers in order to prepare work of publishable quality. 

  • Scholars receive guidance in obtaining academic-year internships and research opportunities with human rights organizations such as the International Center for Transitional Justice.
  • NYU Funding to pursue opportunities in a variety of transitional justice institutions, such as truth commissions, courts, reparations programs, and local human rights organizations in countries throughout the world, is available through the International Law and Human Rights Student Fellowship.

All interested LLM students enrolled at NYU School of Law are encouraged to apply.

Applications for the Fall 2026–Spring 2027 cycle are expected to open between late August and early September.

In addition to other information, applicants are required to submit the following materials: 

  • CV or NYU Resume
  • Cover letter detailing your qualifications, specific interests, and any relevant background or experience where applicable (max 500 words)
  • Relevant English-language writing sample (10 pages max, excerpts acceptable)

International Law and Human Rights Fellowship

STUDENTS

International Law and Human Rights Fellowship

Since 2002, the International Law and Human Rights (ILHR) Fellowship Program offers enrolled NYU School of Law students an opportunity to complete a specialized training program in international law and undertake a summer internship through a matching process at a leading institution or organization. Students are also encouraged to complete a research project growing out of that work experience.

Together with coursework, topical events and informal opportunities for networking, this program:

  • Offers critical learning opportunities that introduce students to the global practice of human rights.
  • Provides students with the type of professional experience and connections that have proved essential for them to pursue human rights careers over the years.

The fellowship is undertaken with funding support from the Public Interest Law Center, and in partnership with the Institute for International Law and Justice.

My fellowship transformed my commitment to human rights from an abstract ideal into a tangible pursuit. Through this hands-on experience, I was exposed to the real-world complexities of advocacy work, challenging my assumptions and the theory we learned in the classroom. It wasn’t just a fellowship; it was the bridge between aspiration and action. 

Jasper Kamradt, ILHR Fellow 2024

Program

A 10-12 week funded internship to take place either in Summer or Fall semesters at an organization working in human rights or international law. 

Students selected for the ILHR Fellowship will receive a stipend administered by the Public Interest Law Center.

Depending on the fellowship’s track and placement, preparation and training in the form of course requirements and a series of not-for-credit seminars in the Spring semester are required. 

Fellows present and participate in the Center’s Emerging Scholars Conference reflecting on their engagements and learning experiences. They are also encouraged to undertake a research project inspired by the fellowship on an international law or human rights issue. Parameters to be determined in agreement with academic supervisors. 

Applicants must:

  • Be enrolled NYU Law Student in any degree program (JD, LLM, JSD)
  • Demonstrate commitment to human rights and social justice
  • Have excellent research and writing skills
  • Able to work independently in a professional environment
  • Demonstrate potential for engage and rigorous scholarship or applied research

Applications for the Summer 2027–Fall 2027 cycle are expected to open between during Fall 2026 semester.

In addition to other information, applicants are required to submit the following materials: 

  • CV or NYU Resume
  • Recent unofficial transcript
  • Cover letter detailing your qualifications, specific interests, and any relevant background or experience where applicable (max 500 words)
  • Statement of Interest tailored to each placement organization of interest (500 words; max 750 words)