The University Network for Human Rights (UNHR) has opened applications for its 2026 Summer Fellowship Program based in Lisbon, Portugal. Spanning eight to ten weeks, the program invites law, graduate, and exceptional undergraduate students to engage in high-impact legal research and advocacy. Fellows work under the supervision of expert attorneys on critical global projects, including documenting ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh, environmental justice in Panama, and forced disappearances in Mexico. While fellows are encouraged to seek external university funding, UNHR provides limited funding for exceptional candidates with unique skills or demonstrated financial need.
UNHR Summer Fellowship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University Network for Human Rights (UNHR) |
| Location | Lisbon, Portugal |
| Duration | 8 – 10 Weeks (Summer 2026) |
| Target Audience | Law, Graduate, & Exceptional Undergraduate Students |
| Funding | Needs-based/Exceptional Cases (External Funding Encouraged) |
| Application Basis | Rolling Basis |
UNHR Summer Fellowship 2026 Details
The UNHR Summer Fellowship offers an immersive experience for advocates to develop practical skills in international human rights litigation and community-based organizing. Participants contribute directly to real-world cases before international bodies like the IACHR and United Nations.
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Benefits of the UNHR Summer Fellowship 2026
Tier 1: International Legal Advocacy & Research
- Casework Contribution: Drafting legal memos, amicus briefs, and formal submissions to UN human rights bodies and international commissions.
- Specialized Litigation: Supporting high-level litigation, such as the development of cases against former heads of state for human rights violations in Bolivia.
Tier 2: Field Research & Program Coordination
- Fact-Finding Support: Engaging in desk research and data analysis to support human rights fact-finding missions and thematic briefs.
- Educational Support: Assisting in the coordination of UNHR’s educational programs and fostering collaboration between U.S. and European university partners.
Tier 3: Communications & Public Engagement
- Advocacy Writing: Translating complex legal advocacy into accessible content for social media, blogs, and website updates.
- Civil Society Liaison: Preparing materials for public-facing events and briefings with partner NGOs to advance community-based human rights goals.
Eligibility Requirements for UNHR Summer Fellowship International Human Rights Fellowship 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Demonstrated experience in human rights and/or social justice; exceptional writing and research skills.
- Study Status: Open to current law students, graduate students, and undergraduates with significant prior experience.
- Visa Status: Applicants must be eligible to spend 8-10 weeks in Lisbon, Portugal (UNHR supports coordination).
- Program Admission: Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to community-based human rights work.
How to Apply for UNHR Summer Fellowship Human Rights Law Internship 2026 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Send an email to thomas@humanrightsnetwork.org with the subject line “Summer Fellowship Application – [NAME].”
- Automatic Evaluation: Your CV and statement of interest will be reviewed by the UNHR selection committee on a rolling basis.
- Eligibility Assessment: Shortlisted candidates will be evaluated based on their links to publications (if any) and reference checks.
- Notification of Award: Selected fellows will be notified of their placement and any potential need-based funding offers.
Application Deadline: Rolling Basis (Early Application Recommended)
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Where is the fellowship located?
The fellowship is based in Lisbon, Portugal, for a duration of eight to ten weeks.
2. Who is eligible to apply?
The program is open to law students, graduate students, and undergraduates who have significant experience in social justice or human rights work.
3. Is the fellowship paid?
UNHR expects students to seek funding from their universities or external sources. However, they provide funding in exceptional cases based on need and unique skills.
4. What kind of projects will I work on?
Fellows contribute to projects involving ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh, environmental justice in Panama, disappearances in Mexico, and massacres in Bolivia.
5. What are the primary responsibilities?
Key duties include legal research (drafting briefs/memos), advocacy support, program coordination, and public-facing communications/writing.
6. When is the application deadline?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so there is no fixed deadline, but applying early is highly recommended.
7. What should be included in the email application?
You must include a brief statement of interest, your CV, contact details for two references, and links to any publications if applicable.
8. Will I be supervised by attorneys?
Yes, all work is performed under the direct supervision of expert human rights attorneys and advocates.
9. Can undergraduates apply?
Yes, but only “exceptional” undergraduates with demonstrated experience in human rights or social justice are considered.
10. Do I need to provide references?
Yes, you must provide contact details for two references as part of your application email.
