About
Asian Human Rights Commission
The Asian Human Rights Charter (AHRC) is an independent, non-governmental institution that promotes human rights education and awareness across Asia. It was founded in 1984 by jurists and human rights activists. As
an influential body in the region, the AHRC is committed to garnering attention from citizens within the region
and rallying support to ensure relief for victims of human rights violations. The AHRC gives a high regard to each Asian country’s agreement to uphold civil and political rights, as well as economic, social and cultural rights.
What kind of work?
Work opportunities for the AHRC are in Hong Kong. Roles range from administrative to publications. Moreover, the
AHRC produces ‘think tank papers’ as comprehensive guides to the state of human rights in the Asian region. The AHRC’s research also expands to the exploration of
issues in Australia, particularly with regards to the plight of asylum seekers and refugees, as well as Indigenous Australians in custody.
Location
Hong Kong
Student Opportunities
Interns at the AHRC or its sister organisation the ALRC
typically support a country or programme desk through case documentation, research and communication assistance.
The AHRC approaches its partner organisations in
Asia with which it has a close and long term working relationship and discusses the selection of interns from
those organisations. The available internship placements are normally limited to one internship per country per
year at this point. Internships for persons from the partner organisations are given priority. For these persons, the
AHRC provides accommodation and support while in Hong Kong. Arrangements for the duration of stay are flexible, but usually the period is 3-4 months. More info:
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http://www.humanrights.asia/get-involved/internship/
Interns with a strong legal background, country experience and a strong interest in human rights are
preferred. Applications are judged on their individual
merits and according to the needs of the AHRC at the time. Interns must also be prepared to accept
assignments to countries in the region with difficult
human rights conditions. The number of such selfsupported internships are limited to a very few placements per year.
Graduate Opportunities
Graduates are also welcome to apply to the internship program.
Fun Fact / Recent Project Asian Charter
The AHRC aims to fulfil specific objectives stipulated in the Asian Charter: “Many Asian states have guarantees of human rights in their constitutions, and many
of them have ratified international instruments on
human rights. However, there continues to be a wide gap between rights enshrined in these documents
and the abject reality that denies people their rights. Asian states must take urgent action to implement the human rights of their citizens and residents.”
