Description

Togo is amongst the world's poorest countries and has received its fair share of criticism over its human rights record. Today many local and international organizations are working to improve the situation of the poor, repressed and vulnerable within the country. Since trouble-free parliamentary elections took place in October 2007 many people are confident that during the next few years Togo will make further progress in human rights and democratic governance. You can play a part in this progress by volunteering on a Human Rights Law project in Togo.

The experience that you will gain while volunteering on the Human Rights project in Togo will undoubtedly improve your CV. This applies whether you are a gap-year student looking to study law at university or a law graduate looking to gain some practical work experience in human rights. Your precise role will be determined by your knowledge of law and level of interest in specific areas. International law experience is certainly something that all law firms will be pleased to see when recruiting trainees and new partners.

The main language of communication in Togo is French and speaking intermediate French is necessary to be able to participate fully in this project.

* Volunteering on a Human Rights Law Internship in Togo

Volunteers in Togo work with the Togo Human Rights Commission, an independent commission which promotes human rights. The commission also receives and examines complaints about the violation of human rights in Togo.

The Human Rights Commission is based in Lome, the capital of Togo. A placement here offers a unique opportunity for legal work and a special cultural experience for anyone interested in the field of law and human rights.

The civil, economic and social rights of men, women and children in Togo have improved in the last decade but there is still a long way to go.

You may join programmes dealing with the following issues:
* Children's rights
* Womens' rights
* Prison conditions
* Police accountability
* Electoral transparency

One of the main aims is to help raise awareness so that ordinary Togolese people understand their rights, and what protection they are legally entitled to in certain situations. Your role in this might involve various activities such as:

* Raising awareness in rural communities
* Preparing leaflets, posters or educational tools
* Running training programmes
* Planning promotional campaigns

The Human Rights Commission is a serious professional organisation. You may sometimes have deadlines or you may be asked to represent the organisation at meetings and other events. Your work will be important for the growth of human rights in West Africa.

Highlights

Togo is also an excellent starting point for travel around neighboring West African countries, whether you are interested in discovering the history of mysterious voodoo in Benin or fancy heading west along the coast to Ghana's sandy beaches and haunting slave forts.

All accommodation is organized, paid for and monitored by Projects Abroad. All project placements are regularly visited and checked. We require high standards of supervision and accommodation, which are verified before you arrive in Togo.

This project offers the opportunity to become fully immersed in the culture in a manner which even the most hardened of backpackers could never hope to do.

Qualifications

none

Intern Types

• Human Rights
• Law

Languages

• English
• French

Cost in US$:

please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Human Rights
• Law

Typical Volunteer

Open-minded with a willingness to travel.

Age Range

16-80

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 2-5

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992