HRCP’s internship programme

Objective

The goal before the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) is the realization of the entire body of human rights, as defined in international instruments, by all  citizens of Pakistan, as well as all persons present in the country. The target groups that receive priority are women, children, minorities, workers and victims of abuse of civil and political rights.

Internships offer scholars, university and college students from both national and foreign institutions an opportunity to acquire direct exposure to the work of the Commission and the human rights issues it tackles. They are designed to complement an intern’s studies and commitment to human rights  with empirical evidence of  human rights abuses and issues in Pakistan.

Description

Internships can take place at the HRCP chapter offices in Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar or at the Secretariat in Lahore.

Internships are offered generally in the summer during the period June 1 to August 31. (changes are possible in special cases.)  They are offered for a minimum of four weeks and up to six weeks.

Internships fall into two categories:

1.  Working at the HRCP office in areas such as Data compilation,  Complaint Cell,  Publications, HR campaigns and others.

2.  Research and report writing in areas such as education, democratic governance, women,  and law, violence against women, exploitation of  children, minorities problems, womens’ rights, bonded labour, disappearances, etc.

Qualifications

Interns are selected on a competitive basis.  The following minimum qualifications are required:

- Post-graduate research project
- Enrollment in a under-graduate or graduate level programme
- A demonstrated interest in the field of human rights
- A desire to raise public awareness of human rights and  to work with and gain  the confidence and respect of people of vulnerable target groups.

Financial Matters

HRCP does not pay for internships.  The cost associated with the latter must be borne by the student’s educational institution or by the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his or her own arrangements for travel, accommodation, etc.

Visas

Foreign applicants are responsible for obtaining the necessary visas when required.  HRCP will issue only a letter stating acceptance of an individual in the internship programme.

How to apply

A CV and cover letter is required.  In the cover letter,  briefly  explain reasons for applying to the HRCP Internship Programme.  Please include specific objectives,  area of interest,  and expected benefits of the internship.

Application Deadline

Applications for the 2012 Internships Programme can be submitted between March 1 and April 20, 2012. Applications received after the deadline would not be entertained.

Who to contact

Selection for the internships is fully decentralized within HRCP though the coordinator at the head office is responsible for overall planning and discipline. Applicants interested in an internship should forward their application directly to the relevant chapter office.

Lahore Secretariat
Email: hrcp@hrcp-web.org
Att: Prof. Naazish Ata-Ullah

Karachi Office
Email: hrcp@cyber.net.pk
Att:  Mr. Shams-uddin

Quetta Office
Email: hrcpquetta1@hotmail.com
Att:  Mr. Farid Ahmed

Peshawar Office
Email:hrcppsh@gmail.com
Att:  Mr. Kamran Arif

Confidentiality Information

As a participant of the programme, an intern is  expected to respect the confidentiality of information that that s/he collects or is exposed to at HRCP.  No reports or papers may be published based on information obtained from HRCP without the written consent of the HRCP Internship Programme Coordinator or the Secretary General.