Description

Ghana is one of the most stable and well-governed African nations. However, life in its capital city, Accra, remains far removed from any North American or European city. Our Human Rights project is based in Accra and offers interns the unique opportunity to get involved at a grassroots level by raising awareness of human rights in a variety of marginalized communities and at risk groups.

Interns work at the Projects Abroad Human Rights Office in Accra. Interning on the Law and Human Rights project in Ghana will give you first-hand experience in human rights law in practice. Your precise role will be determined by your level of experience and interest in specific areas. However, all interns will get the opportunity to work alongside experienced local lawyers on worthwhile projects within a structured program.

Internships are ideal if you're a law student or a graduate seeking practical experience in human rights law. This project is also appropriate for those on a gap year, undergraduate students in areas such as Development Studies and International Relations, or for people of any age and background with a passion for human rights, social justice, and international development. The experiences you will have while interning in Ghana will look good on any resume.

Being a Law and Human Rights intern is a full-time position. You will be expected to have a genuine interest in affecting change for the better while keeping in mind the long-term aim of the projects. Placements are certainly demanding and must be taken seriously. In working for the Projects Abroad Human Rights Office, you will be representing a professional organization.

You can expect to work in both urban and rural locations, meet people at all levels of society, and interact with international and domestic authorities and organizations. It is important to demonstrate careful cultural understanding and flexibility. Our mandate is to empower individuals and communities as well as nurture a supportive framework for human rights; it is not to impose western ideals on Ghanaian society.

The mission of the Projects Abroad Human Rights Office is threefold; to raise awareness of human rights, to monitor vulnerable areas, and to resolve human rights abuses.

The Projects Abroad Human Rights Office attempts to address the entire framework surrounding human rights law in Ghana. Our work circles around social justice, legal services, and research projects. Many of these projects inter-relate and encompass all of the three main aims detailed below. However, the Projects Abroad Human Rights Office is always open the possibility of working in new areas.

Human Rights awareness is conducted for two main reasons. The first is to educate. Many victims of abuses are not aware of their fundamental human rights or the protection afforded to them by law. Equally, perpetrators are often ignorant of the responsibilities they have to others. The second reason is to empower. An increased understanding and awareness encourages legal compliance and access to justice in the future.

The Projects Abroad Human Rights Office regularly performs educational and awareness outreach work to tackle a variety of human rights issues. Interns travel to rural communities, schools, and other local institutions to make presentations and provide training. The Projects Abroad Human Rights Office often partners with relevant authorities to address issues of domestic violence, interstate succession, offender's rights, child labor, child trafficking, and the right to education, to name a few.

Highlights

In order to identify communities and individuals in need of assistance we perform human rights monitoring. We enter areas and facilities to identify abuses, determine their gravity, assess the needs of people affected, prioritize cases, and determine a strategy to bring about change.

We also monitor facilities and activities of associate organizations to offer effective and efficient assistance. Such assistance may be in terms of personnel support, sourcing funding for financial assistance, offering direct financial assistance, or simply making recommendations.

This monitoring occurs in rural farming areas, fishing and mining communities, in communities of foreign nationals or seasonal migrants, in city slums, in courts, in areas of landfill, in daily media, and in facilities under the direction of state institutions or NGOs.

Monitoring also allows us to consider our own level of success so that we may perform better in the future.

Where we have identified a victim or group of victims of human rights abuse, we will provide assistance directly rather than in a communal setting. Such people come to our attention through our open door legal service and consultations, our monitoring and awareness projects, and through referrals from associate organizations and individuals.

The lack of accessibility to Ghanaian courts often means we explore alternative methods of resolution. These include utilizing the traditional methods of village chiefs and elders, publicity through lobbying campaigns and conventional media, alternative dispute resolution and mediation, or the use of family structures or religious institutions, both of which carry high influence in Ghanaian society.

Qualifications

No qualifications or experience are required.

Intern Types

• Law
• Human Rights

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Food, Accommodation, in-country Transportation, Travel & Medical Insurance, Constant Support of Full-Time Staff.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Human Rights
• Law
• Legal Aide
• Professional Services

Typical Volunteer

Open-minded with a desire to travel.

Age Range

16-70

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• 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