Human rights defender: what they do, how to become one, and where to study

Human rights defenders are individuals who work towards promoting and protecting the human rights of individuals and communities. This profession is often considered to be one of the noblest and most rewarding careers that a person can pursue. As a human rights defender, you will be able to make a real difference in people's lives and contribute to the development of more equitable societies around the world. By the way, recently the ProfGuide career guidance center has developed a precise career orientation test, which will tell you which professions are suitable for you, provide a conclusion about your personality type and intelligence.

Introduction to Human rights defender as a profession

The profession of human rights defender involves working towards promoting and protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals and communities. These rights include the right to life, liberty, and security of person, the right to freedom of expression, the right to work, the right to education, and the right to health, among others.

Human rights defenders work towards promoting these rights through various means, including advocacy, lobbying, awareness-raising, and litigation. They may work for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations, government agencies, or as independent activists.

Specializations

Human rights defenders can specialize in a wide range of areas, including:

• Civil and political rights
• Economic, social, and cultural rights
• Women's rights
• Children's rights
• Environmental rights
• LGBTQ+ rights
• Indigenous peoples' rights
• Refugees and migrant rights
• Disability rights
• Minority rights

Tasks and responsibilities

Some of the tasks and responsibilities of a human rights defender may include:

• Conducting research on human rights issues and violations
• Advocating for the adoption and implementation of laws and policies that promote and protect human rights
• Organizing and participating in demonstrations, marches, and other forms of public protest
• Raising awareness about human rights issues through public speaking, writing, and media outreach
• Providing legal assistance and representation to individuals and groups whose rights have been violated
• Collaborating with other human rights defenders and organizations to promote and protect human rights

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Making a positive impact on society and helping to promote justice and equality
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth and development
• The satisfaction of knowing that you are working towards a noble cause

Cons:

• Exposure to danger and risk, especially in areas where human rights are frequently violated
• Emotional and mental strain due to exposure to traumatic situations and the suffering of others
• Lack of job security and financial stability, especially for those working in non-profit organizations

Demand

The demand for human rights defenders varies depending on the location and the specific area of specialization. In the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, the demand for human rights defenders is generally high, with many NGOs, international organizations, and government agencies actively recruiting professionals in this field.

Salary ranges

The salary range for human rights defenders varies widely depending on the specific area of specialization, the organization or agency they work for, and their level of experience and qualifications. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for lawyers in the United States was $126,930 as of May 2020. However, salaries can range from as low as $50,000 to as high as $200,000 or more for senior positions.

Where do Human rights defenders work?

Human rights defenders work in a variety of settings, including:

• NGOs and non-profit organizations that focus on human rights advocacy and protection
• International organizations such as the United Nations and its specialized agencies
• Government agencies and departments that focus on human rights issues
• Law firms that specialize in human rights law
• Universities and research institutions that conduct research on human rights issues

Human rights defenders are needed in these settings because they play a crucial role in holding governments and other actors accountable for human rights violations, and in advocating for policies and practices that promote and protect human rights.

Important qualities of a successful Human rights defender

To be a successful human rights defender, it is important to have the following qualities:

• Strong commitment to the cause of human rights and social justice
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex ideas to different audiences
• Critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze and interpret information
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Emotional resilience and the ability to handle stress and trauma
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness, including the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds
• Creativity and resourcefulness in finding solutions to complex problems

Who is suitable and who is not suitable for this profession?

Suitable candidates for a career in human rights defense are individuals who have a strong passion for social justice and a commitment to making a positive impact on society. They should have excellent communication and critical thinking skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Individuals who are not suitable for this profession are those who do not have a strong commitment to social justice, who are not able to handle stress and trauma, or who are not culturally sensitive and aware.

Step-by-step career path

The following is a step-by-step career path for a human rights defender:

1. Obtain a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as political science, international relations, or law.
2. Gain experience through internships or volunteer work with human rights organizations.
3. Consider pursuing a graduate degree in a related field, such as human rights law or international human rights.
4. Build a network of contacts in the human rights field through attending conferences, networking events, and online forums.
5. Apply for entry-level positions with NGOs, international organizations, or government agencies working on human rights issues.
6. Gain experience and build a reputation in the field through taking on increasingly responsible roles.
7. Consider pursuing advanced education or training in a specialized area of human rights defense.
8. Continue building your professional network and seeking out opportunities for growth and development.

How to become a Human rights defender

To become a human rights defender, it is important to have a strong educational background in a related field such as political science, law, or international relations. A graduate degree in a related field can also be beneficial, especially for those who wish to specialize in a particular area of human rights defense.

While formal education is important, it is also essential to gain practical experience through internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions with human rights organizations. This can provide valuable hands-on experience and help to build a network of contacts in the field.

In the United States, it is not necessary to complete a residency or graduate program to become a human rights defender, although it can be beneficial. The length of study can vary depending on the level of education pursued and the area of specialization.

Where to become a Human rights defender

The following are examples of institutions and organizations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia that offer programs and resources for those interested in pursuing a career in human rights defense:

United States:

• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
• Human Rights Watch
• Amnesty International USA
• Center for Human Rights and Global Justice at New York University
• Harvard Law School Human Rights Program

Canada:

• Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA)
• Amnesty International Canada
• Human Rights Watch Canada
• McGill University Faculty of Law, Institute of Comparative Law
• University of Toronto, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy

United Kingdom:

• Liberty
• Amnesty International UK
• Human Rights Watch UK
• London School of Economics, Centre for the Study of Human Rights
• University of Essex, Human Rights Centre

Australia:

• Australian Human Rights Commission
• Amnesty International Australia
• Human Rights Watch Australia
• University of Sydney, Faculty of Law
• Monash University, Faculty of Law

These institutions and organizations offer a range of programs, resources, and opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in human rights defense. It is important to research and explore these options to find the best fit for your interests and goals.

Can you enter the profession with a different degree?

While a degree in a related field such as political science, law, or international relations is often preferred, it is possible to enter the profession with a different degree. Many human rights defenders come from diverse educational backgrounds, including the humanities, social sciences, and even the sciences.

What is most important is a strong commitment to social justice and human rights, as well as relevant skills and experience in the field. Individuals with a different degree may need to gain practical experience through internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions in order to build a reputation and network of contacts in the field.

In conclusion, human rights defense is a noble and rewarding profession that involves working towards promoting and protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals and communities. This profession requires a strong commitment to social justice and human rights, as well as excellent communication, critical thinking, and emotional resilience skills. With the right education, experience, and network of contacts, it is possible to pursue a successful career as a human rights defender in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.