The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has opened applications for its 2027 Winter/Spring Internship Program, offering students and recent graduates from Organization of American States (OAS) Member States an opportunity to gain practical experience in international human rights and the inter-American human rights system.
The programme provides young professionals with the opportunity to learn about the work of the IACHR while contributing to activities supporting the promotion and protection of human rights in the Americas.
Internship opportunities are available through the Winter/Spring 2027 session in Washington, D.C., as well as Session I at National Offices. According to the programme announcement, internships are available in person and remotely.
Applications are open from August 24 to September 11, 2026, while the internship session is scheduled to run from January 14, 2027, to April 30, 2027.
The opportunity may be particularly relevant for students and recent graduates interested in international human rights law, journalism, communications, international cooperation, technology, translation and other related professional fields.
About the IACHR Internship Program
The IACHR Internship Program is managed in conjunction with the OAS Internship Program. It gives eligible young students and recently graduated professionals from OAS Member States an opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and its work.
Interns have the opportunity to learn about and support the application of protection mechanisms provided through the inter-American human rights system. During their placements, participants may work alongside professionals and staff within the Executive Secretariat on activities carried out by the IACHR.
The specific assignments given to interns are determined by the Executive Secretariat and may vary depending on the needs of the Commission and the professional background of the selected participants.
The programme has three internship sessions each year, with established dates and durations. For the Winter/Spring 2027 session, successful applicants will participate in the programme between January and April 2027.
Areas Available for Internship Applicants
The IACHR Internship Program welcomes applications from individuals with academic and professional backgrounds in several fields.
Opportunities are available for:
- Law students
- Recently graduated lawyers
- Students and recent graduates in international cooperation
- Fundraising students and recent graduates
- Journalism students and recent graduates
- Graphic design students and recent graduates
- Web design applicants
- Computer information technology students and recent graduates
- Translation students and recent graduates
This multidisciplinary approach means that the internship is not limited exclusively to those pursuing legal careers.
The IACHR Press Office, for example, provides opportunities for students and recent graduates in journalism, graphic design and web design. These participants can gain experience while contributing to efforts that support the promotion of human rights throughout the region.
Translation opportunities are also available for candidates who can work in at least two of the four official languages of the OAS: English, Spanish, Portuguese and French.
Candidates with backgrounds in computer information technology may also find relevant opportunities within the programme.
Gain Practical Experience in Human Rights
One of the central objectives of the internship programme is to provide participants with practical exposure to the work of an international human rights institution.
Law students and recent law school graduates, along with participants from other eligible disciplines, have the opportunity to learn about the Commission’s work and acquire practical training in human rights.
Interns may work together with lawyers and other professionals from the Executive Secretariat on different activities undertaken by the IACHR.
For participants interested in pursuing careers in international law, human rights advocacy, civil society, government institutions or multilateral organisations, the programme can provide valuable insight into how regional human rights protection mechanisms operate.
According to the IACHR, knowledge acquired through the internship can continue to benefit participants after they return to their home countries.
Former interns and fellows have gone on to contribute to human rights work in different capacities, including representing victims of human rights violations, supporting civil society organisations, working with government bodies and contributing to institutions involved in human rights protection.
Who Should Consider Applying?
The programme is intended for young students and recently graduated individuals from OAS Member States who meet the applicable requirements of the OAS Internship Program.
Applicants should have an academic or professional interest in one of the fields identified by the IACHR and should carefully review all eligibility criteria and documentation requirements before applying.
Those interested in the following areas may find the opportunity particularly relevant:
- International human rights law
- Human rights advocacy
- International relations
- International cooperation
- Journalism and media
- Strategic communications
- Graphic and web design
- Information technology
- Translation and multilingual communication
- Civil society and public policy
Applicants should ensure that they meet all requirements before submitting an application.
Important Information About Funding
Applicants should note that the IACHR internship programme is unpaid.
The programme is administered by the General Secretariat of the OAS and does not provide participants with a salary, stipend or other payment.
Candidates should therefore carefully consider the financial implications of participating before applying, particularly where travel, accommodation or other personal costs may be involved.
The IACHR notes that the programme has established dates and durations. Applicants completing the internship as a specific university requirement may need to provide documentation from their university indicating the required internship length.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit an application through the official OAS Internship Program electronic application system during the open application period.
Applicants should indicate their interest in the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) when completing the electronic application.
Candidates are encouraged to carefully review all application requirements and ensure that they upload the necessary documentation through the official application form.
It is important to complete the application accurately and submit all required materials before the closing date.
Important Dates
Applicants should take note of the following dates for the 2027 Winter/Spring Session:
Application Period: August 24 to September 11, 2026
Internship Session: January 14 to April 30, 2027
Application Deadline: September 11, 2026
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early and avoid waiting until the final day to complete their applications.
A Valuable Opportunity for Future Human Rights Professionals
The IACHR Internship Program offers a unique opportunity for eligible students and recent graduates to gain exposure to the work of a major regional human rights institution.
Through practical experience, professional interaction and exposure to the activities of the Executive Secretariat, participants can develop a deeper understanding of human rights protection mechanisms and the inter-American system.
The programme may be especially valuable for individuals who hope to contribute to human rights promotion and protection in their home countries and internationally.
Whether pursuing a future career in law, advocacy, journalism, communications, technology or translation, selected interns can gain practical experience within an international organisation committed to advancing human rights.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to review the official programme requirements, prepare their documentation and submit their applications before September 11, 2026.
